Easter Sunday celebrated across Nagaland

Morung Express News
Kohima/Dimapur | April 10

Easter Sunday was celebrated across the state of Nagaland on April 9, with special services held at churches throughout the region. The day is traditionally observed to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Kohima, the Resurrection Sunday Sunrise Service took place today at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima under the aegis of Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF).

The Coronation Choir performing at the sunrise service in Dimapur to celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9. (Morung Photo)

Speaking at the service, Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, pastor, Khedi Baptist Church said that Christianity is not just about God being up there. Christianity is about God living in your heart and in my heart, he said.

We need to come back to Jesus, he said adding “resurrection of Jesus brings hope into our life, forgiveness into our life.”

Dr. Sachü said that since from the beginning, Jesus is the centre stage of human kind and “still today, he is the centre stage of our life.” He said that Bible has equipped the West to cultivate compassion, human rights, prosperity and strong family. The role of the Bible is the transformation of education in the western world, he said, adding that it is the Bible that stand as the key and power of transformation.

Earlier, the service was led by Rev Phom Lee Van, Pastor, Kohima Phom Baptist Church.

Zareni Yanthan, Music Director, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church was pianist for the service and cantor-Longshithung Ovung, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church.

Khekavi Yeptho, Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church Daklane pronounced invocation. Bible reading was done by Anung Chang, Pastor, Chang Baptist Church and Bendangtemsu, Pastor, New Capital Baptist Church.

The service also witnessed special numbers from Chakhesang Baptist Church, Minister’s Hill Kohima and Konyak Baptist Church.

Jonathan, Pastor, Meitei Baptist Church pronounced the benediction.
 
Resurrection a demonstration of God’s power: Rev Dr Keyho
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho said “Resurrection is not the invention of humankind, it is a demonstration of God’s power.

It completes our salvation and gives us the indescribable hope of life that is eternal, he said adding that “the empty tomb given us the power to overcome the fear of death, the confidence of our future.”

Today, Rev Dr Keyho said, “we have taken Christianity and our faith for granted. This so because we think less of the power of resurrection and more of modernizing our faith. We think that being Christian is magical. We are influenced so much with what is going on out there that we do not even know how to filter what is right and what is wrong.”

Stating that blessings do not come by forwarding messages 10 times, he said “God doesn’t grant your wish because you type ‘AMEN’ to get something from God.”

Blessings of any kind come through an act “obedience” and “faith” in the resurrected Lord and savior Jesus Christ, said Rev. Dr. Keyho.

We need no further proof of resurrection because Christ lives in us. We are the proof, the church is the proof. The church must seek afresh her calling and mandate if that is we believe in the resurrection, he said.

A similar service was held in Dimapur, where attendees gathered at the City Tower for a sunrise service led by Dr Keyilunglule, Pastor of the United Zeme Baptist Church.

Throughout the day, churches across the state held special Easter services, offering thanks and prayers to mark the occasion.

At St Francis Xavier Catholic Church Kidima, Easter was celebrated with Reverend Father Frank, SDD, Principal, Don Bosco Panamai (Manipur) as main celebrant on April 9.

Fr Frank in the homily asked the parents whether they were like St Paul was imitating Christ to guide their children.

“Catholic were the risen,” Fr Frank added. Those who have strong faith and abide the word of God would not face the tragedy in life, he said.

Earlier special number was presented fathers and youth association. Baptism, Eucharist with the word of God feast followed by fellowship meal were highlights of the daylong programme. 

The Kohima Liangmai Baptist Church D Block celebrated the ‘Lord’s Resurrection Day’ at their church premises. 

Rev, N Silubo Zeliang, Pastor, exhorted the church and said that “Jesus is the powerful son of God who has conquered the death and reigned.” “The resurrection of Christ demonstrates to save His people from their sin,” Rev N Silubo said, adding that “Christ’s resurrection means Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and is alive today and he will never be due again.” 

The Youth Department of KLBC meanwhile presented a skit about “how Jesus Christ was insulted by the sinners yet he asked for their forgiveness to the Father.” On account of ‘Christ’s Resurrection.’ the Church hosted an Easter feast and had a fellowship together.