Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states on Friday, with churches of all denominations being beautifully decorated for the occasion.
Thousands of Christians assembled at various churches in the city from midnight on Friday to offer special prayers. They also exchanged greetings, gifts and cakes on the occasion.
Major congregations in the city were held at St John’s Church, St Mary’s Church, All Saint’s Church and Millennium Methodist Church in Secunderabad. Christians thronged the churches right from the morning. Carols were sung, many greetings were exchanged, and the mood was joyous all over.
The largest gathering in the state was reported from the world-famous Church of South India in Medak, where the faithful attended the early morning Mass. Hundreds of people from the Telangana region attended the prayers at the CSI Church.
Special prayers were also offered at the Centenary Baptist Church in Hanamkonda, Fathima Church in Kazipet and Roman Catholic churches at Subedari and Kazipet.
Special prayers were conducted at Rockwood Church, Gipson Church, ABM, Holy Faith and Cole’s Centennial Church in Kurnool district. Christmas was celebrated with fervour in Ranga Reddy, Adilabad, Nizamabad and Medak districts as well.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu participated in Christmas celebrations in Vijayawada. Celebrations were also held in all churches in Kadapa, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam and other cities across Andhra Pradesh. (INN)