Hyderabad churches ring in Easter day with prayers, festivities

HYDERABAD: Christians across Hyderabad ushered in Easter with grand celebrations on Sunday.
From midnight vigils to early morning services, the faithful joined hands in prayer to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Anthony Poola offered the Easter mass at the St Mary's Basilica on Saturday night. The over 150-year-old church came alive with lights from a thousand candles lit by the devouts.It was followed by an enactment of the resurrection of Jesus by the church youth group.
"It was a blessed experience because we could witness the resurrection through the powerful enactment by the youth of the parish. Over the last one week, they also performed the passion play which was deeply moving. Through these plays the experience becomes doubly spiritual," said Maria John, a parishner. Similar prayers were undertaken at St Joseph's Cathedral in Abids and St Teresa's Church in Sanath Nagar. Wesley Church, Centenary Methodist Church and others held early morning service. Across the board, priests echoed thoughts of peace, harmony and forgiveness.
"Our church has decided to take up Easter contributions for the education of underprivileged children this year. Every year they contribute to different themes. This year the focus will be on education. Money collected during house blessings will help fund schooling," said Harsha Joseph from Nampally of Our Lady of Health church in Khairatabad.