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Nagaland: Mopungchuket, Sürümi and Orangkong BCs commemorate jubilees

DIMAPUR

Three churches in Nagaland—Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo (MBA), Sürümi Baptist Church (SBC), and Orangkong Baptist Attoi (OBA)—marked historic milestones in their spiritual journeys with grand jubilee celebrations held from December 26 to 28, 2025, drawing thousands of faithful, church leaders, and dignitaries.

MBA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF FAITH AND SERVICE

Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo (MBA) commemorated its quasquicentennial milestone, celebrating 125 years of faith, service and community under the theme “Khrista Ajanga Yimjung” (Peace Through Christ) on December 27–28, 2025.
The two-day jubilee began with the unveiling of a monolith by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Emeritus Professor of Constructive Theology & Philosophy, Oriental Theological Seminary, and Convenor of Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
The opening service featured jubilee greetings, challenges, and choir presentations. Dr. Sashinungla Pongen, Associate Professor, OTS, delivered the sermon titled “Khrista Den Küm 125” (125 Years with Christ), reminding jubilarians of God’s covenant faithfulness. She urged the congregation to renew their covenant relationship with Christ, drawing from the book of Jeremiah.
The second day witnessed messages, challenges, and felicitations. Rev. Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary, ABAM, Impur, spoke on the theme “Khrista Ajanga Yimjung”, stressing that jubilee is God’s appointed time—a gift of forgiveness, liberation, and reflection. He exhorted the faithful to serve widows, children, persons with disabilities, and to address mental health sensitization, proclaiming liberty through Christ.
During the celebration, three categories of recognition were presented:
Unique service to humanity: Rev. Dr. Wati Aier and T. Ajungla Jamir, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Geneva.
Pastors serving 25 years each at MBA: Rev. Supong Aier (1951–1976), Rev. Subo Jamir (1976–2000), Rev. Jongpong (2000–2025).
Pastors honoured for service since 1900: Charles Zellie (1908-1910), Lolentsüngba (1911-1912, 1915-1924), Lendipong (1913-1914), Kümsangkokba (1925-1930), Temrepchiba (1931-1937), Noktsüngba (1948-1950), Rev. Subong Aier (1938-1947, 1951-1976), Rev. Subo Jamir (1976-2000), and Sobulepden (1982-1984).
Pastors from Kubolong, Süngratsü, Aosüngküm, Impur, Aoyimküm, Khar, Longjang, Chami, Longpa and Longjang compound also conveyed jubilee greetings.
The concluding service was delivered by Rev. Dr. A. Tali Ao, Academic Dean, CTC Alichen, on the theme “Nenok Kü Kulitem” (You are my Witnesses).
The quasquicentennial celebration stands as a testament to Mopungchuket Baptist Church’s enduring legacy, offering gratitude, renewal, and rededication to its mission of spreading peace through Christ.

SÜRÜMI BAPTIST CHURCH MARKS 100 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND UNITY

Sürümi Baptist Church (SBC), under the denominations SBAK Nito Mount and SBAK Aizuto, celebrated its Centennial Jubilee (1925–2025) with a grand two-day programme held on December 27 and 28 at Sürümi Village Ground. The jubilee was observed under the theme “Maturity in Christ” (Colossians 1:28), locally translated as “Tekhoive Keu Khristomi.”
The celebration commenced with the dedication of the jubilee stone by Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, executive secretary, SBAK (Aizuto), followed by greetings from Shetoyi Yepthomi, former MLA and Parliamentary Secretary. On the second day, the Word of God was shared by Rev. Kughato K. Chophy, executive secretary, SBAK Nito Mount. In his message, he also spoke on the theme “Tekhoive Keu Khristomi (Aküxü Kithe)” from Ezekiel 36:26 and expressed hope for the church’s 200-year jubilee in 2033.
Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, in her special address, described the jubilee as a time of divine favour. She acknowledged her role as an MLA as a blessing from God and urged the community to embrace unity and constructive dialogue. Akükatou Qheniho Jakhalu, village chief, encouraged the community to live in unity and glorify God through collective efforts. Toiho S. Yeptho, deputy speaker, NLA, reflected on the biblical significance of jubilee, emphasizing forgiveness as its core message. He noted Sürümi’s contribution as a hub of professionals and government servants, urging the village to lead by example. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Mughalu Swu, pastor, Sürümi Baptist Akukuhou (SBA). Invocation was offered by Ghunali Aye, women leader, SBA. The Jubilee Choir presented special numbers including “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “We Have Reached the Jubilee Day”. A tribute to the pioneers was led by Rev. Zutovi Yeptho, former pastor, while Rev. Henije Zhimo offered a special prayer for the villagers. Vihoto H. Awomi, Centre Baptist Church, SBAK Nito Mount, led the offertory prayer.
General (Retd.) Niki Sumi, president, NSCN-K (Niki), was also present at the celebration. The programme concluded with a benediction by Rev. Khumtsa Awomi, former pastor, followed by a Jubilee Feast.
Er. Shikato Jakhalu informed that the centennial was observed as a year-long celebration, beginning with the declaration of the jubilee year on January 5, 2025, and the laying of the jubilee monolith foundation stone on February 19.
The celebration concluded with a thanksgiving service on the evening of December 28. The Centennial Jubilee was jointly organized by all three Christian denominations in the village—SBAK Aizuto, SBAK Nito Mount, and NCRC—in a spirit of unity.

ORANGKONG BAPTIST ATTOI CELEBRATES PLATINUM JUBILEE

Church leaders and dignitaries at the Platinum Jubilee.

Orangkong Baptist Attoi (OBA) commemorated its Platinum Jubilee from December 26 to 28, 2025, at the Jubilee Convention Hall under the theme “Jesus Christ, the Lord of History.” The three-day celebration witnessed participation from church leaders, dignitaries, and members of the wider Phom community.
The jubilee began with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary, NBCC. The jubilee monolith was unveiled with prayers by N. Tialemba Phom, executive secretary, PBCA. The Jubilee Convention Hall was jointly dedicated by Rev. Dr. Pongener, Rev. Dr. L. Anjo Keikung, former general secretary, NBCC, and N. Tialemba Phom.
H. Leisha Phom, convener of the Jubilee Planning and Organising Team, delivered the welcome address, expressing gratitude to the 55 Phom community churches and all participants for their support and presence.
Bukchem Phom, former minister and Chief Information Commissioner, Nagaland, spoke on “Conflict and Peace in Orangkong Before and After 1950”, highlighting the transformation of the community towards peace and reconciliation. Rongsenmeren, pastor, Changtongya Baptist Arogo, shared insights into the missionary legacy of Imnatsudong Ao, the first pastor of Orangkong Baptist Church. Special numbers were presented by the guest choirs from Changtongya Baptist Arogo and Longleng Town Baptist Church.
The jubilee was graced by the presence of A. Pongshi Phom, MLA 50 AC; Bangtick Phom, MLA 49 AC; W. Manpai Phom, Deputy Commissioner, Longleng; Yanger Jamir, SP Longleng; Chaidok Phom, president, Phom Gazette Officer Association (PGOA); Y.B. Angam, president, Phom People’s Council (PPC); and other dignitaries.
As part of the Jubilee Convergence Programme, Y. Alongla Sangtam, Addl. SP (Security), spoke on “Women in Leadership – Achieving an Equal Future”, organised by the OBA Women’s Ministry. B. Henok Buchem, DC Kohima, addressed the youth on “Youth in Leadership – Embracing Unique Gifts and Talents”, under the OBA Youth Ministry.
Earlier, a thanksgiving hour was held in collaboration with Changtongya Baptist Church, which included the unveiling of a Mission Station monolith and a prayer at Chaujing Ling (morung) led by pastor Rongsenmeren.

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