Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the State government would increase the financial aid to the Christians for the Jerusalem pilgrimage from Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000. He also announced Rs 1.5 crore financial aid to the CSI St Pauls Basilica Church known as CSI Church located near the State Guest House. Stating that the church is very beautiful, he announced that the government would extend support for completion of works.

Chandrababu Naidu joyfully participated in the Christmas celebrations at the CSI Church. He recited some verses and took part in the cake cutting function.

He announced that the State government would increase the financial assistance from Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000 to the Christians proceeding to Jerusalem pilgrimage. He said a large number of Christians go to Jerusalem to see the birth place of Jesus Christ.

He praised the services of Christian missionaries in the fields of education and health. He said many popular persons in Krishna and Guntur districts have studied in the educational institutions run by missionaries. He recalled that TDP founder N T Rama Rao studied in Andhra Christian College in Guntur.