The Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth in Kolkata officially opened its doors in 1708. The church was constructed as a result of a pact between the British East India Company, in which the British had committed to construct churches across India in areas where Armenians were more than 40 individuals in population.
The Armenian Church
The church is the main place of worship for the Armenian community in Kolkata. It serves as the headquarters of the Armenian Vicariate of India and the Far East. The church is affiliated with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Rebuilt in 1724 on the Armenian community's old cemetery, the present structure was constructed through the efforts of Agha Nazar after the original wooden church was destroyed in a fire in 1707.
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Christmas on January 6
While the entire world celebrates Christmas on December 25, Armenians celebrate it on January 6. There has always been some uncertainty about the exact date of Jesus Christ's birth. Historically, early Christian churches celebrated Christmas on January 6. This continued until the fourth century.
By the fourth century, the Church in Rome began celebrating Jesus's birth on December 25, while January 6 came to be observed as Epiphany. The change was made partly to replace a popular pagan festival that celebrated the birth of the Sun. December 25 was officially fixed as Christmas, and January 6 became the Feast of Epiphany, marking the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God.
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However, the Armenian Church continued to follow the older tradition. It celebrates Christmas on January 6, commemorating not only the birth of Christ but also His baptism by John the Baptist, marked by the special 'Blessing of Water' ceremony.
This is the story behind the Armenian church of Kolkata, celebrating Jesus's birthday in January rather than December 25. Various churches of the city, be it Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, or Baptist, are lit up in Christmas lights and are immersed in religious traditions to celebrate the coming of Christ. The Armenians will surely carry this festive mood forward by gifting Kolkata another Christmas in January.
