The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Prayers for peace at city church

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Prayers for peace at city church

Staff Reporter

Members express solidarity with victims of violence

- Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

Fervent appeal: Christians light candles outside St. Anthony’s Church near Secunderabad to observe the ‘National Day of Intercession’ to condemn attacks against them in various parts of the country.

HYDERABAD: It was a day attributed to world peace and deliverance from problems. Over 500 Christians attended prayers for peace on National Day of Intercession at St. Anthony’s Church, Mudfort on Thursday.

Observing a fast, members of the parish congregated to participate in prayers that were dedicated to the cause of the church and problems such as global warming, sudden growth in population, pollution and terrorism. Children were seen lighting prayer candles in front of a board wherein clippings of reports of the attacks on Christians from various newspapers were pasted.

“The intercession prayers are not only for peace but also to express solidarity with victims of the recent attacks on Christians and churches across the country,” said Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Arul Dhas.

Those attending the prayers were asked to either wear white or black clothes on the occasion. “We have a dress code for those participating in the intercession prayers. White clothes symbolise peace while black is a sign of mourning,” added Fr. Arul.

Various associations of the parish that included the youth, women’s group, children, parish council and prayer group helped organise the prayers.

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Andhra Pradesh