The very first landmark we saw in Singapore was the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Սուրբ Գրիգոր Լուսաորիչ եկեղեցի). It is the oldest Christian church in Singapore! It was built in 1835 by the Armenian community of Singapore (at that time numbering less than 50 people).
The media highlighted this solemn moment as follows:
This small but elegant building does credit to the civic and religious feelings of the Armenians of this Settlement; for we believe that in very few instances would so small a community have gathered the means adequate for the erection of such an edifice—a truly distinguished and well-appointed specimen of architecture.
The church is a national monument and is protected by the state, but it is still operational, with services being held. The area around the temple is beautiful, with many sculptures and blooming trees. There is a small memorial garden behind the church.
Plumeria trees cover everything around with flowers.
The Armenian diaspora left a bright mark in the history of Singapore, and confirmation of this can be found not only here.
The world-famous “Raffles” hotel was opened on December 1, 1887, by Singaporean Armenian Tigran Sarkies and the “Sarkies Brothers” company. The hotel was named in honor of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles—a scholar, British official, and the founder of modern Singapore. The “Raffles” hotel is a national monument of Singapore and is among the top ten hotels in Asia and around the world.
The Sarkies Brothers—Martin, Tigran, Avet, and Arshak—founded several more hotels in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Burma.
The symbol of Singapore is the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid. This orchid variety was bred by Singaporean horticulturalist of Armenian descent, Agnes Joaquim (Ashkhen Hovakimian). Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen as the symbol of the country from among 40 floral candidates, thanks to its resilience and year-round blooming ability, symbolizing the Singaporeans’ pursuit of progress and their ability to withstand tough times.
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