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| If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. [John 4:20] |
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Church Bell Rings; Wanni Rises Again
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Photo by John Kanagasingham
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| Very much the first construction on the A9 Highway at Kilinochchi during the last four weeks has been the renovation of the Church of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI). Reverends Rajkumar, Joseph, Dickson and their colleagues and workmen with Bishop Daniel Thiagarjah giving a hand to them were seen at work with their cassocks tucked and folded at knee handling building, roofing and fencing equipment witnessing God’s stewards at work. |
| Note by the Editor: Wanni is very home to Bishop Daniel and Thaya Thiagarajah. During their ministry here before the war, they became totally committed to the spiritual and other needs of the people, so much so they came to be treated as the first parents of the community. The best witnessing one cam experience at a church is when little children express themselves without any inhibitions; to many in Wanni Bishop Daniel and Thaya are Appah and Ammah” and in their home, they are their grandkids |
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Fourth Anniversary Remembrance
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Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders (Former Consultant Physician/Honorary Senior Lecturer, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK)
Born 1.7.1932 Entered Glory 1.4.2006
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In ever loving memory of Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders, son of Mr & Mrs DS Sanders (Jaffna College). Sadly missed by his devoted wife Mangai (Irene); loving children, Roshini (Consultant Ophthalmologist), Sureshini (General Practitioner) and David (Professor of Gastroenterology) (all resident in the UK); their spouses Dharshan, Prem and Iman; and all his grandchildren Daniel, Rohini, Samuel, Rajan, Samira and Daniel Solomon. Four years have passed without our beloved father. Again we met to both commemorate and celebrate our father’s life. Although our lives ‘move on’ we have not forgotten that Appah (along with our mother) provided us with all the wonderful opportunities that we now have. Accepting God’s will is still difficult for all of us. We simply miss our father. We want to share our troubles and our successes with him. We try and take solace in knowing that he is watching and guiding our actions even if we can no longer see his physical presence. Most of all we see aspects of him in his grandchildren - Appah’s six grandchildren are blossoming and make us feel secure for the future of our family. As his principles served us we hope that we have imbibed them into this new generation. His grandchildren are a fitting tribute and legacy to his life. We are trying to accept that this is indeed the nature of life and we must come to terms with his absence and cherish our memories of so many wonderful years. We continue to abide by his and his forefathers’ mantra ‘in faith lies the victory’.
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| Junior Vice Principal Victor Jeyakumar |
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Victor Jeyakumar, a popular member of the Jaffna College staff and a member of the Synod of Church of South India has been appointed as a Junior Vice Principal. Mr Jeyakumar who holds a University of Jaffna BSc degree in physics and also a Diploma in Education from the same university travels every weekend to Colombo to do his MSc in physics at the University of Colombo. He is the head of the Science Department of the Advanced Level; and also the patron of the Science Union.
He comes from a family of educationalists. His father was a principal of a Grade Two school, his wife a teacher too and his uncle Mr Daniel served as a Director of Education at the zone l level.
Mr Jeyakumar is a tireless and committed community worker.
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| Obituary Notices 13/ 12/ 2009 |
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MR CHELLIAH DAVID CHINNAKONE - (Ex Managing Director, Sri Lanka Ports Authority), beloved husband of Gnanasoundari Chinnakone, loving father of David Jeyaseelan and Sarah Jeyarathy, grandfather of Dhivya, Harin and Jonah, father-in-law of Mohan and Raji, brother of late Jesupathy Kandiah, late Radha Venayagam and Thirupathy Kanapathipillai, brother-in-law of Balasubramaniam, late Kandiah and Yogarajah, was called to be with Jesus on Saturday 12th December 2009. Remains will lie at A.F. Raymond Funeral Parlour from 10 a.m. 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 15 December 2009. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, 16 December 2009 at 4 p.m. at the JDCSI Church, 17, Francis Road, Colombo 6. Viewing from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Service will be followed by a Private Funeral (family members only) at the General Cemetery, Kanatte. No flowers by request. Donations can be made to Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation.
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102year old Ruth's spirits and love for Uduvil !
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Ruth Ponammah Maude Lee was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1907. Her parents, Foster and Muriel Lee migrated from Ceylon to Malaysia in 1904 where Foster Lee took up his post as assistant Headmaster in the Methodist Boys School in Kuala Lumpur. Here he worked till 1912 and then proceeded to King Edward VII School, Taiping where he was Senior Assistant to the headmaster. Ruth’s early childhood days were spent in Taiping, where she attended the Lady Treacher Girls School together with her older sister, Agnes and younger sister, Violet.
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When Ruth turned twelve, she, together with Agnes and Violet, were sent off to boarding school in Jaffna as their father felt they were lacking in the understanding and knowledge of their own Ceylonese culture. There was no doubt in Foster Lee’s mind that the chosen school would be Uduvil Girl’s School.
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Ruth still recalls, with great fondness and pride, the strict discipline the school taught and inculcated in them. Her happy memories of the various clubs they could be part of still brings a smile to her face. Ruth’s favourite was the Cookery Club. The girls had to line up on entering the classroom. Knowing there was a shortage of coconut scrapers, everyone “scrambled” to stand closest to one of them. At the end of the term, there was a competition and the best group won a prize.
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At the age of seventeen, Ruth returned to Malaysia and taught in the Anglo Chinese School in Ipoh till she got married in 1934. She married Kunaratnam Reginald Navaratnam and had five children in the span of 12 years – a boy and four girls. Ruth, who was widowed in 1981, still lives in the family home in Kuala Lumpur, supported by a live-in maid. Three of her five children live in Kuala Lumpur. Two of her daughters live in Melbourne, Australia, but find time to visit her very often.
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| On the 11th of November, 2009, Ruth will, God willing, turn 102. She has been blessed with good health, a happy and contented life and the virtues Uduvil Girls School instilled in her. This she has passed on to future generations. |
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| Obituary Notices 15/ 10/ 2009 |
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RASAKONE - PACKIAMALAR
(Retired Teacher)
RASAKONE - PACKIAMALAR Wife of late Prince Chellappa Rasakone (Attorney-at-law), mother of Gnanasothy Mather, Selvy Paheerathan (Australia), Packiarajah Rasakone (Australia), mother-in-law of Franklin Mather, Paheerathan and Savithri (Australia), grandmother of Sister Thabo (Ceylon Pentecostal Mission), Subo (Canada), James and Atchuthan, Darshini, Sandy and Becky (all in Australia). Entered Glory. Remains lie at A.F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour from 8.00 a.m. on 15th October. Cortege leaves the parlour at 3.00 p.m. on Friday 16th October. Burial at General Cemetery, Borella (General Christian Section). Residence 78/15, Jambugasmulla Road, Nugegoda. Tel. 4959633. |
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Hundreds of children, young people and elders led by the respective priests of the various parishes of the Jaffna Diocese (CSI) and headed by Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah marched from the Maruthanamadam Junction to the Uduvil Girls College launching the annual Children’s Rally 26 Sep 2009. It turned out to be a momentous day with competitions, exhibitions, demonstrations and show of spontaneous community support apart from the usual features of the Children’s Rally, an important date in the yearly calendar of the Jaffna Diocese.
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Our Indiana-Kentucky Conference visit us
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| The leaders and members of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ in the US are great friends of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India. Their concerns for our people go far beyond just friendly relations and make it a point to keep in close touch with us with regular visits, having discussions with us and seeing for themselves how they are able to make a difference to us. |
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Last month we had the visits of the Rev Paul (Chip) Jahn and Bill Hogg as chief guests of the annual Sports Meet of the Kumudhini Day care Centre. It is supported by the Peace Menaka Rajasekaram.
During their recent visit especially at a time we are stretched with major issues and challenges that we are determined to tackle and seek solutions,the Rev Chip Jahn and Bill Hogg also visited the Jaffna University and saw for themselves many of the JDCSI projects. Our relationship with the Indiana-Kentucky Conference goes back to 1986.
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We shall wake up to a new dawn of hope
A Special Report By our Melbourne correspondent
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| Humanity, from time to time is called upon to recharge and revitalize itself and renew its tryst with destiny. It is such that sparks new hopes especially when our faith is strong, determined and focused on our Creator, the God of all mercies, the loving God and the just God. It was that kind of spirit that marked the fellowship dinner that took place last Saturday St. Michael’s Grammar School St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria at the Fund-Raising Event held to support the work of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India. |
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A Bishop's commitment to New Life leadership
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The third anniversary of the Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah's assumption to the Holy Office of the Bishop of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India was celebrated with a sacred service of gratitude today Friday August 21, 2009 at the Vaddukoddai Cathedral Church. It was followed by a breakfast at which many members of the public, leaders of the community and parishioners attended. Bishop Thiagarajah generously received the blessings of the community for the New Life leadership he has launched and has made a major difference with his commitment to service and ideals focused on peace, harmony and development.
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Obituary Notices 29/ 07/ 2009
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SHANTHAKUMARI
VIGNA RAJA
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| VIGNA RAJA - GEETHA GERALDINE SHANTHAKUMARI at Rest with Jesus. Beloved wife of R.T. Vigna Raja (High Court Judge, Jaffna), loving mother of Sangeetha (UK), Shavindra (UK) and Sanjendra (Lecturer, Department of Law, University of Jaffna), mother-in-law of Shanmugalingam Uthayashangar (UK), loving grandmother of Utheshan (Timy), sister of late Walter Balakrishnan Rajadurai, Thamaraikumari and Arasakumari, loving daughter of late Mr & Mrs J.P. Rajadurai, beloved daughter-in-law of late Mr & Mrs R. Thambiya of Moolai, Chulipuram. |
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Burial on 30th July 2009 (Thursday) at 4.00 p.m. at the family burial ground, Vaddukoddai. No. 01, Chetty Street, Nallur, Jaffna. Tel. Nos. 021-2222361 & 021-2229709.
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Bishop’s visit to the second Sinhala Parish to Panadura
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| It was on the 21st of June, the Bishop of JDCSI Rt. Rev. Dr Daniel Thiagarajah made his first visit to the 2nd Sinhala Parish of JDCSI, the Church of Christ the King, in Panadura. The Bishop was received by the congregation in a traditional way. Around sixty members were present for the day’s service which was also a special Holy Eucharist Worship. |
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Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
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| Obituary Notices 08/ 05/ 2009 |
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04–01–1938
to
01-05-2009
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Dr Prince Selvadurai Selvachandran |
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| Vellore-trained Dr Prince Selvachandran of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India and a son of the late Mr and Mrs S S Selvadurai of Kalluvam, Udupiddy passed away in Jersey, United Kingdom after battling a long illness. His final committal was held today, Friday May 8, 2009 following a service at the St Saviour’s Parish Church. A brother of Dr Benjamin Selvarajan of Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom, he leaves behind his wife Brenda and children Brinthini Ravichandran, Suthan Selvachandran and Sashi Trevett, sons-in-law Dr Ravichandran and Richard Trevett, and grandchildren Raghul and Rohit Ravichandran and Christopher and Rebecca Trevett. |
| Following his graduation he worked at the Green Memorial Hospital, Manipay from 1964 to 1984 during which time he was the Medical Superintendent and lead surgeon of the hospital. Thereafter he joined the General Hospital in Jersey as Associate Specialist in General Surgery. However, ill-health caused by Alzheimer’s disease forced him to an early retirement and he passed away peacefully Friday May 1, 2009. His father Mr S S Selvathurai was principal of the American Mission College, Udupiddy and served the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India as its treasurer for many years.
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| Dr Selvachandran was an alumnus of American Mission College and Jaffna College and his brother, Dr Benjamin Selvarajah was also a graduate of the Vellore Christian Medical College, India. |
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Leela Ponnusamy departs to glory
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| We are deeply saddened to report the passing away of Leela Sinniah Thursday April 30, 2009 suddenly at her residence in North York, Toronto, Canada. Daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Sivagnam of Jaffna, she was the beloved wife of Albert I Sinniah who was a teacher at Jaffna College and an active parishioner and Lay Preacher of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India. |
| When he retired from Jaffna College, they joined their children Suthakaran, Revathy and Indumati and their families in Canada. Canada is also home for her sister Punitham and brother Ravindran while another brother Kanagasabapathy lives in Australia. During their Jaffna College days, Leela was a witness of compassion and love especially to those from circumstances of need. |
| Though a devout Hindu married to an equally devout Christian, she was a great example where the sanctity of one’s faith is not expressed in conflicts but in love and unity. Together they were a source of enrichment to those dear and near to them. We express our deepest feelings to Albert, their children, family and dear ones. We say, here departs to eternal glory one who has done her will most meritoriously. |
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Re-Build Hope
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Challenge of our times
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| Callenging times that demand from us our dedicated efforts to re-build hope among our people and rehabilitate the physically, emotional and spiritually displaced and hail in a new chapter of faith and optimism marked the 60th sessions of the Jaffna Diocesan Council of the Church of South India held March 10, 11 and 12, 2009 at Ottley Hall, Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai. |
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Son of Encouragement
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The Rev. and Mrs. J G Thiagarajah in the forefront of our mission in the hill country made a great gesture donating a property worth Rs.2.0 Crores (2O.0 millions) for the work of the JDCSI there at the 60th Sessions of the Diocesan Council, March 12, 2009
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| Obituary Notices 22/ 03/ 2009 |
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Paranchothy Rasaratnam
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| Paranchothy Rasaratnam (nee Parmsothy Sivagurunathan), Retired Teacher of English at Union College, Tellippallai (first School started by the American Missionaries in 1816) for 32 years entered eternal rest in Toronto, Canada. |
| She was wife of late Edwin Thurai Rasaratnam (ETR Edwards, formerly staff of Jaffna Central College), loving mother of Dr Mrs. Thayalini Thiagarajah, Mrs. Jebi Beadle and Kalatharan (Pahpah) Rasaratnam and mother-in-law of the Rt. Rev. Dr Daniel S. Thiagarajah, Bishop of Church of South India-Jaffna Diocese; Jebanesan Beadle (Canada) and Vijie Kalatharan (Canada).Loving sister of late Christobel Thavamany Pathmanabhan and aunt of Mohan Raj, Sundar Raj, Ruba Joseph, Dr Suren Pathman, Ravi, Sugeetha Chelliah and Nithila Dozier (all of USA). |
| Beloved grandmother of Lydia Gitanjali Thiagarajah, Jonathan Beadle, Brinda Kalatharan, Jeshuran Beadle, Preeta and Edwin Pirian Kalatharan. |
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Funeral arrangements will be notified later.
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Informant Bishop Daniel S Thiagarajah Bishop's House, Vaddukoddai
Canada Telephone 1-416-321-8759
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Born 1.7.1932
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Third Anniversary Remembrance |
Entered Glory 1.4.2006 |
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Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders
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| In ever loving memory of Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders, son of Mr & Mrs DS Sanders (Jaffna College). Sadly missed by his devoted wife Mangai (Irene); loving children, Roshini (Consultant Ophthalmologist), Sureshini (General Practitioner) and David (Consultant Gastroenterologist) (all resident in the UK); their spouses Dharshan, Prem and Iman; and all his grandchildren Daniel, Rohini, Samuel, Rajan, Samira and Daniel Solomon. It is the end of our third year without our beloved father. Again we met to both commemorate and celebrate our father’s life. Our sense of loss has not diminished we have merely tried to accept God’s will. We continue in our lives and daily chores in the knowledge that he is watching and guiding our actions. |
| Appah’s six grandchildren are growing strong and independent – he is watching them and in time they will serve his family well. They are a fitting tribute and legacy to his life. We are trying to accept that this is indeed the nature of life and we must come to terms with his absence and cherish our memories of so many wonderful years. We continue to abide by his and his forefathers’ mantra ‘in faith lies the victory’ |
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Obituary Notices 06/ 02/ 2009
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Thavaputhiri Jesuthason
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THAVAPUTHIRI (Ex staff Kopay Christian College), beloved wife of late Jesuthason (Araly), loving mother of Emmaline (Ema), affectionate mother-in-law of Roshan, sister of Thabendran and Kulendran (Canada), sister-in-law of Padmini and Ranjithamalar (Canada), grand mother of Samuel and Shemaiah passed away. Funeral service at Mahinda Parlour, Mt Lavinia, on Saturday 7th Feb 2009 at 3.00 p.m and thereafter burial at General Cemetery, Kanatte.
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Christian Literature Federation launched
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We have the welcome news that a long felt need was met when the Christava Thamil Illakiya Peravai - Christian Tamil Literature Federation - was launched on the auspices Thai Pongal Day by the Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah.
The first celebratory event scheduled will take place January, at the JDCSI Diamond Jubilee Hall presided over by Bishop Thiagarajah. This will be a symposium - Christava Kambanum Thiruvalluvarum, with Henry Alfred Krishnapillai speaking on Kambar and Professor Sivalingarajah, Head of the Tamil Department of University of Jaffna on Thiruvalluvar. The office-bearers of the federation are: President: A.C. Francis; General Secretary: Rev. T.S. Joshua; Treasurer:J.K. Jeyaseelan; Vice President: Rev. I. Rajkumar; Assistant Secretary: 'Malaivannan' Dunstan Selvarajah from Uda Pusselawe; Assistant Treasurer: Mrs. Gnaneswary Athisayathasan. |
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