Published On : Mon, Nov 2nd, 2015

Christian brethren observe All Souls Day with solemn reverence

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IMG-20151102-WA0013Nagpur: Christian brethren including Catholics, Protestants and Presbyterians observe All Souls Day with solemn reverence on November 2, 2015.

While speaking to Nagpur Today, Presbyter-In-Charge of All Saints’ Cathedral Reverend Satish Nanda gave a brief historical preview of All Soul’s Day. All Souls’ Day, in Christianity, is a day commemorating the faithful departed, (not exclusively one’s relatives). In Indian Christianity the annual celebration is now held on November 2 and is associated with All Saints’ Day (observed on November 1) and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, and is celebrated annually on 2 November, even if this date falls on a Sunday

While the Catholics pray for the dead, Anglicans call it Commemoration of All Faithful Departed. Anglicans view All Souls’ Day as an extension of the observance of All Saints’ Day and it serves to “remember those who have died.IMG-20151102-WA0014

While speaking to Nagpur Today, Deacon of All Saints’ Cathedral Amin Kalwale said that there is a misconception that the Anglican Church observes the All Souls Day to pray for the dead. However, in reality, it is a day when a Thanksgiving is offered for the life that the departed lived. During this day, the Anglican Church remembers the families that the dear departed left behind and pray for their peace and comfort. He added that this is one of the major festivals of the Anglican Churches.IMG-20151102-WA0005

While traditionally the grave stones were decorated with flowers and candles lit, nowadays some Christian brethren also burn incense sticks to pay tribute to the dearly departed.

The Worship Service was held at the Tiger Gap Cemetery where the Presbyter In-Charge of All Saints’ Cathedral Reverend Satish Nanda shared about our fellowship with the faithfully departed. Later a prayer was said for all the faithfully departed.IMG-20151102-WA0006

The Collect (Prayer) that was said for the observance of All Souls Day, read
“Eternal Lord God, Maker and Redeemer of all believers, pour out upon your whole Church in Paradise and on Earth, the fullness of your light and grace and grant that we, following the example of those who have served you here and are now at rest may at last enter with them into your unending joy, through Jesus Christ Our Lord and the Holy Spirit, One God now and ever.”IMG-20151102-WA0012

Two hymns were sung on this occasion which included, “Nearer My God To Thee….” and “Abide with Me….” The Congregation went to each grave offering prayers.

– By Samuel Gunasekharan.