Kol Christians mark Easter with prayers for peace and harmony across world

Kolkata: From candlelit Easter vigils that stretched late into the night to hymn-filled morning masses and afternoon processions through the city's streets, Kolkata marked Easter on Sunday with prayers, celebrations and appeal for peace and harmony.Across churches in central Kolkata and neighbourhood parishes, worshippers gathered from Saturday night for the Easter vigil, with several services continuing into the morning mass. As church bells rang and choirs sang hymns of resurrection and hope, families arrived in festive attire to offer prayers and greet one another. Congregations reflected on the message of Christ's resurrection amid growing concern over wars, violence and the suffering of the poor and children across the world."The world is currently wrestling with a multifaceted struggle, characterised by the convergence of major military conflicts, a widespread global energy shock, and deteriorating international cooperation. Yet, there is always a ray of hope. These crises are not permanent. We find a profound parallel in the lives of the Apostles following the death of Jesus. They faced a series of interwoven crises of their own — physical, spiritual and psychological. Risen Christ offers us the hope that the current crises of our world will pass and peace will prevail. May we, like the Apostles, be transformed by this hope and become beacons of that same peace to a world in need," said Father Moloy D Costa, the Vicar General."Easter is a reminder that even after the darkest days there are new beginnings and the hope to overcome sorrow. There is a lot of suffering around the world. Let us pray that Easter brings new hope for peace and harmony in the world," said Reverend Swarup Bar of St Andrew's Church on Brabourne Road.At St John's Church in Dalhousie, Father Pradeep Kumar Nanda said, "May this Easter inspire hope, unity and new beginnings." Thousands took part in Easter processions from different parts of Kolkata on Sunday afternoon, with clergy and common members walking together.Churches of different denominations, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta, the Calcutta Diocese of the Church of North India, the Armenian Church, the Assembly of God Church, Baptist congregations and Methodist churches, joined the processions. The gathering also included members of the clergy, educationists from across Kolkata, and people from all walks of life, underscoring the city's tradition of public celebrations.At St Teresa's Church in Moulali, there were three Easter services in Bengali and one in English, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the congregation. "We attended the morning mass and then joined the Easter procession. It is a day of joy, but we also prayed for peace and for the children suffering because of war and poverty," said Taltala resident Anima Roario.