New Delhi: Christian communities of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) observed Gandhi Jayanti, the 156th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Thursday, 2 October, as a day of prayer for Peace and Harmony in the country and the world. The Church is also observing this year 2025 as the Jubilee year of Jesus Christ.
It was hosted by the Delhi Ecumenical Prayer Movement under the theme “Pray for India–Pilgrims of Hope.” The event brought together church leaders, clergy, and laity from across Christian traditions to intercede for peace, reconciliation, and national harmony.
In his inaugural address, Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of the Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi set the tone for the day with a powerful reminder from Scripture. Quoting Jesus’ words, he said: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, God is present. Therefore, we are here to bring peace and harmony.”
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The Archbishop emphasized that prayer was not a symbolic act but a living witness of unity in Christ. “When we come together as one body, our prayer becomes a force for reconciliation—within families, communities, the nation, and across the world,” he added.
The session began with the Nicene Creed by Father Afilash of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Bible reading by Rev. Daniel Thomas of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy and Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro of the Archdiocese of Delhi, prayed for the Church and its institutions.
Youth from Sahoday and St. Mary’s schools presented prayer dances, symbolizing the joy of faith. Further intercessions for homes, communities, and the nation were led by leaders including Rev. J. Edwin John Wesley, Col. Vanlal Fela, and Pastor David Bhardwaj.
The programme also included a thought-provoking session on creation care, where Fr. Sunil Crasta of Chetanalaya urged believers to view environmental stewardship as part of Christian responsibility. Intercessory prayers extended to neighbouring countries, conflict-ridden regions, the city of Delhi, and the revival of faith, led by leaders from the Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, and Pentecostal traditions.
The valedictory session was marked by cultural and musical performances, including a Rajasthani folk song and hymns by the Caleb Institute Choir. The gathering concluded with the closing prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Monodeep Daniel of the Church of North India, the singing of the National Anthem, and a fellowship meal.
The event stood as a testament to the strength of Christian unity, with Archbishop Couto’s words resonating throughout the day: prayer, rooted in Christ’s promise, is a pathway to peace and harmony in a divided world.
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