Page 20 - The Indian EYE 071423

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 14, 2023 | The Indian Eye 20

Christian community expresses fear about

Manipur at FIACONA meet

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
hristians celebrated the Indi-
an Christian Day with prayers
Cand tears in light of the great
calamity faced by the Christian com-
munity in Manipur.
The celebration, which was sup-
posed to be held on July 3, the day of
St. Thomas, was held a day earlier at
the Cathedral Hall of the Malanka-
ra Catholic Church in Elmont, New
York. It was a rare gathering of In-
dian Christians from across denom-
inations, regions, and languages who
lived in greater New York. Church
Fathers, priests, and dignitaries ar-
rived with blessings and greetings.
Bishop Mar Joy Allapat of the
Syro-Malabar Church pointed out
that even in America, there is no
certainty of what will happen in the
future.
“After Manipur, some people
said Kerala would be the next target. Bishop added. Church applauded the organizers of as well.
Christianity arrived in Kerala much Rt. Rev. Dr. C.V Mathew of the the Indian Christian Day, pointing George Abraham, who ex-
before Europe Embraced it. How- Evangelical Church spoke about the out that we would never give up faith pressed a vote of thanks, pointed out
ever, today our brothers are facing Manipur situation and wondered because of persecution. that those who are from Kerala do
difficulties back home in India. His- aloud why the Indianness of Chris- Federation of Indian American not know much about civil wars. We
torically we have faced persecution. tians is being questioned. He im- Christian Organizations President don’t know the condition of being
However, Bible speaks about being plored the authorities to respect the Koshy George (Fiacona) pointed out chased away from home and wor-
strengthened in the face of perse- constitution that guarantees the re- that it has been decided to celebrate ried about the future in the corner
cution. As the Bible says, we are ligious freedom of every citizen. He St. Thomas’s Day, July 3, as Indian of some school or abandoned build-
like sheep in the middle of wolves. also encouraged the people to unite Christian Day everywhere. The day ing. He encouraged everyone to help
Therefore, let us unite and encour- and support those in harm’s way. Rt. before, the celebration took place in those who are driven into such a sit-
age our brothers in Manipur,” the Rev. Johncy Itty of the Episcopal Boston, and on July 3rd across India uation in Manipur.

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