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T got statehood with Jesus’ blessings: KCR
Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States celebrated Christmas with religious fervour and gaiety with masses and special prayers held in churches since the early hours of the day.
Both Telugu-speaking States celebrate Christmas with piety, fervour
Hyderabad: Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States celebrated Christmas with religious fervour and gaiety with masses and special prayers held in churches since the early hours of the day. The festivities began with midnight mass at many churches in Secunderabad, which has a sizeable population of Christians.
A major congregation was held at 200-year-old St John's Church in Secunderabad. Hundreds of Christians also attended St Mary's Church, All Saint's Church, Wesley Church, Holy Trinity Church and Millennium Methodist Church. Priests prayed for peace and highlighted the message of Jesus' birth. The Anglo-Indian community at Lalaguda in Secunderabad celebrated Christmas with enthusiasm and in a traditional manner.
Christian families cut cakes as part of the celebrations and greeted each other on the occasion. The three-day celebrations also began at the historic Church of South India (CSI) at Medak, about 100 km from here. Believers carried a decorated cross into the church and placed it before a specially-erected hut.
Special prayers were also offered at the Centenary Baptist Church in Hanamkonda, Fathima Church in Kazipet and Roman Catholic churches at Subedari and Kazipet. Special prayers were conducted at Rockwood Church, Gipson Church, ABM, Holy Faith and Cole's Centennial Church in Kurnool district. Large number of Christians offered prayers in St Paul's Church and Loyala Church in Vijayawada. Christmas was celebrated with fervour in other districts of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States.
The celebrations were also held in Khammam, Adilabad and other towns in Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, the celebrations were held in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Ongole, Kadapa, Bheemavaram and other towns. Chief Ministers K Chandrashekar Rao, N Chandrababu Naidu, Governor ESL Narasimhan and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion.
Chandrababu Naidu took part in the celebrations at party headquarters NTR Trust Bhavan and cut the Christmas cake. K Chandrasekhar Rao greeted Christian brethren on the occasion of Christmas celebrations held in a grand manner at Methodist Church on Chapel Road here. The Church head and bishops felicitated the Chief Minister and blessed him, who later cut a festival cake and exchanged pleasantries with Christians.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Telangana achieved statehood with the blessings of Jesus Christ. “I have been coming here to participate in the Christmas celebrations for the last 10 years,” he announced amid cheers. “In just one year, Christians in Telangana State will get one of the best Churches in India at Mahindra Hills in Secunderabad for which I laid the foundation stone,” he stated.
He wished well-being of the people of the State. Deputy Chief Minister Mahamood Ali, Ministers Nayani Narsimha Reddy, Padma Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, T Nageswar Rao, MPs K Kesava Rao, Kavitha and other leaders of the party participated in the celebration.
