Patna Diocese Celebrates International Peace Day

On Friday, 21st September 2012, Believers Church Patna Diocese observed the UN International Day of Peace. Patna Diocese declared 21st September as a day of prayer for the peace, prosperity and blessing of the nation.

A peace concert was organized at the Diocesan headquarters with the theme “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Prayers were offered for government leaders on the state and national level, that God would grant them grace and wisdom to lead the nation to a greater height.

The church educated the local people about ideals of peace in an effort to ensure a secure future for all.

Nearly 100 of slum children and parents from Rajeev Nagar joined with clergy and seminarians for the peace concert at Believers Church Patna’s Diocese Office.

The Diocese took the gathering as an opportunity to distribute free school uniforms and other essentials to around 110 poor children.

Rt. Rev. M.A. Lalachan was the chief guest of the occasion. Other prominent attendees were Rev. Fr. Binod, Mr. Shibu (Bridge of Hope state leader), Pastor Jason and Pastor Radheshyam (Minor Seminary principals).

In Bishop Lalachan’s inaugural address, he said, “The greatest challenge that the human race has ever faced still remains – to live in a world free of the threat of conflicts and violence. Where there is injustice, there is conflict. Education is a vital part of the peace building process.” He spoke of the responsibility to promote a culture of peace to create an uninterrupted change.

The Bishop’s vision for International Peace Day is to inspire individuals and empower communities to celebrate victories for peace, and to renew their commitment to work for a more peaceful and just world.

Rev. Fr. Isaac (Vicar General) announced the church’s decision to launch an ongoing campaign to make thousands of children aware of the need for peace. Bridge of Hope centers in Bihar had peace concerts as part of this campaign.

Prior to the peace concert at the Diocesan office, a peace rally was held by seminary students holding flags of peace.

Believers Church works to promote and protect peace in all the nations in which it serves through educating and challenging communities.