Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 31
Believers and faithful across Nagaland observed the Good Friday on March 29 with prayers and devotions, as they thronged to churches or hold fellowship, to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Most churches across the state were overflowing with the faithful as they turn up large number to listen to special sermon about sacrifice and salvation with great humility and reverence.
In many Churches across the state, devotees hold fasting and prayers, before the special Good Friday service.
In Dimapur, besides attending churches, people light up candles and placed it before religious insignia extending one's prayer and showing solidarity with the suffering of Christ.
In Kohima, a special cross procession, remembering the walk of Jesus Christ to Mount Calvary, was organised. The St. Francis De Sales Parish’s ‘Way of the Cross' from Old MLA junction to Kohima Local Ground,’ concluded with a service at the local ground.
Meanwhile, while the Good Friday observed with somber devotion, Christians across the state is eagerly waiting for Easter on Sunday, which celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, a foundation of the Christian faith.
Signifying Jesus Christ’s triumph over sin and death, and assuring salvation to the faithful, churches are filled with worshipers to celebrate the joyful gospel.
In Parish Churches, some believers also hold Easter Vigil from Saturday to eagerly await the Resurrection of Christ. In State capital Kohima, the Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship (KBPF) will hold its special Easter sunrise service at the Kohima War Cemetery at 5:00 am on April 1.
Way of The Cross service in Kohima
Unveiling the crucifix during Veneration of the Cross, Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes, parish priest of St. Francis de Sales (SFS) presiding at the Good Friday service in Kohima Local Ground narrated how the crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place on Mount Calvary.
Amidst thousands of parishioners who turned out for the Way of The Cross service, Fernandes spoke about how Jesus was condemned to death and reminded the pain that Christ endured. Fr. Fernandes urged the faithful “not to lose hope and give up on faith in life when we feel we are abandoned.”
The main celebrant concluded said that “as Christ suffered death and resurrected fulfilling the mission given by God, we are also called to fulfill the mission and goal God has entrusted in our lives.”
Meanwhile, congregation were made to approach the cross during Veneration of the Cross and offered a gesture of respect by bowing, kneeling and kissing it as a gesture of respect to all that it represents.
Parishioners also observed Easter Vigil on March 31 at its parish St. Francis de Sales.
‘Have a forgiving heart’
The Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar observed Good Friday with Limhathung Lotha pastor LBCD, as the main speaker. He exhorted the congregation to have a forgiving heart. “Jesus died on the cross to forgive your sins so if you do not have a heart to forgive others the cross is not yours,” he maintained. It was stated in a press release that on the occasion, 24 youngsters took baptism and became members of the church. Associate Pastor LBCD, Yimtsu Lotha handed over the baptism recognition certificates to the newly baptised members The church service was followed by Lord's supper led by Pastor Limhathung, wherein all the church members including the newly baptised members were part of it remembering the last supper of Christ with His disciples.
AR troops celebrate Good Friday
Assam Rifles troops of Jalukie battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) joined the local populace to celebrate the Good Friday at the Songhlu village on March 30. Assam Rifles troops were invited to attend the revered day events by the church and local villagers. The AR during the significant day organised refreshment for all attendees as gratitude towards the locals.
