This year’s Indian Christian Day (ICD 2025) in the Tri-State area will be celebrated on Sunday, June 29 at 4 PM at the St. Vincent Depaul Syro-Malankara Cathedral (1500 De Paul St, Elmont, N.Y. 11003).
“Indian Christian Day, also known as Yeshu Bhakti Divas, is a day we set aside to celebrate the love and message of our Lord Jesus Christ in India. This day also serves as a tribute to the significant contributions made by Indian followers of Jesus to the development and progress of our nation and beyond. It is a celebration that honors the rich heritage and legacy of Christianity in India, a tradition that dates back to the arrival of Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD.””
The founders of the event chose July 3 originally because it is traditionally observed as Saint Thomas Day – the day celebrating Thomas the Apostle, who brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to India in 52 AD. It is historically accepted that Saint Thomas was martyred near Chennai, located in India’s Tamil Nadu state, in 72 AD. This rich history is a part of our shared heritage, and as Mr. Varghese Abraham, Chief Coordinator of the event here in New York, said, “we, as followers of Jesus, can preserve our identity within India’s cultural heritage while uniting with all those who wish to celebrate it, irrespective of language, custom, creed, region, or religion” .
The celebration in previous years involved Christians from all over India coming together to celebrate the diversity of Christians through songs and worship. The organizers extend a heartfelt invitation to all, regardless of their denominations, to join them in this grand celebration. This open invitation is a testament to the event’s spirit of inclusivity and acceptance.
For more information:
Varghese (Raju) Abraham 516-456-9740
Koshy George – 718-314-8171
