Flag Hoisting, Clean Up Drives and Tree Planting Mark Independence Day Celebrations

Believers Eastern Church dioceses in India celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of the nation with enthusiasm and nationalistic fervor on 15 August 2019.

Each diocese kicked off the celebrations with the flag-hoisting ceremony and singing of the national anthem. While remembering the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and their gift of freedom, they also prayed for the blessing of the nation.

Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan unfurled the tri-color flag at the Synod Secretariat.

Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan, in his Independence Day message emphasized the need to pray for the leaders of the nation. “As we celebrate this wonderful day of our nation let us make this fresh commitment again that we will continue to pray for our President, the Prime minster and all whom God has appointed to rule and govern so that our land may continue to experience peace and prosperity”, he said.

As part of the celebrations, dioceses and local parishes took part in swachh bharat abhiyans (cleanliness drives). Police stations, hospitals, schools, city and village roads and other government establishments were cleaned up on this occasion.

Several dioceses used the day to raise awareness on the importance of planting and conserving trees through tree-plantation drives. They planted saplings at different locations to promote the good cause.

Sweet and fruits were distributed as well to share the joy of the occasion.

St. Johannes schools and Bridge of Hope also organized various programs to mark the day.