Prayer meet to remember Orissa massacre in capital

Christians in India and across the world will always remember August 24 - the day last year the country witnessed one of the largest anti-Christian violence ever.

Kandhamal district, some 200 km from Bhubaneswar, witnessed communal violence following the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his aides Aug 23 2008.

In the aftermath of the killing, over 50,000 Christians were forced to flee after their houses were attacked by seething mobs. Although no communal violence has been reported from the region since October last year, nearly 1,200 people are still living in three government-run relief camps.

These persecuted Christians and those who have been martyred for their faith will be remembered the coming Monday, August 24, at an inter-denomination prayer meet in the capital.

At the Sacred Heart Cathedral from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Christians of all denominations will congregate to "Pray for Peace, Healing, and Reconciliation."

Leaders of all major denominations and church groups are expected to participate. Representatives of other communities and the Government have also been invited.

Also, this week in Orissa many churches are organising prayers and peace marches to mark the murder of Saraswati. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar has urged people to remember August 23 as 'Peace Day' "to express solidarity and promote peace and unity."

He also called on the UN to declare the day as a "Global Day for Peace and Harmony" to ensure that such violence is not perpetuated on any community or individuals in any part of the world.

According to the All India Christian Council, the six-month long violence damaged 315 villages and destroyed 4,640 Christian houses. Additionally, 70 people were killed; 18,000 Christians were injured and 54,000 were rendered homeless.