Midnight vigils, special prayers at churches and processions mark Easter Sunday in city
Times of India | 1 April 2024
Kolkata: Devotees participated in midnight vigils, made a beeline to churches for special prayers and participated in processions on Easter morning on Sunday which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Members of different Church denominations, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta, Calcutta diocese of the Church of North India, Armenian Church, Assembly of God Church, Baptist Church and Methodist Church attended special prayers on Sunday morning and participated in rallies.
According to the New Testament, Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, and came back to life three days later. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday, which also marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period which begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter is the celebration of victory over death, a celebration of new life.
Several churches in the city also organised midnight Easter vigil which registered large turnouts.
The special Easter Service at St Andrew’s Church on Brabourne Road was attended by all the members. “Easter signifies hope ushers in a new beginning. In my sermon I spoke of how we must always know that The Lord is there to guide us come what may. We must have faith in the teachings and never lose hope,” said Father Swarup Bar of St Andrew’s Church.
Churches have been decorated and illuminated since Saturday evening. Easter vigil started at midnight which saw members coming in in large numbers.
“The message of Easter is that of hope, joy and brotherhood. His teachings are more relevant now than ever before. There is so much suffering in the world which is why we have to recognise Jesus in ourselves, our situations, in our friends and neighbours, and in the poor and the disadvantaged,” said Father Biswajit Biswas of St Mary’s Church, Elgin Road.
After the prayers it was time to have a feast with family and friends.
“Easter marks the end of the 40-day long Lent and is an occasion to sit down with near and dear ones for a feast,” said Sarah Gomes, a resident of Picnic Garden.