paul chaderjian

by Paul Chaderjian Chennai, India - The bells of the Armenian Church in India's fourth-largest city rang once again on Sunday, November 9, after decades of silence. Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, came to Chennai from Holy Etchmiadzin to reconsecrate the newly renovated Soorp Asdvadzadzin or St. Mary Mother of God Church. Chennai - formerly known as Madras - is approximately 850 miles from Kolkata and on the southeastern coast of India and the Bay of Bengal. This city, created by the British in the 18th century, was once home to a vibrant Armenian community. Part of the legacy of the Armenian merchants who once thrived in India is a set of foundations that support Armenian community and church activities in the country. It's not known whether any Armenians live in Chennai now. Erma Aghajanyan and Parthic Rathanam, a husband and wife now living in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, attended the reconsecration service Sunday. They said that they were planning to buy an apa...

The sermon of Karekin II at St. Mary’s Published: Wednesday November 12, 2008 Chennai, India - We heard earlier today in the gospel that a house that's built on sand does not stand the test of time, but a house built on a strong foundation withstands all trials and storms. For 300 years, this house of the Lord has stood steadfast and unshaken. It is built on the rock and faith of our fathers. It is that same faith today that has restored this church. We commend the Armenian Community Council of India and Rev. Fr. Oshagan Vartabed Gulgulian for their devoted and vigilant work, which has restored and ornamented this church and made it vibrant once again. We hope that this newly reconsecrated church once again will fulfill its mission in Madras, to the residents of the Armenian community in India, as well as Armenian visitors who come to India. We hope to soon assign a permanent priest to Madras following the completion of construction work, so that the doors will ...