Aashish Presbyterian Church is a religious community of Christians living in Pakhribas. More than 20 families are following Christianity at present.
Background
Christianity in Pakhribas is a modern religion. It has a history of only about two decades. The first person in the village to get converted to Christianity from the traditional Hinduism was Devi Maya Poudel, a local woman from Pakhribas-7. Back then, Devi Maya used to work at the quarters of a Christian couple, Mahendra Bhattarai and Pandi Bhattarai, both a high level working staff of PAC (now ARSP). After her convert, she soon got her husband, Ganesh Bahadur Poudel (James Poudel) also converted. This couple became the first local seeds to have Christianity spread in Pakhribas. Soon the fellowship began which was joined by an energetic and dynamic local youth, Kuber Gurung, who had just returned from Calcutta, India getting converted to Christianity. Mr. Gurung soon began to lead the fellowship and, because of his leadership capabilities, he was later ordained as Elder of the church while James Poudel served as an evangelist and second in authority to him.
Pandi Bhattarai (Subba) was a devout Christian who had come from a Christian family in Kalimpong. Her brother, Rev. M.H. Subba was a pastor of a Presbyterian church. So, with his help, the Bhattarai couple introduced the Presbyterian faith in Pakhribas and finally established a church in 1992 AD (2049 BS). The church was named Aashish Presbyterian Church, which has now become one of the most important religious institutions of Pakhribas.
Worship Pattern
As it is in practice all over the world, the Christian community of Pakhribas worships their God at a common meeting place known as church. Church, in fact, refers to a group of Christians worshiping their God together. However, in physical terms, the building where Christians gather and worship their God is understood as church.
The church of Pakhribas is located at Singhadevi chowk, in Pakhribas-8. Christians from all over Pakhribas and even from neighbouring villages gather in the church every Saturday and carry out their two hours’ worship service. They sing hymns and praises to God, read from the Holy Bible, pray to God, and conduct religious sacraments.
Besides weekly Saturday service, Aashish Presbyterian Church conducts regular house fellowship every Tuesday and Bible Study fellowship every Wednesday. In the same way, youth fellowship is conducted every Friday whereas women fellowship and children fellowship are conducted on Saturdays along with the main service.
At the heart of every Christian fellowship lie Bible reading, praising and praying to God, which can be done whenever and wherever, either in group or individually. Conducting one’s life according to the Holy Bible, God’s Word, is said to contain true Christian worship that keeps one in continuous fellowship with God.
Church Governance
The Presbyterian Church is governed by Elders (ordained ministers) above whom presides the Pastor, the religious head of the church. They are helped by other leading members of the church in the administration. Aashish Presbyterian Church, currently, has the following church governing body.
- Pastor: Kuber Gurung (Chairman)
- Elder: James Poudel (Secretary)
- Treasurer: P.B. Gurung
- Other leading members
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