And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. [Hebrews 11:6]

 


 

News and Media


 

Pastor Anto Samuel

comes to the rescue of children in Jaffna  

 

November Newsletter Click here

 

 Obituary Notices  13/ 12/ 2009 
 

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.

 

 October Newsletter Click here

 

 

A wonderful felowship visit with the JDCSI

 

  by a missionary and an evangelist Pastor  Anto Samuel


   

Amazing Centenarian 

   

 102year old Ruth's spirits and love for Uduvil !

 
 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.  

 
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.   
 

 Obituary Notices  15/ 10/ 2009     

   

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. 

 

JDCSI Annual Children’s Rally 2009 

 
 

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.


  Our Indiana-Kentucky Conference visit us

 
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.

   

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.


 

                    We shall wake up to a new dawn of hope

A Special Report By our Melbourne correspondent

 
  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.

A Bishop's commitment to New Life leadership

 
 

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.


 

Shanti was an epitome of peace and joy

 
 
Thursday July 2, 2009 Vaddukoddai paid an incredible tribute to one of its beloved daughters, Shantakumari Vigna Rajah nee Rajadurai, when she said her final amen and departed into glory. The Cathedral Church of the JDCSI where the service in celebration of her life and gratitude was held before the committal rites at the family memorial grounds was packed to capacity and many people who had traveled great distances to pay their tribute to her had to stand outside.

 Obituary Notices  29/ 07/ 2009     

 

SHANTHAKUMARI

VIGNA RAJA  

 
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.
 

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. 


Nation demands an inspirational

pursuit for peaceful coexistence  

 
  In his pledge Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah said:
 “In my Lord’s vineyard, I am a humble servant”.

Bishop’s visit to the second Sinhala Parish to Panadura

 
 
  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.

“To give people purpose, and for their lives to make a difference”

                                                                      Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah 
   

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.

 

   The Power of Petecost   
 

 Season of Pentecost

 
 

 Message from the Parish Minister Rev Bertram J Mather  


     April Newsletter  2009 Click Here    


 Obituary Notices  08/ 05/ 2009   
 

04–01–1938

to

01-05-2009

 
Dr Prince Selvadurai Selvachandran   
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.

 

  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.

Leela Ponnusamy departs to glory

 
 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.

 Re-Build Hope

 

 Challenge of our times

  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.

 

Son of Encouragement

 
 

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

 


 Obituary Notices  22/ 03/ 2009   

 

Paranchothy Rasaratnam

 
 
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.
 

Funeral arrangements will be notified later.

 Informant       Bishop Daniel S Thiagarajah Bishop's House, Vaddukoddai                                      

Canada Telephone  1-416-321-8759


 

Born 1.7.1932

  Third Anniversary Remembrance

 

 

 Entered Glory 1.4.2006
 

 Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders

 

 

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’


   

 

15th Anniversary Remembrance

Mary Rosammah Richards

 

December 24, 1916

    March 15,    1994


 

 

 

Jaffna College readies to meet new challenges ahead

JDCSI’s Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah Elected as its New Chairman  
 

 

 My Grace is Sufficient unto you

Moolai Church

 

Obituary Notices  06/ 02/ 2009   

 Thavaputhiri Jesuthason

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.

 

   

"Rebuild Church, Rebuild Hope"

Tellipallai Church

 

 

Christian Literature Federation launched

 

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.

   December Newsletter    Click Here  


   

Bishop Thiagarajah’s Christmas message for 2008

 

   

Role Model Children Day Care Centre at Nuwara Eliya

 

 

First JDCSI Congregation in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province

 

The Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India, when it launched its first Sinhala congregation in Galle recently became a three language Christian community and Sinhalese became another worshipping language of the Church of South India. Today, the JDCSI has congregations in all but one province in the country. Seen in the picture here are pastor of the Galle Church, the Rev Nelson and his wife Manjula with some of their parishioners.

 

   November Newsletter From JDCSI Media Jaffna  


 Bishop Meets the Oldest CSI Member in Melbourne

 

In his current visit to Melbourne, Australia, the Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah made it a special point to meet the elder folks of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India who have now made Australia their home. He specially applauded the role they are playing in sharing the rich traditions of our culture, the spirit of extended family relationships and the affection and love children shower on their older folks. This is also a kind of missionary spirit that has been impacted by Christian concerns.

Among his visits one was to Grace Bonney 91 years from Uduvil, wife of the late Alfdred Bonney and the mother of Joyfred ,Godfred And  Rev Angela Tampiyappa when she lived in Uduvil was a good Christian and friend, ideal neighbour and a gentle and humble person. She is the proud mother of the first ordained lady minister of the church in Sri Lanka.
 

 

Bishop meets Governor of Victoria at the Government House

 

The Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah met with the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser AC Friday November 21, 2008 and expressed their cordial sentiments about his visit to Melbourne, Australia. Bishop Thiagarajah was accompanied by Reverend Angela Tampiyappa and Christy Thiagarajah  Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser came from Sri Lanka .

 

Bishop Thiagarajah's brief visit to Melbourne has become a very hectic one with many meetings to which he has been warmly welcomed and felicitated. The freshness of approach he is bringing to the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India is being very much appreciated especially by those who were part of the JDCSI when they were in Sri Lanka and whose parents have been members of it.

 

   

BISHOP THIAGARAJAH WELL RECEIVED BY CHURCH & COMMUNITY LEADERS

 

   

All Persons Should Obey Court Orders 

 by    Wasantha Ramanayake

Courtesy: Daily News, 18th October 2008          Full Story

   

 Obituary Notices  15 / 10 / 2008  

 

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