Greek Orthodox Church celebrates 100 yrs of prayers, service
Times of India | 8 December 2024
12 Kolkata: The Greek Orthodox Church located adjacent to the Kalighat tram depot is set to turn 100. A special mass will be held at the church on Sunday to mark the commencement of its centenary celebrations. India's only Greek Orthodox Church, it was constructed in 1924 as a replacement for an earlier establishment on Amratolla Street that became dilapidated over time. With its majestic edifice featuring a classical frontage with four Doric columns topped by a triangular grooved pediment and triglyphs, the church represents the historical Greek presence in Kolkata.
"The church functioned from 1924 to 1972 when it shut down as the Greek population declined considerably. Father Ignatios, a Greek priest, reopened it in 1991 and the church has been functioning since. He brought in local priests and started an orphanage that currently has the only Greek in Kolkata. Sister Nektaria helps in the operation of the orphanage in Nepalgunj," said Raju Bharat, warden of the Greek Orthodox Church. Father Rafael Maity, who currently presides over the church, holds prayers every morning in addition to the Sunday mass. While Christmas is celebrated in the church along with other churches, Easter is celebrated a month after the Anglican and Catholic church.
The Greek community's arrival in Kolkata dates back to 1690, with their first religious institution being established in 1752 near Murgihata by Canning Street, an area with Portuguese residents. Two Greek-inscribed gravestones from 1713 and 1728 in the Portuguese church suggest its proximity, possibly near present-day Ezra Street.
A second Greek church appeared on Amratolla Street in north Calcutta in 1781, with Warren Hastings' approval. During this period, the Greek population in Calcutta reached around 500 people. The flourishing trade relationship between Greece and British India centred on jute and spices, leading to the establishment of a successful Greek merchant community. Following Indian Independence, the city's Greek population diminished.
The establishment and blessing of the original Greek church in the 1770s has a remarkable historical account. The seafaring vessel ‘Alexander', destined for Jeddah with Greek officer Alexios Argery aboard as Captain Thornhill's interpreter, encountered a fierce storm in the Bay of Bengal, placing the ship at serious risk of destruction.
Argery made a solemn promise that should they survive the tempest, he would construct a Greek church in Kolkata. Upon completing the journey safely, he received permission to build the sanctuary. However, he passed away before the church could be built. Construction commenced in 1780, utilising Rs 30,000 from his estate and the initial Greek Church was erected in Amratolla Street off Canning Street.
The church's marble entrance displays the names of several benefactors, including Warren Hastings, Alexandros Argyris, Archimandrite Parthenios, Georgios Michael, Christodoulos Mavroidis, Georgios and Aggeliki Leontiou, Athanasios Mitsou and Michael Andriadis.
The church stands elevated on a high plinth, accessible via marble steps. While Gothic churches feature pointed arches directing attention upwards towards God, the church at Kalighat deviates from tradition with its flat roof design. The church structure carries multiple symbolic interpretations, with its primary significance being the Church as the Ark of Salvation, protecting humanity from worldly temptations.
The church walls display Byzantine-style paintings and icons, featuring Greek saints including Akrivi, Nektarios, Dionysius and Spiridon, whilst the Apostles Peter and Paul appear on the inner walls near the main entrance. Notable architectural elements include an intricately carved wooden Bishop's Throne and Pulpit, alongside the Tomb of Jesus, an ornate wooden structure displayed during Good Friday.
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