Warangal to get Asia's largest church in 2020

Hyderabad: Next year's Christmas will be a special one in Warangal district of Telangana. The work on the Christu Jyothi Church, touted as Asia's largest church, in the district is expected to be completed in 2020.

At present, the Sumi Baptist Church in Zunheboto in Nagaland, with a seating capacity of 8,500, is considered one of the largest churches in Asia.

The gigantic church at Karunapuram can accommodate 40,000-odd devotees. It is estimated to cost Rs 20 crore, though sources say the budget will likely increase. The rectangular church has a plinth area of roughly 50,000 square feet on the ground floor and 40,000 square feet on the balcony.

The slabs are being procured from Madhucon Granites in Tamil Nadu's Hosur. To improve the beauty of the prayer hall, the church will have one of the most sought after colonial white granite slabs. It will have a NEXO sound system.

The 120-diameter aluminium ruin which has been imported from Houston in the US is likely to be the highlight of the church. The St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City remains the largest church in the world with a seating capacity of 60,000.

Director of Christu Jyothi Ministries Rev Dr G Jaya Prakash said: "By the grace of the Lord, we will be able to complete the construction before 2020 Christmas. As of now, 60 per cent of the work is over. We just planned to build a megachurch in 5 acres. Later, we came to know that it's going to be the largest church in Asia surpassing the Sumi Baptist Church located in Nagaland."

He added that the society is entirely dependent on carrying out its activities on the offers of the local devotees. The society also runs a theological college, health campus, including activities related to HIV/AIDS, an old-age home, and social awareness programs in addition to spiritual activities.