08 Apr 2017 | Views : 14731
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Kolkata;
The Greek Orthodox Church, looks more like a Greek Temple than a church, with its four Doric columns in the portico supporting the giant triangular pediment. The smart whitewashed facade the Greek Orthodox Greek church stands out amidst the chaos of Kalighat.
Although the Greek Orthodox Church has an antique look but it is among the newest of the Calcutta (Kolkata) Churches and was constructed only in 1925. But the Greek connection to the city to the city dates back almost to the days of Job Charnock, the controversial founder of the city of Calcutta (Kolkata).
According to some sources the first Greek Orthodox Church of Calcutta (Kolkata) came up in 1752, but it was soon abandoned. During the time of Warren Hastings the second Greek Orthodox Church came up in Amratala area.
Haji Alexios Argyree, a prominent Greek merchant of Calcutta, had borne a large part of the cost of the building and the balance was raised by public subscription. It was opened to public in 1781.
In 1924 the Greek shifted their church for the second time. Kalighat was the new location for the new Greek Orthodox Church. The foundation stone was laid in 3 Nov. 1924 and the first prayer was held on 19 Nov. 1925.
The alter contains several paintings on canvas depict Christ after his transfiguration, Jesus and his apostles and Virgin Mary and the archangels Gabriel and Michael wielding swords. St Catherine is painted in one corner.
The alter also contains three doors leading to the sanctum sanctorum, containing panels depicting the Annunciation with Mary and angel. These paintings in typical late 19th Century style are by D. Tsevas of Athens, 1930. His signature at the corner of each panel says so.
A printed copy of an ancient icon is displayed in front of the altar which parishioners kiss in the course of the service, followed by consecration. The only new paintings are the four on the walls in the severe Byzantine style. These are likenesses of saints sent from Greece.
Three huge chandeliers, shaped like brazen chrysanthemums turned upside down, hung from the ceiling. Sadly the age old tungsten bulbs have been replaced by florescent lamps, in a attempt to save electricity but in the process rubbing the church of its beauty and grace.
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