THE FRONTIER NEWS. March : Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan

Transcription

1 THE FRONTIER NEWS March : 2015 Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan Individual Highlights Survival & Identity of the Church - Yohannaabad, Lahore 1 Passion of Christ 2 Easter Procession 2 Prayer Services 3 International Woman's Day 4 Holy Week Services 4 A Good Will Visit 5 World Day of Prayer 5 Bishop Humphrey Peters with his team and counter parts at Lahore Survival & Identity of the Church - Yohannaabad, Lahore Earlier, the Bishop and his team had a meeting with the Rt. Revd. Irfan Jamil, Bishop of Lahore, the Rt. Revd. John Samuel, Bishop of Faisalabad, the Rt. Revd. Leo Paul, Multan Diocese and the Honourable Archbishop Sebastian Francis of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore., along with his team, comprising of Col. (R) Kanwal Isaacs, Treasurer Peshawar Diocese, the Revd. Rashid Nazir, Vice President (Clergy) and the newly elected Senator Brig (Rtd) John Williams visited Yohannabad, Lahore to visit affectees of the two Churches of Yohannabad where the terrorists blew themselves up, which killed almost 20 people and injured more than 50 persons, including women and children. Bishop Leo Paul of the Multan Diocese also joined the Peshawar Diocese Team. The honourable Bishop Humphrey Peters offered his condolences for the deceased and their families, and discussed matters of mutual interest with his counterparts. Apart from condolences, consolation and the prayers, the honourable Bishop on behalf of the Diocese of Peshawar also extended financial help to the bomb blast victims and their families. Bishop Visit in Images

2 Passion of Christ ( A Long Play) The Easter Procession During the Holy Week, Junior Church Desk, Mission & Ministry Sector, Peshawar Diocese organized a Long Play called 'Passion of Christ'. This drama of important significance was held at the Diocesan Centre Hall, Peshawar. The young Christian boys and girls with utmost religious zeal exhibited their talent which was highly appreciated by a large number of audiences. Usually, during the Easter Season, long and short plays or skits are organized by various groups and parishes, but this year all were invited by the Junior Church Desk to jointly pull a big show to exhibit Christian strength and unity. As a result, it was the biggest show ever organized and/or presented at the Diocesan Centre, Peshawar. Everybody contributed to their optimum level. The main objective of this show or drama was to remind the public about Jesus' suffering, and the agony He went through on the cross for our sins. Page 2 As the phrase goes 'seeing is believing', the audiences were so involved and indulged, many wept, literally. At this occasion, the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters and his wife Dr. Rabia Shaheen Peters were the chief guests, and distributed the best performance awards. The First prize was won by Nowshera Parish, Second prize was won by the All Saints' Church, Peshawar City, whereas the third prize was won by the University parish, Peshawar. The Rt. Revd. Humphrey Peters in his address appreciated the organizers, actors and promoters of the show. While mentioning the chief organizer, 'Ms. Naveeda Razak', he said "She is like a queen bee, who organizes, and keeps the bees busy and motivated". Mrs. Razak in response thanked the team, and acknowledged the cooperation and support of Bishop Humphrey Peters, and the Revd. Shahzad Murad throughout the event. Bishop Humphrey leading the procession The Easter sun-rise procession has a century old history. Although, the situation of Peshawar is on Red Alert now-a-days, and the All Saints' Church was attacked by the terrorists in September However, despite many security threats the procession went on with all its spiritual zeal. The procession started its march from the All Saints' Church, Peshawar and passed through its traditional route around the old city of Peshawar, and ended at the historic Edwardes High School, Peshawar. The congregation of the All Saints' Church is very strong in its faith, even after the blast at the Church, they participated in the procession without fear. The Bishop of Peshawar, The Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters personally led the procession, along with the priests of the Church, which lifted up the spirit of the congregation. The procession is a great Christian witness in itself in our Islamic country of Pakistan, especially, in a city of extremism. Spiritual hymns were sung and scripture passages were read as the procession moved through various prominent places in the city. The Sunrise processions were also held in all the parishes of the Diocese. By the great mercy and protection of almighty God all these processions and Easter services went well, and without any untoward incident.

3 Self created vengeance and Prayers for Solidarity Special Prayer Service at Edwardes College Prayer service photo Bishop Humphrey with religious heads of different denominations A special prayer service for the martyrs and survivors of Yohanaabad Churches' Blasts was offered at Edwardes College Peshawar Chapel. The students and the staff, along with the Principal of the College attended the service and prayed for the injured and martyrs. Bishop Humphrey being interviewed by media In the backdrop of the tragic incident of the twin bomb blasts at the two churches in Yohannabad, Lahore. An 'Ecumenical Prayer Service was held at St. John's Cathedral, Peshawar to pay tribute to the martyrs of Yohannabad. It was one of the biggest Inter-denominational prayer service, led by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters. Revd. Father John William and Revd. Fr. Younas, along with a good number of Nuns from St. John's Vienney Church, Peshawar City, and St. Michael's Church, Peshawar Cantt. represented the Catholic community. Whereas, Revd. A.R. Humshmat from Assembly of God Church, and the Bishop Ernest Jacob was there to represent the Anglican Orthodox Church, Pakistan. Hundreds of people participated in the prayer service, and felt blessed by reading of the passages from the Holy Bible by the various heads of different denominations. Hymns and religious songs also created a very electric, Page 3 People lighting candles for the martyrs rather spiritual environment. in his sermon mentioned that we are going through very turbulent times, and are living in a region where persecution of the Christians has become a routine. However, whosoever dies in Jesus' name will become a martyr and live-forever, but those who deny his name will stand losers forever. Despite these atrocities, the terrorists, the extremists and the militants need to understand that they are also made in the image of the God, they also need someone to tell them the Father s love, grace and the salvation waiting for them. Only the Church has this lovely concept of life to share with them. With our blood we shall heal their minds and souls, and we shall offer our shoulders where they could put their heads and take out their self-created sense of vengeance. After the Prayer service people lit candles on a stage to commemorate the martyrs of Yohannabad. It was a wonderful show of strength and unity, and the Christian spirit was high. Praise the Lord! A special sermon was delivered by the Rev. Shahzad Murad, Secratry MMB( Mission and Ministry Board) of the Diocese of Peshawar, who was especially invited by SCM (Students Christian Moment) of Edwardes College for this Service. He highlighted the importance of Martyrdom in Christianity and fruits of being faithful to Jesus Christ till the last breath. The prayer service was concluded by lighting the candles in the memory of Yohanaabad victims. Staff and students of Edwardes College

4 International Woman's Day Holy Week and Easter Services at All Saints Church Peshawar March 2015, Women Desk, Diocese of Peshawar organized, and celebrated International Women's Day at the Diocesan Centre, Peshawar. At this occasion, women from almost all the parishes, departmental heads (women), priests' wives, and ladies from all walks of life were among the participants. Mrs. Noureen Altaf, Women Coordinator, Mrs. S. P. Asghar, Additional Secretary Education, Peshawar Diocese, Ms. Zarish Altaf, a student in their speeches highlighted background of the women movement, and their contribution towards uplift of the society in general. Other women speakers also highlighted the contribution of women in all walks and professions. They mentioned that today's women is much more powerful and is aware of her rights. However, still there are women who are living under harsh conditions. Still, the women fall victim of honour killings, and are subject to domestic violence. Therefore, the enlightened and resourceful women need to come forward to help and rescue the ones in need. Later, a quiz show from the Holy Bible was conducted by Mrs. Noureen Altaf. The winners were awarded with trophies by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters, along with other honourable guests. Mrs. Rita Jeffery from Nowshera church won the first prize. in his speech appreciated Mrs. Noureen Altaf and her team's efforts for organising such a wonderful programme. The programme ended with prayers, followed by a big feast. The Holy week starting from Sunday March 29, 2015 was celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm at All Saints Church Peshawar. The church was jam packed with the congregation during all the services and every single member of the All Saints family displayed his/her faith in living God, and the resurrected Jesus Christ. The Rt. Rev. Humphrey S. Peters, the Bishop of Peshawar joined the congregation on Maundy Thursday s Service and commemorated Jesus meekest act of washing the feet of his disciples by washing feet of 12 elderly men and women. It was the humblest act of the service. In his sermon, the Bishop highlighted the importance of receiving the blood and body of Jesus Christ worthily and with full submission, by referring to 1-Corinthians 11: The Good-Friday and Easter services were also conducted with full Christian spirit. The church was full of worshipers, who with all their ardour and vehemence praised the Lord in truth and spirit. Page 4

5 A Good will visit World Day of Prayer Mr. Lawrence Hedelund and the Revd. Karsten Thomsen, representatives of the Dan Mission, which is one of the oldest friends and partners, paid a good will visit to the Peshawar Diocese. During their visit, they saw Mental Health Centre, Mission Hospital, and various other programmes, Institutions and projects run by the Diocese, and showed their satisfaction. and the Diocese of Peshawar organized a dinner party in the honor of the guests. Mr. Hedelund in his speech mentioned his old affiliation with Peshawar Diocese and his role as an evangelist in the province. He also said that his new successor, the Revd. The Bishop s Bishopdop@hotmail.com The Diocesan Centre E.Mail Karsten will be looking after the affairs from now-on. Revd. Karsten in his speech thanked the Diocese for its warm welcome, and assured that he will continue the Dan Mission's friendly relations and support with the Diocese to strengthen ties between the two Church Organizations appreciated the guests' courage to visit Peshawar and said that we all feel proud of the friendship and a worthy partnership with the Dan Mission, and together we look forward to a prosperous future. The programme ended with prayers, followed by a dinner. Group photo of women participant Every year, 'World Day of Prayer' is observed throughout the world with affirmation that prayer and action are inseparable, and with the hope that Radical love is the theme that weaves together all the components of the worship resources. They eloquently tell us that Jesus is God's presence of radical love in the world. Following Jesus' example of washing his disciple's feet, we are asked to continue the gesture of love in our own communities. That is how the spiral of informed prayer and prayerful action moves around the globe. The Women Fellowship of the Diocese of Peshawar, including participants from All Saints Church and St. John s Cathedral, Peshawar this year celebrated this day on Saturday 21 March 2015 at St. John s Cathedral Church, Peshawar. All the participants zealously took part in the whole programme, thus offering prayer and thanking God for His blessings and the strength to Worship Him. The love of Jesus has bestowed upon us by giving Himself on the cross was commemorated by washing feet of women participants, and displaying their problems and there solutions on charts. Thus showing that Blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us from all our physical, mental, societal and domestic problems. The program was followed by a dinner party. Contact Us at: commdeskdop@gmail.com Visit Us at: DioceseofPeshawar@gmail.com Page 65 December March Volume Volume VII, Issue VIII, Xi Issue The III Frontier The Frontier News News