: Over 100-year-old Saint Luke’s Church restored, reopened in Srinagar after 30 years #IndiaNEWS #State *LG urges all to strengthen values of brotherhood, peace Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU/SRINAGAR,

Over 100-year-old Saint Luke’s Church restored, reopened in Srinagar after 30 years #IndiaNEWS #State
*LG urges all to strengthen values of brotherhood, peace
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the reopening ceremony of historic St Lukes Church in Srinagar that has been fully renovated, conserved and opened for the public to offer prayers.
Addressing the gathering through virtual mode, the Lt Governor said that the lost glory of the oldest Church in Srinagar has been restored today.
Reopening of St Lukes Church in Srinagar after restoration is a historic occasion to celebrate and imbibe Lord Christs message of sacrifice, service, redemption, love and compassion, observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor said that the St Lukes Church is a unique symbol of J&Ks composite culture, which was built in 1896 on the southwest slope of Shri Shankaracharya Hill.
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He congratulated the citizens of J&K, especially the Christian community and all the artisans involved in the renovation and conservation, besides the officials associated with the Smart City program. The restoration and conservation work of St Lukes Church has been carried out under the Smart City Project. The up-gradation of the surrounding landscape has also been attended to including access to the Church, lighting and the allied components. The inside of the Church has also been redone with construction of Alter, wooden flooring, seating, window panes, access gate and porch.
India is home to diverse religions and cultures for centuries. But, despite much diversity, we are living in unity without any discrimination, observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor urged the people to inculcate the spirit of social harmony and strengthen the values of brotherhood, peace and selfless service.
St. Lukes message of peace and harmony to all human beings is more relevant today than ever before. Today, while facing the challenges of Covid pandemic, the whole world is realizing that no nation or society can survive in isolation. Our dependence on each other, our connect with each other has increased substantially, the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor remembered Dr. Arthur Neve, and threw light on his life. Dr. Arthur served the people of J&K for three decades, by establishing this Church as well as saving many lives as a doctor, he added.
The Lt Governor also extended his warm wishes to the people for the upcoming Christmas festival.
On the eve of Christmas, when we remember Jesus Christ, let us also reiterate our strong resolve to follow the path of truth, non-violence and universal brotherhood. Every person should sincerely play their part in promoting harmony in society, the Lt Governor said.