Celebrating Christmas in New York

The Christmas celebration gathering expressed the resolve to dedicate oneself to the welfare of humanity by keeping the bond of religious harmony intact. The Bangladeshi-American Christian community, on the occasion of celebrating their special day on December 25, took up various programs at the 'United Bengali Lutheran Church of America' in Woodside, Queens. The 'Ozone Park Evangelical Lutheran Church' was in cooperation. The guest was the Consul General of Bangladesh in New York, Md. Nazmul Huda. Imam Kazi Qayyum of Mohammadi Center joined the gathering on behalf of the Muslim community to convey the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill. 

The worship was conducted by Pastor James Roy, Pastor Kamal Dev, Elder Theodor A. Barikder, Vicar Benikid Baroi, Elder Sameer Ratna, Edward Biswas, and Dr. DH Banke under the overall coordination of the head of the host organization. 

Pastor Kamal Dev shed light on the prophecy and fulfillment of the birth of Jesus. Shikha Adhikari read from the Bible. Pastor Kajal Sarkar welcomed all the participants and spoke about the significance of the day. James Roy and John S. Ratna led the prayer festival. They prayed for the mercy of Jesus Christ to save the people in the situations of Ukraine and the Middle East. Amidst the sounds of songs, poems and jubilation, the Christmas meal was served to the gathering. The congregation sang, 'Wandering travelers, come and run, I have found the direction of that path in the new star. Slowly walking in the heart of the millions of stars, the sinners are suffering, and he repeatedly shows the way.'

Christmas gifts were distributed among the children in this grand event. James N. Sarkar, Sujit Kirtania, Dr. Thomas Dulu Roy, John S. Baroi, Sylvia Roy, Francis Rosario, Alex Saha, James Roy, Mariam Das, Bapi Odhikar, and others served the Christmas dinner.