Kolkata: Christians from various denominations are expected to join a massive rally in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Easter Sunday, April 4.
They will sing and praise the resurrection of Jesus while their leaders will explain the relevance of the Easter message in current times.
Heads of four major denomination have come together to organize this rally. This was planned last year as well, but could not be held because of the Covid situation that led to cancellation of all Easter celebrations.
The United Christians of Kolkata that will organize the program has the Church of North India (CNI), Catholic Church, Baptist Church and Assembly of God Church as members.
A letter has gone out to all churches and Christian organizations requesting pastors and the faithful to participate. The letter has been signed by CNI Bishop Paritosh Canning, Catholic Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, Reverend Ivan Satyavrata, head of the Assembly of God Church; Sudip Biswas, head of the Bengal Baptist Union.
The rally will start from Bishop’s College at 4:30 pm and converge at the St James School ground where a thanksgiving service has been organized. Apart from the usual Easter prayers, the Church leaders will speak about the resurrection of Christ and its significance in today’s world. A special prayer for Kolkata will also be held.
“Easter is about new beginnings, about hope for a better world. This is what the resurrection of Jesus teaches us. Hence, we have organized this rally that will see all Christians praying together in these troubled times. We hope the resurrected Lord listens to our prayers,” said Bishop Canning.
Earlier, it had been planned that rallies will come from different directions and converge at the meeting ground. But this plan was changed. The churches have jointly approached the city police for permission and necessary assistance.
“In these difficult times, when each of us is ravaged by the onslaught of coronavirus, special prayers are needed and I am happy to be a part of the Easter rally. For Christians, this is a special time of prayers and a united front like this helps to build that unique bond,” said Father Dominic Gomes, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Kolkata.
Source: The Times of India