Hyderabad churches tweak plans in shadow of pandemic

HYDERABAD: Sunday marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations in many churches across the city, albeit subdued with restrictions on carol singing, mid-night mass and community gatherings. The Covid-19 pandemic has cast a shadow on the festive fervor as churches tweak their Christmas plans to implement government guidelines.
For the first time in 40 years, the United Christian Celebrations will not be held on a grand level.“Usually, we have close to 2,000-3,000 people joining us from different disciplines every year apart from bureaucrats and ministers. This year, we have decided to have a subdued celebration limiting people to only 200 to 300. Last year, the choir itself was close to 100 people. This time, it will be 25 to 30 people,” said Robert Surya Prakash, general secretary, United Christian Celebrations Committee.
Mid-night mass too has been called off at many churches. Some churches have allowed families to sing carols within the church premises. “We have organised a family carol evening this Sunday from 6pm to 8pm wherein each family will be given three minutes to sing carols or perform a skit. Instead of having a mid-night mass, we will be having morning service on Christmas,” said Norman Issac, treasurer of Church of St John the Baptist, Secunderabad, adding that the service will also be live streamed.
Majority of churches are not allowing children below 10 years and adults above 60 years on Christmas day. “We are expecting more younger generation in the mid-30s and mid-40s to attend carol singing and other services in the church. Not more than 50 to 60 people will be allowed at one time. Holy communion will also be distributed in disposal glasses,” said Reverand Dr T Bhaskar, vice-chairman of Medak Diocese.
It will be a low-key affair with many restricting the celebrations to service. “We will have an early morning service at 3 am on December 24 followed by the Christmas holy service the next morning,” said Father Thomas Oommen, priest of St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ramachandrapuram.