When we desire to have a church that is after God’s purpose then prayer will be at the heart and core of it. The church cannot function without prayer. To have a church that does not pray is like having a telephone operator who refuses to use the phone or the computer programmer not using a computer in their occupations. Low attendance at church prayer meetings sadly demonstrates the spiritual coldness of many Christians so we need to remember the importance of prayer and this will change our attitudes so that we long to cry out to God with others.
FAQS
1. Which is the biggest church in Chennai?
St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai
Length: 64mts width: 12.2mts
2. Which is the first church in Madras?
Completed in 1680, yellow-washed St Mary’s Church was the first English church in Madras and is India’s oldest surviving British-built church. Both Robert Clive and Elihu Yale were married here. Outside lie ancient gravestones, many removed from an even earlier cemetery.
3. Which is the 500 year old church in India?
St Andrews Church was founded by the Portuguese Jesuits in 1575 and is aesthetically located on the sea coast of Bandra. One of Mumbai’s oldest single stone carved cross is inside the Church Compound. There is a small cemetery at the edge of the church compound and mass is held every day in the church.
4. What is the famous church in Chennai?
One of the best churches in Chennai is Santhome Cathedral Basilica, which is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The church is built on the site where St. Thomas was buried after his martyrdom.
5. What’s the most popular church?
Catholicism is the largest branch of Christianity with 1.345 billion, and the Catholic Church is the largest among churches.
Top 10 Church’s in Chennai follows below:
1. Our Lady of Light Shrine
Church of Our Lady of Light is a Catholic shrine in Chennai, India. The locals commonly call it Luz Church, Built in 1516 by the Portuguese, it is one of the oldest Churches in the city and its foundation stone marks as one of the oldest European monuments in India. Although at the time the church was built, the locality was a thick forest, now it is part of a bustling metropolitan area.
Address: 156, Luz Church Rd, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM
Denomination: RC
2. San Thome Basilica
San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Chennai, is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle. The current structure was built by the Portuguese in 1523 AD the church has a rich history, with missionaries from Goa and Bombay-Bassein rebuilding the shrine over the tomb of Thomas the Apostle in 1521. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spirituality.
Address: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM
Denomination: RC
3. St. Thomas Mount Church
St. Thomas Mount Church, also known as Parangimalai, is a revered religious site in Chennai. Built-in 1523 on a hillock, the church is dedicated to “Our Lady of Expectation” and was once used as a lighthouse for Portuguese and Armenian ships in the Bay of Bengal. The church, accessible by climbing around 134 granite steps, has fifteen Stations of the Cross along the sides of the steps leading to the shrine. It is visited by people of different faiths and remains a significant symbol of the rich history and culture of Tamil Nadu.
Address: St.Thomas Mount, Ramapuram, Parangi Malai, Chennai, St.Thomas Mount, Tamil Nadu 600016
Hours: 7 AM to 7PM
Denomination: RC
4. Little Mount Church
Little Mount Church, also known as ‘Our Lady of Health’. This significant religious site is believed to have been constructed in 1551 by the Portuguese. The church is renowned for its grotto-like space, this cave still bears what some believe to be Thomas’ handprint, left when he escaped through a miraculous opening. Additionally, there are stairs behind the church leading to what is believed to be Thomas’ footprint. The church is not just a place of worship but also a significant historical and cultural landmark, attracting both local and international visitors who come to pay their respects and learn about its history.
Address: 4:30 AM to 9 PM
Hours: 66, Lourd Doss Grotto Rd, Little Mount, Saidapet, Chennai, and Tamil Nadu 600015
Denomination: RC
5. St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church, located at Fort St George in Chennai, is the oldest Anglican Church East of Suez and the oldest British building in India. Founded in 1678 by Streynsham Master, the English East India Company’s Agent at Madras, the church was completed in two years and consecrated in 1680.
Address: Shankar Rd, Rajaji Rd, Fort St George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600009
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Denomination: RC
6. St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church, also known as “The Kirk”, is a historical and architectural marvel located in Egmore. Built to serve the Scottish community in Chennai, the church was constructed between 1818 and 1821, making it one of the oldest churches in Madras.
Address: 37, Poonamallee High Rd, opposite Daily Thanthi, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Denomination: Presbyterian
7. Annai Velankanni Shrine
The Velankanni Tamil Nadu Shrine (Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health) in India is a special place for Christians and it’s a great spot for pilgrims. People from all over the world and different religious backgrounds come here to pay their respects. Mary, also known as Our Lady of Good Health, is the reason for the shrine’s existence. It’s said that she made an appearance here all the way back in the 16th century and since then, the shrine has been a symbol of faith and hope for millions. Church is always open and welcoming, so you can visit any time you want. The Mother of Good Health, extends her care and concern to all her children who are suffering from any kind of illness.
Address: 4, Annai Velankanni Road, Odaimanagar, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090
Hours: 5 am–9 pm
Denomination: RC
8. St. Peter's Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Royapuram area of Chennai, the capital of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The original structure was built in Gothic architecture in 1829 by Gurukula Vamsha Varnakula Mudaliars, a group of boatmen who were serving the East India Company. They started building the church in 1825 and consecrated it in 1829 with contributions from the Secretary of Marine Board. St. Peter’s Church is a working church with hourly prayer and daily services and follows Roman Catholic sect of Christianity.
Address: 475V+9XV, Andiappan Gramini St, Pudumanaikuppam, Royapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600013
Hours: 8 am–7 pm
Denomination: RC
9. St. Luke's Church
The foundation stone for the construction of a new church was laid on 27th February 1976 and was consecrated under the patronage of St. Luke on 2nd October 1977.St. Luke’s Church is one of the larger parishes with about 4000 members. As the church building was not sufficient to accommodate all the members during Sundays and other important services, the old church building was demolished, and a new church was built. The new St. Luke’s church was consecrated on 8th December 2018.
Address: Z-291, 5th Ave, Z Block, Anna Nagar West, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040
Hours: 8 am–7 pm
Denomination: RC
10. Christ the King Church
Christ the King Church, located in the heart of Chennai within the Loyola College campus, is a symbol of faith and architectural beauty. Built-in 1933 by an Indian mason under the guidance of French clergymen, the church’s Gothic structure, marked by pointed arches and ribbed vaults, captivates visitors.
Address: Loyola College, Campus, Tank Bund Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
Hours: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
Denomination: RC
