Special prayers mark Easter fete

Vijayawada: A large number of Christians attended special prayers at churches in the city to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday. Devotees attended special services to mark the culmination of the Holy Week and to celebrate the Easter festival. A few churches in the city organised midnight services and other churches started special Easter service early in the morning.

Churches and cathedrals were well decorated and illuminated on the occasion. Holy mass was organised at prominent churches in the city. More than one mass was celebrated in English and Telugu languages at various churches. The Easter service started with readings from the Holy Bible and popular Easter hymns and songs at all the churches.

The festival was celebrated at the end of 40-day Lent characterised by fasting and penance. All the bishops and priests of various churches and denominations took part in the special Easter service on the occasion. Special prayers were offered at Gunadala Mary Shrine to mark the occasion.