Music Ministry leads praise during the observance of Palm Sunday in CBCK on April 10. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | April 10
Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland welcomed the Holy week beginning with mass services observed across the state during Palm Sunday.
The Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima observed Palm Sunday-cum-CMS Mission Sunday at the church premises. The believers turned up in good number and offered prayers for a congenial and peaceful atmosphere to prevail in the society.
Speaking on “His Mission, Our Task,” Rev Besütsoyi Demo called upon the congregation to spread the words of Christ and His love everywhere. He said that the foundation of Christian faith has to be strong. Demo also stressed on the need to review and strengthen “our missionary work.”
The programme was led by Vilhousa Mero along with Vesavolii Rhakho and Rhuvi Nienu as cantor and pianist respectively. Praise and worship was led by Music Ministry while a duet was presented by Citso T Vadeo and Lünülü T Vadeo.
Later, Chikhungo Puro spoke on “His Loss, Our Gain” at the evening service.
St Francis Xavier Catholic Church Kidima under the diocese of Kohima observed Palm Sunday with Reverend Fr Siby John, Parish Priest as the main celebrant with rest of the world on April 10 in the village.
According to a press release from the church, Fr Siby John said, “The introductory Palm Sunday was a celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the people who accepted Him as King and Messiah. Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees however did not recognised Jesus as the saviour.”
Blessing of the Palm leaves, reading of the Lord’s passion and Eucharist celebration were the highlights of the liturgical feast. The procession was started at Thokhwezu, the village view, towards the church.
Don Bosco hostel campus, Jotsoma (St Chong Hasang church) observed Palm Sunday service which was held for the people with the blessing of the palms and procession. In both the places, the focus of the preaching was given on Paschal Triduum which is the period of three days beginning with the evening mass of the Lord’s Supper on Monday till Thursday, Way of the Cross on Good Friday and conclusion of Easter on Sunday.
The Pascal Triduum is the celebration par excellence of the entire liturgical year for the Catholics. Fr C Joseph, Counsellor in St Joseph’s College, while leading the Palm Sunday celebration at DBH, Jotsoma, asked the congregation to journey with Jesus to Calvary so that with him accomplishing his mission on the Cross, all may wait in hope for his resurrection and celebrate Easter.
Christ King Church, Kohima village also celebrated Palm Sunday on April 10. The main celebration of the Holy Eucharist was led by Fr Joseph sdb, Parish Priest of Christ King Parish, Kohima Village.
In preparation for the Holy week which began with Palm Sunday on April 10, Thyenyizumi St Andrew Parish, conducted three days of spiritual retreat for Catholic women of the area that included Chetheba, K Basa, Chozuba, Yoruba, Thurutsuswu, Seckruzu, Ruzazho and Thenyizumi. Fr Sunny Kanjirakkatand and Fr C Joseph preached the retreat while Fr Sojan Puthenkudy, their Parish Priest led the Palm Sunday service.
In Dimapur, MGOS Church, Dimapur witnessed Hosanna service on April 10 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am with Morning Prayer, Holy Communion and Hosanna procession and special service.
As stated in a report from the media cell of MGOS church, Dimapur, “For Orthodox Christians, Passion week is a special week for special prayers.
The report further stated that Passion Week will be led by Vicar Rev Fr Dr P S Varghese. Additionally, there will be special prayers held every evening from 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm beginning from Sunday till Saturday evening.
In Ahthibung, marking the start of passion week and Christ's triumphant entry in Jerusalem, Sunday School kids of Kuki Baptist Church, Ahthibung took out a procession with shouts of "Hosanna Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
