Kochi, April 29, 2020: Leaders of various religions in Kerala on April 29 appealed their people to observe a joint-prayer day to pray for Covid-19 patients, deceased, healthcare workers and administrators amid the pandemic outbreak.

They have suggested May 3, the day a nationwide lockdown is scheduled to end after 40 days, to observe the prayer program.

The leaders say Kerala’s efforts to prevent Covid-19 have become a model for the rest of the world. Unity of public irrespective of religious or caste discrimination is necessary in the battle against the virus.

Hence, the religious leaders decided to observe a joint-prayer day.

Hindu leaders expected at the prayer day observation are Kozhikode Advaithashramam founder Swami Chidananda Puri, Swami Sadbhavananda from Thrissur Sreeramakrishna Math, Sivagiri math general secretary Swami Sandrananda, and Thrissur Thekkemadom head Vasudevananda Brahmanandabhoothi.

Muslims will be represented by Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, Hussain Madavoor, and Thiruvananthapuram Palayam Imam V P Suhaib Moulavi.

Leaders of all prominent Christian denominations will also attend the prayer.

The Catholic side will have Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry, Syro-Malankara Church head Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, and Bishop Joseph Kariyil of Cochin Latin rite.

Other Christian leaders expected are Orthodox Church head Baselios Marthoma II Catholica Bava, Jacobite Church trustee Joseph Mar Gregorios, Mar Thoma Church Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma, Church of South India moderator Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam and Thrissur East Syrian church metropolitan Mar Aprem.

Source: mathrubhumi.com