Jashpur: In view of Covid-19, mostly, churches across India would remain shut on Christmas and Asia's second-biggest church 'Rozri ki Maharani' in Chhattisgarh is no exception.
Situated 50 kilometres away from the district headquarters in Kunkuri town of the state, the church would not glitter with lights and decorations, as it used to be in the past. Devotees would celebrate the festival, observed to mark the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, at their respective homes.
However, they could join online for the church prayer service on the Christmas day, Bishop Emmanuel Kerketa of the church told ETV Bharat. The coronavirus crisis has ruined the spirit of festivities in the town as the church would remain shut to control the spread of the disease, which has already killed lakhs of people across the world.
Congratulating and extending good wishes to everyone in the country on the occasion, the Bishop said that 'Rozri ki Maharani' church would not celebrate the festival in view of the coronavirus. Rome-based Pope has also urged people across the world to celebrate Christmas in a simple manner. He said that the Bishop has already directed people not to come to the church on the occasion.
Thousands of people visit the church on the occasion of Christmas and in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, this year would not witness any prayer service on Christmas Day. Rozri ki Maharani church, considered the second biggest in Asia, stands out with its exemplary architecture in which the towering building is supported by only one pillar. The building attributes significance to number seven with as many terraces and doors.
As many as 10,000 people can gather simultaneously in the church. During Christmas, not only people across India but also devotees across the world come here to pray. It took 17 years to build the church, which is also a symbol of religious cordiality after the foundation stone was laid in 1962. The first part of the church was completed in 1964, second in 1979 and it was finally inaugurated in 1982. It was built with the help of tribal labourers.
The church is known for its architecture. It is said that it was built on the basis of the facts mentioned in the Bible. Almost three lakh people of the district are associated with the church.
Lakhs of people come to the church to pray to Lord Jesus Christ. Carol singing would start months ahead of Christmas. Enthralling and mind captivating tunes of the carols elated everyone.
For Christians in the region, the Rozri ki Maharani church is what Mecca is to Muslims. Bishop Emmanuel Kerketa prays for people of the region, state, country and the world as a whole, seeking peace and prosperity for everyone. Sumi Baptist Church, Asia's largest church is based in Nagaland.
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