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It's Christmas and the festivities have already started. Christmas wares are to be seen being sold along the streets and the aroma of freshly baked cake lingers in the air. It is that time of the year where you let everything go by and drown yourself in the festive spirit. There are many churches in Chennai where you can head to for attending the mass and enjoy the Christmas celebrations. Here is a guide to five churches you should visit in Chennai this Christmas.
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1. San Thome Church
The San Thome Church was built in Chennai in the 16th century by Portuguese traders who invaded India. It was later rebuilt by the British in 1893 and was given the status of a cathedral. The structure was given a Neo-Gothic look that was very popular among the British architects of the 19th century. According to Christian mythology, St Thomas was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. He is said to have arrived on the shores of Kerala directly from The Holy Land sometime during 52 A.D. and stayed on in the place until 72 A.D. San Thome basilica is now an important church in the region and comes under the Madras-Mylapore catholic Archdiocese since it is a Roman Catholic church. It is one of the important pilgrim centers for Christians across India. The church is decked up during the Christmas celebrations and devotees from far and wide come here to attend the special mass that is held here on Christmas.
Admire the architecture of the church.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
2. Armenian Church
The Armenian Church was built in the year 1712 and is one of the oldest church in India. The church is dedicated to Virgin Mary and is believed that the wishes of the devotees praying here are fulfilled. It is completely decked up during Christmas and people throng here to be a part of the festivities held here.
View of the Armenian Church.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
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3. St. Theresa Church
The St. Theresa's Church which was built in 1970 by the Britishers. The church sees a lot of devotees on the first Sunday of October every year, as it is considered as the Festival of St. Theresa. Also, during Christmas you will see the church well-decorated and special mass being conducted here. Tourists can attend this mass and also participate in the festivities that are held here.
Celebrations at the church.
Photo Courtesy: Agneljose
4. St. Patrick's Cathedral
One of the famous churches in Chennai is the St. Patrick's Cathedral that is thronged by lot of Christians round the year. There is a belief that this church has some supernatural power as many devotees are said to have been cured of their ailments after having prayed here. On the occasion of Christmas the church conducts a special mass where everyone is free to participate. Though there are no celebrations held here, devotees come here to seek the blessings of Lord Jesus and Saint Patrick.
Picturesque view of the church.
Photo Courtesy: PlaneMad.
5. St. George's Cathedral
The St. George's Cathedral was established in 1947 and is one of the first churches of independent India. It was commissioned by the Anglican Church of Methodism Council and was built with the public funds that were collected. Though the church has lost most of its past glory, it still sees a heavy crowd of devotees and tourists who come here to seek the blessings of the lord and also explore the church. Christmas is celebrated here with much fanfare and you can participate in the festivities that are held here.
View of the church.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
