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Christmas celebrated with fervour

FARZANA SYED. Dated: 12/25/2016 11:31:52 PM

SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Christmas was celebrated by Christian community today with religious fervour while the eve was marked by gatherings and mass prayers in which scores of persons joined and prayed for the peace and prosperity in the state.
The biggest mass prayer was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church at Moulana Azad Road Srinagar were hundreds of locals belonging to Christian community participated and offered prayers.
On the eve of Christmas which marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, the church was decorated with colourful lights and Christmas trees while the children were seen reaching out to Santa seeking Christmas presents and sweets.
The church across the city reverberated with hymns and carols as the worshippers prayed for the peace and prosperity to the human kind.
Since early this morning men, women and children visited the church to offer prayers and prayed for the peace.
Apart from locals, visitors from other states and countries also visited the church at M A road participated in the mass prayer.
The priest at the church Father Thomas said that the mass prayer was organized at main church where scores of Christian devotees visited and prayed for the peace of humanity.
He said the motive behind celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ was to convey his teachings and messages to humanity.
“On this holy occasion we pray for the peace and prosperity of people of the world and valley in particular. We pray that peace returns to our valley. The essence of the Christmas lies in peace and brotherhood among all humans. May God listen to us on this day and ease the sufferings of human beings,” Father Thomas said.
He added, “Jesus Christ brought along with him the message and teachings of peace, love, brotherhood and it was every human being’s duty to reiterate that message. Today on the holy occasion of his birthday we pray that the sufferings of the people of our valley see an end and eternal peace prevails.”
On the eve of Christmas, scores of Muslims also visited the Christian brethren and greeted them on the occasion.
Christmas prayers were also held at Saint Luke’s Church and All Saints’ Church in Sonawar, Saint Joseph’s Church in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
A mass prayer was also held at the Church in Ski resort of Gulmarg where large number of devotees participated and celebrated the occasion.