Abu Dhabi Christians pray for peace and love this Christmas

Abu Dhabi: The Christian community in Abu Dhabi will celebrate Christmas with special prayers for peace and universal brotherhood in a conflict-ridden world, religious leaders said.

“This year’s Christmas message and prayers are for peace and reconciliation for all those who are caught up in violence and strife,” said Rev Dr John Philip, Vicar of Marthoma Church in Abu Dhabi.

Philip said the 4,000-strong Christian community will attend a Christmas mass on December 24 at 8pm at the church in Mussafah.

“Abraham Mar Paulos, Bishop of Delhi Marthoma Church, will be here to address believers on Christmas eve,” he added.

Other church groups in Abu Dhabi are also holding midnight mass and prayers. The St Joseph’s Cathedral is organising a Christmas vigil starting at 7pm followed by a Christmas mass at midnight. It will be preceded by carol singing at 11pm.

One of the oldest and largest church groups in Abu Dhabi, the parish has over 100,000 Catholics.

The management of the Evangelical Church in Abu Dhabi said the church situated on the Airport Road area will be open till 3am on Christmas Eve.

“The special masses conducted by various ethnic and language groups will be held from 10pm on December 24 and will go on till 3am the following day. We are expecting around 4,000 members,” said church administrator Tesfaye Debebe. The Evangelical Church has 60 groups under its umbrella including churches from India, China, Korea, Africa, Europe and Philippines.

Pastor Shui Tak Wu of the Chinese Christian Church said he will urge the community to live up to the true spirit of Christmas – love and peace. “Christ was born to give us a powerful message. And I wish all abundant love and peace this Christmas,” said Wu. Around 200 members are likely to attend the Chinese Church.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMINGS

Marthoma Church: 8pm

St Joseph Cathedral: Midnight

Evangelical Church: 10pm

St Andrew’s Anglican Church: 11.30pm