“Religion World” Series on Indian Churches on Christmas
#MerryChristmas #Christmas #IndiaChurces
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Manguluru celebrating completion of 450 years!
The oldest among the Catholic cathedrals in Karnataka, the Holy Rosary Church was built by the Portuguese soon after they landed in the city following victory in war, on January 5, 1568. It was then called the Factory Church.
https://www.religionworld.in/lady-holy-rosary-cathedral-manguluru-celebrating-completion-450-years/
“50 stars of Christmas” : St. Anne church, Goa – Masterpiece of the Indian Baroque style
The Church of St. Anne lies charmingly nestled in the lush greenery of Santana in Talaulim village. Known locally as Santana, the church is among the few Indian churches known for its wonderful Indian Baroque style of architecture. Its architectural excellence is a fine blend of Indian and European architectural styles.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-st-anne-church-goa-masterpiece-indian-baroque-style/
“50 Stars of Christmas” : St Marks Cathedral, Bengaluru – Stands Testimony of Time
One of the popular tourist attractions of Bangalore is the St. Mark’s Cathedral located amidst happening and eventful surroundings of the M.G Road. This Church has been named after St.Mark, who is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. It is also believed that he was the very first Gospel Writer.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-st-marks-cathedral-bengaluru-stands-testimony-time/
“50 Stars of Christmas” : St Andrews Basillica, Arthukul Kerala – A tale of Religious Harmony!
Arthunkal St Andrew’s Basilica is one of the most sacred churches in Kerala, visited by lakhs of devotees every year. Andrew’s Basilica became the first Basilica in the diocese of Alleppey. The Basilica attracts lakhs of devotees both Christians and non-Christians every year from all parts of the State.
“50 Stars of Christmas” :Parumala Church,Kerala – Symbol of Syrian Orthodox Traditions
Kerala is popular for its huge churches spread across the state. Moreover the state is dominated by orthodox Syrian Catholics and its churches have unique architecture and hoary history to talk about. One such huge church near Pampa river is Parumala Church. The mortal remains of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala, are interred in the church.
“50 Stars of Christmas” : Cathedral of The Sacred Heart, Delhi – India’s Prestigious Catholic Church
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is popular as one of the most prestigious of Catholic Churches in Delhi. The church is situated amidst the 14 acres of lush greenery. Sacred Heart is also one of the oldest churches in Delhi. The highlight of this Christian place of worship is the impressive and white altar made of marble. It is said that Sir Anthony de Mello gave the altar and the Archbishop of Agra donated the bell, robes and other furnishings to the church.
“50 Stars of Christmas” : Basilica of Holy Rosary Church, Hooghly – A magnificent Church
Basilica of Holy Rosary was established around 1660 and is one of the oldest churches in West Bengal. A church was built by Portuguese on the banks of Hooghly almost a century after Vasco da Gama reached this state. Considered to be built by Gomez de Soto, it has a key stone of the old church that has engraved 1559 over the gate of the monastery. There are three altars, several tomb stones and a small musical organ in the church. It is also one of the most popular historical churches in West Bengal.
“50 Stars of Christmas” : Moravian Church, Leh – Highest Church in the Country
Situated at the height of more than 11000 feet, Moravian Church in Leh is one among the highest churches of India. The church was first consecrated in Leh by German missionaries in 1834 who brought some local Buddhist residents into their fold. Belonging to the Protestant denomination, the church has a history of being a successful attempt of missionaries to far-flung places in India.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-moravian-church-leh-highest-church-country/
“50 Stars of Christmas” : St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kerala – Oldest Church in the Country
St Thomas is an important Christian pilgrimage in Kerala. The church is named after St. Thomas, the apostle who is believed to have spread the teachings of Christianity in South India. It is among the old churches in India and dates back to 52 AD. It is also believed that church was built by St. Thomas himself, thus it has been declared as an international pilgrimage spot by the Vatican. Since it is on the hill top, climbing the hill, it offers a great experience to the worshipers to get to the church and pray.
“50 stars of Christmas” : Gunadala Church: Andhra’s Very Own Vellankani
One of the most popular churches and pilgrim places for Christians in Andhra Pradesh, a shrine for the Christians established in Gunadala, in the capital region of Andhra Pradesh state in Vijayawada city, is the Mary Matha Shrine or Gunadala Matha Shrine and its more popular name, St Mary’s Church.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-gunadala-church-andhras-vellankani/
50 Stars of Christmas : St Paul Cathedral, Kolkata – The First Victorian Cathedral
One of the most beautiful churches in India, St. Paul Cathedral in Kolkata, is a breathtaking sight. Renowned for the Gothic architecture, it was constructed in 1847 and is the first Episcopal Church in Asia.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-st-paul-cathedral-kolkata-first-victorian-cathedral/
50 Stars of Christmas : Christ Church in Shimla – Exemplifies Christian Virtues
Christ Church Shimla, the famous hill station popular as tourist destination in summer for entire country, hosts number of religious places that have a wonderful past and magnificent heritage. The main subject when we think of places worth visiting in the town is Christ Church. It is one of the major attractions of the city. Particularly famous among the history buffs, sightseers, and most importantly the spiritualists, the church is one of the magnificent structures from the past. It is the second most oldest church in the entire northern regions of India.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-christ-church-shimla-exemplifies-christian-virtues/
50 Stars of Christmas : Se Cathedral Church, Goa – Asia’s Largest Church
Goa is place of beaches, free spirits and entertainment; but that doesn’t make Goa complete. It is the place for some the finest and grandest churches in the country, in fact in Asia. You have the largest and most attractive churches in Goa around every corner. Among these the Se Catherdral Church located in Old Goa on the banks of the Mandovi River is the largest in Asia.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-se-cathedral-church-goa-asias-largest-church/
50 Stars of Christmas : Velankanni – The Very Indianised Church
When it comes to naming a church in south India, the first name that predominantly strikes anybody is Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu. Located in the coastal town Nagipattanam, this church is very famous among all the people irrespective of they being Christians or not. It is popular as Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and fondly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’ because like Lourdes in France, millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine throughout the year, praying to Our Lady for various needs and thanking her for the favors received through her intercession.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-velankanni-indianised-church/
50 Stars of Christmas : Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa – A finest example of Portuguese influence
The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. Famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the so-called Apostle of the Indies. St Francis Xavier’s missionary voyages throughout the East became legendary. His ‘incorrupt’ body is in the mausoleum to the right, in a glass-sided coffin amid a shower of gilt stars.
50 Stars of Christmas : Vallarpadam Church – The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom
Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, popularly known as Vallarpadam church , is an ancient church built in 1524. Located in the middle of Vallarpadam in Kerala, it is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in South India. The building was destroyed in the flood and rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1676.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-vallarpadam-church-basilica-lady-ransom/
50 stars of Christmas : Santhome Basillica, Chennai – Historically significant church by the shore
Santhome Church is a historically and architecturally a very important church in India. Located in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the church sports a classic Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is also the place where the remains of St. Thomas are said to have been kept. St. Thomas English Church (STEC), once known as ‘St. Thomas-by-the-sea’ by the British is the most beautiful church on the shores of the sea in Chennai.
50 stars of Christmas : Medak Church – Built for the poor!
Just two hours away from Hyderabad, Medak is home to the second largest Diocese in world after Vatican. It is world famous for its stained glass windows and gothic style Church. To be precise it’s a Cathedral, though it’s more popularly called as a Church as it has its own presiding Bishop who lives and offers prayers there.
https://www.religionworld.in/50-stars-christmas-medak-church-built-poor/
“50 Stars of Christmas”: St Philomena Church, Mysuru – Testimony of Secular outlook of Mysuru rulers
India is a pluralistic country with thousands of dialects and many faiths. All festivals are celebrated with equal gaiety and fervor. We just finished celebrating Diwali and the planning for the Christmas has begun. Planning for the Prayers, feasts and carols across the Churches have started.
Copyright @religionworldin
