For Christians Easter is always a great cause for celebration. The ultimate triumph of good over evil is what gives each one a sense of hope that no matter how much chaos and confusion in the world, Jesus is alive, seated on the throne, and is coming soon. Congregations across India were all geared up to celebrate Easter and add their own unique flavour to the day.
A Soul Stirring Easter Message
The Easter message focused on Colossians 1:27, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This was the common theme across most of the New Apostolic congregations in India: Jesus has risen from the dead, Jesus Christ is alive. Just like the disciples, we are called upon to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus by professing that He lives in us. Every believer has the privilege of meeting Him during the Divine Services and experience His help and love on a daily basis.
The NAC family rejoiced at the beautiful reminder that Jesus died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead, and accepted into the glory of God. Jesus will come again and the congregation is waiting for him with joy and excitement.
Ulhasnagar’s Special Easter Moments
Ulhasnagar is a bustling city that lies between Mumbai and Pune with a population last recorded at approximately 5 lakhs. The New Apostolic Church India has three thriving congregations there – Bharat Nagar, Ramabhai Nagar and
Balkanjibari. The churches are filled with middle class families that believe and follow the New Apostolic doctrine.
Around 60 members gathered in the Bharatnagar Church to be part of the Divine Service and Easter celebrations, and to witness beautiful Easter decorations. Every person who was part of the Easter service returned home feeling blessed.
Aurangabad’s All Day Easter Celebrations
Meanwhile in Aurangabad, the congregation in Nutan Colony had an exciting Easter Day planned: a Divine Service, Sisters fellowship meet, a teachers seminar and a children’s programme. The church was given a thorough cleaning on Saturday by all the priests, and the decoration team prepared the altar beautifully.
Around 150 members from four different congregations in Aurangabad (including nine priests, seven deacons, and three retired Apostles) gathered to celebrate the District Divine Service on Easter Sunday. One girl received the sacrament of Holy Baptism and there was a great time of rejoicing in the church. After the rich Easter message from Colossians 1:27, the women set out to have their Sisters fellowship meeting, the Sunday school teachers took off for their teaching seminar and the children hopped and skipped happily to a special programme that included skits, group songs, and prize distribution. Once all the events were over, everyone met to feast over some delicious biryani.
Andhra’s Early Morning Celebrations
In Andhra Pradesh, the congregations of Chinthagumpalli and Gosukunda Agraharam (District APS Podili) celebrated a combined open-air Divine Service. They gathered early in the morning before sunrise, and started a procession of praise and worship with candles at their respective villages. After the Divine Service, the youth and Sunday School children displayed a cultural programme.
Everyone went back home blessed by the Easter message that Jesus was coming soon.
Text: Ajit Awasarmal, Ankush Sonawane, Devadas Basappa, BBMH
Images: Various Contributors