Page 181 - Religion Belief
Hyderabad churches decked up for Easter celebration
The churches in Hyderabad city of Telangana were on Sunday decked up for the celebration of Easter."Easter is a beautiful concept of concurring the death, the defeat and standing in the presence of God. It is a beautiful hope. I wish our country, our people will know Jesus and have the Easter blessings," Baptist Church Pastor G. Samuel told ANI."What a wonderful day; once again in our lives we are going through the Easter," he said.Reba Solomon, a church member, said she brought greetings to all on behalf of the church."The reason we celebrate Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that he died on the cross on Good Friday; then he was in a tomb, and finally raised again. Because of his blood that was on the Cross, there is salvation for us," she said.
May reflects on UK's dark moments' in Easter message
British Prime Minister Theresa May today used her Easter message to hail the "triumph of the human spirit" after "some dark moments" of last year that include terror attacks and a massive fire at Grenfell Tower. The British Prime Minister praised the bravery of the victims and communities in the wake of the fire that claimed 71 lives and terrorist attacks in London and Manchester that left 36 dead. May, a vicar's daughter and practising Christian, said: "Easter is the most important time in the Christian calendar. "A time when we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross and give thanks for the promise of redemption afforded by his resurrection." She said the events of 2017 were "some dark moments" for Britain, adding: "I know from speaking to the victims and survivors of these terrible events how vital the love and support they have received from their friends, family and neighbours has been to them as they begin to rebuild their lives. "In the bravery of those facing adversity, the ..
Catholics celebrate Easter in ancient Jerusalem church
Hundreds of Christians are marking Easter by flocking to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where they believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Worshippers prayed and sang hymns Sunday in the church in Jerusalem's Old City as they lined up to admire the edicule, the chamber that tradition says marks Jesus' tomb. A historic Greek restoration was completed last year, aimed at reversing the effects of years of exposure to water, humidity and candle smoke. The limestone and marble structure stands at the center of the church - a 12th-century building standing on 4th-century remains. The Roman Catholic services were happening as eastern Orthodox Christians celebrated Palm Sunday. The denominations, which jealously guard different sections of the church, held separate services one after another.
Pope celebrates Easter Mass in packed St. Peter's Square
Tens of thousands of faithful have undergone heavy security checks to enter St. Peter's Square to participate in Easter Sunday Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Francis opened Easter festivities with a Tweet to his global flock: "Our faith is born on Easter morning: Jesus is alive! The experience is at the heart of the Christian message." Pilgrims from around the world and Italy gathered in the square decorated with spring flowers to hear Francis deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) Easter message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Security precautions included bag checks and metal detector wands for everyone entering the square. The Via Conciliazione avenue leading to the Vatican as well as smaller adjoining streets were closed to traffic.
Experience being on top of world at Dead Sea: Israeli official
Picture yourself reading a newspaper while floating effortlessly on salty cobalt blue water, giving you a feeling of being on top of the world at the lowest point of the earth. This is what the 3 million years old Dead Sea has to offer, said Hassan Madah, director of Israel ministry of tourism in India. He said one of the saltiest water bodies in the world will let a person float naturally and claimed that one can even read a newspaper in tranquillity while relaxing on the water. "As you go deeper in the water, your feet and legs are pushed up and you feel your body becoming lighter, making you float naturally on the mineral-rich waters of Dead Sea," he said recently. The Dead Sea, which is 428 metres below the sea level, is 9.6 times saltier than an ocean, making it impossible for plants and animals to survive, Madah said, adding people use the salt and the minerals from it to create cosmetics and herbal sachets. The Dead Sea, the lowest point of earth, is full of black mud which ...
Kovind, Modi extend Easter greetings
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Easter greetings to people at home and abroad, and hoped that the festival would motivate for bringing in a positive difference to the society.
Quest of the unknown: Finding a spiritual path in the modern world (Book Review)
Title: Stalking God: My Unorthodox Search for Something to Believe In; Author: Anjali Kumar; Publisher: Orion Spring; Pages: 232; Price: Rs 399
Nation rings in Easter with carols, hymns
The nation is draped in festive fervor on account of the Christian festival of Easter on Sunday.As the clock struck midnight, devotees, who had gathered in churches across India, celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion, according to Christian mythology.Carols and hymns were sung in praise of the lord, along with a musical depiction of the life and re-birth of the Christian god.Also known as Resurrection Sunday, Easter is celebrated on account of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans. It marks the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.On this day, Christians around the world gather for Midnight Mass. The day is usually spent in the presence of one's family and friends. A traditional feast is prepared containing several meat delicacies, marking the end of the ...
Parrikar extends Easter greetings to Goa people
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday extended greetings to the people of the state on the eve of Easter, the festival celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ."On this day, let us pledge to strive for the benefit and welfare of others and let peace and harmony prevail among the people," read an official statement from the Chief Minister.Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has also extended greetings and expressed the hope that the Easter celebrations would inspire everyone to win over sin."Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Lord Jesus, who was persecuted, died for our sins, and rose on the third day. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we will always have victory over sin," read an official statement."Jesus taught us to love God and love our fellow human beings. He led by example and million of us his teachings are just as ...
Turkish president recites Muslim prayer at the Hagia Sophia
Turkey's president recited an Islamic prayer today in the Hagia Sophia, a historic Istanbul landmark that has become a symbol of interfaith and diplomatic tensions. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recited the first verse of the Quran at the end of his remarks for an art festival opening, dedicating the prayer to the "souls of all who left us this work as inheritance, especially Istanbul's conqueror." The Hagia Sophia was built during the 6th century Christian Byzantine Empire and served as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church. It was converted into an imperial mosque with the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. Turkey's secular founder made the structure a museum in 1935, but there have been discussions by Erdogan's Islamic-leaning government about turning it back into a mosque. Thousands of Muslim Turks have prayed outside the Hagia Sophia over the years to demand that it be restored as a place of worship. In 2015, a cleric recited from the Quran inside the building, a UNESCO World
Dalit woman alleges discrimination, threatens to embrace Islam
A Dalit woman has alleged she was not allowed to offer prayers during a 'Bhagwat Katha' programme at Narkhurd village by some upper caste men and has threatened to embrace Islam alongwith her husband, police said today. The woman, identified as Jai Devi (in her mid-30s) has also alleged that the youths throw her 'Aarti Thali' away as they denied her the opportunity to offer prayers on March 22, Deputy IG Ratankant Pandey said. Devi has filed a complaint with the Rasoolabad police station against five people -- Narendra, Ajay, Rohit, Ambika and Chandrashekhar -- accusing them of throwing away her 'Aarti Thali' and disallowing her from performing the ritual, Pandey said. The women has also alleged that the youths manhandled her and passed abusive and casteist slurs when she resisted them, which led to a sense of resentment among Dalits, according to the DIG. The woman's husband has lodged an FIR under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ...
Punjab CM greets people for Easter
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today extended greetings on Easter eve, asking people to follow the ideals of compassion, love and peace as expounded by Lord Jesus Christ. Easter will be observed tomorrow. In his message today, the Chief Minister wished the people and reminded them of the supreme sacrifice made by Christ for the good of humanity. "May this Easter further strengthen the bonds of unity, and spread hope and joy, besides showering the choicest blessings on all people," he said, calling upon them to celebrate Easter in a spirit of harmony. "The eternal significance of Christ's resurrection is that love is stronger than hatred, and truth triumphs over evil," Singh said. He described Easter as an occasion for all to come together in celebration of this triumph.
Pope 'ashamed' young to inherit fractured world
Pope Francis today said he was "ashamed" that younger generations would inherit a world "fractured by divisions and wars". Speaking in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession, the pontiff said the world was "devoured by egotism in which the young, the sick, the old are marginalised". Amid tight security, around 20,000 faithful, many holding candles, gathered around Rome's Colosseum for the religious ritual that evokes the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. The Italian capital has been put under tight surveillance following a week marked by a series of anti-terror arrests. Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned this week of the high risk of an attack in Italy, and some 10,000 officers have been deployed to guarantee safety in Rome, in particular during the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope this weekend culminating with the Easter day celebrations on Sunday.
Elephant runs amok: mahout, a priest among 12 injured
An elephant brought for a festival at the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa temple here ran amok today, injuring at least 12 persons, including the mahout and a priest. The pachyderm, carrying the 'Thidambu', a miniature version of the idol of Lord Ayyappa, ran amok when the ceremonial 'Arattu' procession of Lord Ayyappa was proceeding to Pamba river from Sannidhanam (temple complex) in the afternoon,official sources said. The injured included a priest Veenith (29) and mahot Krishnakumar (39), they said. The priest, who was holding the Thidambu, was injured after he fell down from atop the elephant. Both the mahout and the priest were admitted to the Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, as their condition was stated to be serious. The other injured persons were admitted to a hospital at Pathanamthitta, sources said. Most of theinjuries occurred as people ran helter skelter in the confusion, they said. Other mahouts brought the elephant under control and the procession ...
Bandel Church priest appeals for peace, tolerance
The head priest of one of the oldest Catholic churches in the country today appealed to people to live a "peaceful life" and adopt the principles of "tolerance and forgiveness". No matter what is our religion or culture, living in peace with fellow humans and other living beings is the need of the hour, Father T L Francis, Prior of Marian shrine at Bandel Church in Hooghly district, said during the Good Friday service today. Thousands thronged the church today to attend the prayer service. The faithfuls took out a procession from the church with a 15-ft-long wooden cross and placed it in the middle of the field, next to the church, to mark the occasion.
Good Friday observed in Bengal
Churches across Bengal observed Good Friday and urged people to maintain peace and harmony by extending goodwill, tolerance and forgiveness.
SGPC passes Rs 1159 crore annual budget
ShiromaniGurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Sikh apex religious body of the Sikhs, here today passed its annual budget of Rs 1,159 crore, an increase of nearly Rs 59 crore, over last financial year. Amidst the chanting of Sikh religious slogans at Teja Singh Samudari hall here, the budget for the 2018-19 fiscal was passed under the supervision of newly-elected SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal. The budget was presented by SGPC General Secretary Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, who also highlighted the religious activities of last year. Reading out the budget document, Karmuwala informed that for the upcoming financial year 2018-19, the SGPC has kept Rs 36.50 crore provision for educational funds, besides Rs 228 crore for the educational institutions which are run by the SGPC. Likewise, adequate funds have been provided in the budget for promotion of religious activities and for management of the Gurdwaras. Longowal informed that for cancer patients, a sum of Rs 9.50 crore has been
Irish pubs open on Good Friday for first time in 91 yrs
Pubs in Ireland were open on Good Friday for the first time in almost a century after the repeal of a law banning sales of alcohol on the Christian holiday. The Intoxicating Liquor Act, passed in 1927, prohibited sales in shops and bars on three days a year -- Good Friday, Christmas Day and St Patrick's Day, although the latter was exempted in 1960. A new law passed in January repealed the ban, allowing pubs and bars to open their doors between 10:30am and 00:30 am, while local shops are also allowed to sell alcohol. Many people have previously stocked up on alcohol in shops the day before or bought travel tickets to take advantage of exemptions for trains and ferries. Hotels were also exempt. The change in the law underlines the loosening hold of the Catholic Church in Ireland, although it also followed lobbying by industry bodies, who claim it will boost tourism. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland estimates Good Friday will generate more than 40 million euros in sales for Irish ...
Geelani allowed to offer Friday prayers at mosque near his house
Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today allowed to offer Friday prayers at a mosque after a gap of nearly eight years. Geelani, who has spent most of the past eight years under house arrest particularly on Fridays, offered the congregation prayers at a local mosque near his residence in Hyderpora area of the city, a Hurriyat spokesman said. The separatist leader addressed the people who had gathered for the prayers. Slogan-shouting supporters of the Hurriyat hawk accompanied him to his residence after the prayers, officials said. They said a group of youth indulged in stone-pelting on security forces but were chased away by the law-enforcing personnel. No one was hurt in the brief clashes.
Good Friday observed with prayers, hymns in three NE states
Good Friday was today observed with prayers and hymns across Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram - the three states in the North East with a significant Christian population. The day marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Calvary Hill in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. Special sermons on salvation and prayers for repentance were held in churches across the three states. In Meghalaya, people, mostly dressed in black, took out a procession from Catholic Cathedral, one of the prominent landmarks in the state capital. Catholics were also seen gathering in large numbers at Cathedral Church of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong to attend a prayer meet. In Mizoram, too, the members of the Catholic Church took out processions in Aizawl and other parts of the state. Similar prayer meets were also held in parts of Nagaland today. In Kohima, a special cross procession, remembering the walk of Jesus Christ to Mount Calvary, was organised by the Catholic churches.