Joyful Christmas celebrations at various churches in city

Vijayawada: The Christian fraternity of various congregations and denominations celebrated Christmas on a high note with midnight masses and prayers conducted at various churches in the city starting from the wee hours of Tuesday.

All churches have arranged a variety of Christmas cribs depicting the place of birth of Jesus Christ.

Thousands of Christian families, their friends and relatives took part in the midnight masses and morning prayers at all the city’s oldest and prominent churches which include St Peter’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, Gunadala Matha Shrine, St Paul’s Centenary, St Lutheran’s Church in and around the city.

Earlier, Mayor Koneru Sreedhar conveyed Christmas wishes to the people through a release.

District Collector B Lakshmikantham with his family cut cake at an old-age home and celebrated the Christmas.

The homes were bustling with activity and tastefully decorated with festoons and series lamps. The message of peace and goodwill were given at all churches.

After the morning service, families gather at a number of popular churches in the city and district together for a lavish lunch.