Christmas was celebrated with devotion and fervour across the State on Thursday. Special prayers were offered at Churches by the devout from early hours.
Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm across Prakasam district.
A huge number of people thronged the richly decorated 106-year-old Jewett Memorial Baptist Church, the mother of all Baptist churches in the south, for the midnight mass. The celebrations peaked at the 140-member churches of the Ongole Denomination in the city. The 140-year-old Baptist church at Ramayapatnam attracted large crowds.
Spectacular scenesSpectacular dioramas depicting the birth of Christ were displayed in over 60 churches spread across Chittoor district.
The churches at S.R. Puram in Gangadhara Nellore constituency were the highlight with special decorations. The constituency holds over 60 per cent of Christian population. Churches at Madanapalle and Arogyavaram medical centre hosted the celebrations on a grand note.
Pomp and gaietyChristmas was celebrated pompously in Tirupati. The East Mission compound on Old Maternity Hospital, Christ Church and Jaganmatha Church in Khadi Colony were beautifully decked up for the occasion. People steadily poured in for prayers holding the Holy Bible in their hands.
The beautifully-arranged crib depicting the birth of Jesus stood out as the attraction, which was thronged by children. The Christmas tree, jingle bells and the unending carols added grandeur to the festive ambience.
Special prayersPomp and religious fervour marked Christmas in Rajahmundry. The Holy Trinity Church and Christ Church were colourfully decorated. Rev. Swatantra Kumar and Rev. Pratap Sinha conducted prayers at different Churches and delivered the message of the Jesus.
Special prayers were also held at Saint Paul's Church at Cemetrypet and St. Devadas Church and in other areas. David Paul, Pastor of St. Xavier Church in Korukonda said that said that love and affection will only solve the problems faced by the State and the country.
Pomp and gaiety marked the Christmas celebrations in Kurnool. Prayers were held in all the churches across the city followed speeches by church leaders and priests.
Bishop of Chatholic Church Poola Anthony attended the prayer at Theresa Church and addressed the gathering.
Supreme sacrificeHe explained to the participants the supreme sacrifice made by the Jesus for the sake of humanity.
Bishop of CSI church Pushpalalitha attended the prayer at Church of South India (CSI) prayer hall. At Cole’s Memorial Church, Sajivan delivered the Christmas Day speech.
Prayers were held at all churches under the stewardship of pastors and priests.
