The Church of the Epiphany, Civil Lines, Gurgaon hosted the 2024 edition of the Festival of Choirs on the 24th, of November 2024. The event was scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The Guest of Honour on the day was The Rt. Revd. Dr. Paul Swaroop, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi (CNI). The Secretary of the Pastorate Committee, Mr. Sunil Sannoo greeted and welcomed the gathering. The Presbyter in Charge, Revd. Prateek Pillai said the opening prayer.
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| The Rt. Reverend, Dr.Paul Swaroop, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi (CNI) |
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| Revd. Prateek Pillai, Presbyter in charge of the Church of the Epiphany |
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| Welcoming the Guest of Honour with a planter |
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| Welcoming the Guest of Honour with a planter |
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| The Guest of Honour, Rt.Revd. Dr. Paul Swaroop, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi addressing the gathering. |
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| Revd. Timothy Shaw introducing his choir |
The Guest of Honour, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Paul Swaroop, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi, CNI, was welcomed by Revd. Prateek Pillai, the Presbyter in Charge. Revd. Prateek also delivered a brief message. Mr Sunil Sannoo delivered the vote of thanks. The closing prayer was made by the Guest of Honour, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Paul Swaroop, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi, CNI.
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| A Prayer by the Rt. Revd. Dr. Paul Swaroop, the Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi (CNI) |
Twelve different Choirs from different churches and organisations participated in the event, which was a great success. The spirit of the Advent season was rekindled by the soul-stirring performances of the different choirs. The Choirs present included those from: The Caleb Institue Furrukhnagar, Free Church Sansad Mark, Delhi, Evangelical Church of India, Delhi Ao Naga Choir, Delhi, Green Park Free Church, Delhi, Gurgaon Mizo Service, St. Stephens Hospital, Delhi, Holy Trinity Church, Delhi, Church of The Epiphany Gurgaon, (Hindi), Life Hinglish Church (DBF-Gurgaon)The Church of The Epiphany Gurgaon, (English), and The Sadhu Sundersingh Church, Sohna.
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| The Choir from the Caleb Institute |
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| The Choir from the Caleb Institute |
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| The Choir from the Free Church-Sansad Marg |
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| Choir from the Mizo Service |
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| Choir from the Mizo |
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Choir from the Gurgaon Mizo service
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| The Choir from Green Park Free Church |
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| Choir from the St. Stephen Hospital |
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| Choir from the St. Stephen Hospital |
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| Choir from the Epiphany Church, Hindi Sevice |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany Hindi Service |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, Hindi Service |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, Hindi service |
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| The Ao Delhi Naga Choir |
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| The Ao Naga Delhi Choir |
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| Ao Delhi Naga Choir |
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| Choir from the Holy Trinity Church, Turkman Gate |
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| Choir from the Holy Trinity Church, Turkman Gate |
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| DBF Choir |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, English service |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, English service |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, English service |
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| Choir from the Church of the Epiphany, English Service |
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| Choir from the Sadhu Sundersingh Church, Sohna |
The Church was packed and all the pews were occupied. The choirs performed so well that we had guests joining them as they sang. A special word of appreciation should go to all the choirs that found the time to practice and brave the evening traffic rush. The Church was decked up, and the decorations were in place. The Delhi Ao Naga Choir performed magic with their notes thrilling the gathering into a mute appreciation. The Caleb Institute performed with panache spreading the energy and spirit of Christmas. The Epiphany Church Choirs amazed the gathering with their exceptional performance. The St. Stephen's Hospital Team with their Music Director, Dr. Sudhir Joseph were completely in sync, and they sang in unison, a spell-binding performance. The DBF Choir enraptured the gathering with their instruments and vocals. The Gurgaon Mizo Choir did so well that the gathering joined the rhythm. The Green Park Free Church accompanied by Revd. Timothy Shah performed with zest enthralling the audience. The Sohna Church Choir sang a brisk number that revved up the spirit. It was indeed a moment that was special and unique in every aspect.
There were quite a few candid and lighter moments where all those working behind the scenes had a few fun moments. I was asked to take a few photographs of the ushers, those handling logistics and so on. A special thanks to Mr. Robin Moses and Mr. Satish Patras for ensuring that the food was of excellent nature and for supervising serving the fellowship meal.
