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JAFFNA DIOCESE OF THE CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA
(inaugurated – 1947)
AMERICAN CEYLON MISSION
(founded in 1816)
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Rev. D. R. Ampalavanar MA., BD , retired clergy of the JDCSI and former Dean /Registrar of the Christian Theological Seminary Chunnakam, had enttered eternal glory on Easter Sunday , 23ed March 2008 at Manipay.
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TheRev. Ambalavanar was the eldest son of late Rev. J. P. & Annammah Ambalavanar of Pugudutivu. He was the loving husband of late Evelyn Rasamalar (Retired teacher) , father of Rajmohan (India) and Rajanimalan, (worker of JDCSI churches at Velanai and Pungudutevu, brother of late Rt. Rev. D. R. Ambalavanar, the second biship of the JDCSI, Rev. D. S. Ambalavanar, Mr. J. P. Ambalavanar (Sydney Australia), brother of Mrs. Grace Athisayam Muthiah, and the grand father of Thevaharan. |
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The body lays at 'The Greeen Villa" Manipay to be taken to the Cathedral Vaddukoddai at 5 p.m on Wednesday the 25th March 2008. The funeral service will be held at 2.00 p. m at the Cathedral on Thursday, 27th March 2008, and the burial will be held at the JDCSI burial ground at uduvil at 5.00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Jebanesan will pay the tribute about the service , witness and the ministry of the Rev. D. R. Ambalavanar, and the sermon will be preached by the present Biship the Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah |
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“Remembrance and Appreciation”
Dr Samuel Chandrarajan Sanders
(Former Consultant Physician/Honorary Senior Lecturer, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK) |
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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 (Consultant Gastroenterologist) (all resident in the UK); their spouses Dharshan, Prem and Iman; and all his grandchildren Daniel, Rohini, Samuel, Rajan and Samira. A year passes so slowly in grief and yet we continue in the knowledge that he is watching and guiding our actions. We gradually try to cherish our memories of so many wonderful years and hold onto his and his forefathers mantra ‘in faith lies the victory’.
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New Church of the JDCSI in Hatton
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By the people's request a new Church is born in Hatton
it was dadicated by the Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah
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Rend your hearts.........and Return (Joel 2:12)
MEDITATION FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Lent weekly meditations by Bishop Thiagarajah
will appear in the website – webmaster
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06 February 2008
The First Day of Lent
Commonly Called
Ash Wednesday |
| Today we begin spring cleaning with a holy dusting. Lent means "spring." |
| An ancient tradition, which centres on our mortality and on the confession of sin before God. This dual focus is maintained in the light of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ. While we are called to acknowledge our sinfulness in this Ash Wednesday service, it also calls us to set our direction towards the cross and beyond. This is the nature of repentance. To turn from our sinful way and to turn to Christ |
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Christians Unite for Peace As War Intensifies
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| Sri Lankan Christians gathered to reflect and pray as a united Church while the country's civil war appeared to be worsening. |
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Participants spent three hours on their knees at the open-air theater in Vihara Mahadevi Park, central Colombo, on Jan. 19. Outside the park, a busy Saturday morning proceeded as usual.Christian Unity Week began in Colombo with a shared faith experience and hope for closer relations among Churches and denominations
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| The Christians inside the park worshipped, prayed and sang, calling for an end to the civil between Tamil rebels and the Sinhalese-led government that has taken 65,000 people's lives since it began in 1983. A slide show highlighted the aftermath of bombings and killings |
| More than 300 participants represented the Catholic Church, Church of Ceylon, Church of South India, and Methodist, Baptist, Dutch Reformed and Evangelical Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed Jan. 18-25 in many parts of the world.
Thanks ( www.ncanews.com )
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The Plight of My People
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Written by Gitanjali Thiagarajah
The plight of our people
Is rapidly growing, day by day
The suffering and the anguish
Take control of their lives everyday
Should we forever suffer this way?
Will our anxiety ever cease!
Their voices ring loud and clear
But they are ignored and none would hear
more
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Obituary Notice
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| A.JAYAWEERASINGHAM (retired Executive Engineer RDA) Beloved husband of Lilly Padmavathi (retired Principal, Chundikuli Girls’ College) father of Roy, Priyanthi, Dushy, Preman, Preethi, father-in-law of Nalayini, Joe, Rev Dev Anandarajan, Shyamala and Ramani, brother of late Balaratnam, Arulammah and Selvaratnam loving grandfather of Priveeniya, Prajeevan, Prabothan, Shamithra, Ashan, Vijendra, Abirah, Jaimie, Jayden and Michelle died peacefully after a brief illness.
Funeral will be held in Australia on Tuesday the 29th of January. 36/30, Edmonton Road, Kirulapone, Colombo 5. No. 8, Faye Street, Morrabin, Vic 3189. 00613-95323630.
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Bishop Gladston new CSI Moderator
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Bishop J W Gladston of Thiruvananthapuram has been elected as the Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) at the ongoing session of the 31st CSI Synod here. Talking to UNI, Bishop Gladston said Bishop Christopher Aswer (Madurai) was elected as the Deputy Moderator and Mr M Jayakumar of Bangalore and Mr Devasahayam of Warangal elected General Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Sixty-six members from South India were elected as executive members. About 500 delegates, including foreign delegates were participating in the SynodThe next Synod would be held in January, 2010.
Thanks Web.india123.com
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We pray that all Members and Friends of JDCSI Will
have a
Joyous Chistmas and Blessed New Year
JDCSI media Team
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Jesus is the
Light of the World
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And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1: 14
14. அந்த வார்த்தை மாம்சமாகி, கிருபையினாலும் சத்தியத்தினாலும் நிறைந்தவராய், நமக்குள்ளே வாசம்பண்ணினார்; அவருடைய மகிமையைக் கண்டோம்; அது பிதாவுக்கு ஒரே பேறானவருடைய மகிமைக்கு ஏற்ற மகிமையாகவே இருந்தது.
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Uduvil’s new Vice Principal
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| Mrs Patricia S Jebaratnam M.Phil., has been appointed by the Executive Committee of the Jaffna Diocese as the new Vice Principal of Uduvil Girls College, Uduvil, Chunnakam with effect from December 5, 2007. She is the wife of the Anglican priest and chaplain of Jaffna University, the Rev Jebamohan Jebaratnam who is also the treasurer of the Jaffna Christian Union. |
| Patricia Jebaratnam, popularly known as Suneetha, joined the Uduvil staff in 1988 as a graduate in arts and since then secured her post graduate Diploma in Education and later in 2005 her M.Phil. According to the constitution that governs the Uduvil Girls College, the principal, vice principal and senior staff members are appointed by the Executive Committee of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South. |
| Mrs Jebaratnam’s stature as a good teacher and a loyal and inspirational citizen of the school community has been widely acknowledged. It is the law of the land that a principal of a Grade One school like Uduvil should have a M.Phil., and Mrs Jebaratnam’s appointment is in the right direction apart from her excellent qualities as a teacher. Her husband, the Rev Jebaratnam is an old student of St John’s College, Jaffna where apart from his academic achievements, he was a popular cricketer. |
| Obituary Notice |
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PONNU - A.V. (Retired Head Master - Kudathanai). Loving husband of the late Lily Ponnamma, father of Nesamalar (Thevi), Pushparanee, Allen P. Jeyarajah, C.P. Jeyasingham, J.P. Jeyasundaram and Pushpashanthy, father-in-law of the late Nallarulanantham, Mathiaparanan, Rathy, Rubini and Ranjani, brother of the late Kandiah, Thangammah and Velupillai. Entered Eternal rest aged 100 years. Funeral service will be held at 7A, Campbell Place, Dehiwela at 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday 5th December 2007, thereafter cortege leaves for burial at general cemetery, Borella at 4.30 p.m.
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Breaking News
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We are Grateful for the life of Ponnu master
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Colombo Monday December 3, 2007: Having completed one hundred years of exampled life as a man of integrity devoted to the service of his fellow human beings, a dedicated teacher of great repute and a loyal member of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India which he also served as a delegate of his mother church Kudathanai for many years, God has called his son A V Ponnu to eternal glory in the realms of the immortal. He said his final amen Monday December3, 2007. We will publish more details about his family and funeral arrangements within the next 24 hours.
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Bishop's Visit to Delft
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The Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah made a difficult voyage to meet with his flock in Delft.
The People of Delft gave a grand reception
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PASSING AWAY OF MRS. CHANDRA AMARASINGHAM (nee LUTHER JEYASINGHAM)
It is with deep sorrow we report to our readers the passing away of CHANDRA AMARASINGHAM - Beloved wife of Dr. Sathurukan Amarasingham (Bobby), precious mother of Dr. Ruben and Dr. Asohan, loving mother-in-law of Dr. Naseem and darling grandma of Velan, much loved daughter of late Dr. Luther Jeyasingham Past President of Jaffna College and of Mrs. Pushparanee Jeyasingham (USA), loving sister of Jeevamithran (Melbourne), Winthi (UK), Benji (Canada) and Dr. Sam (USA).
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| The Rt. Rev. Dr Daniel S. Thiagarajah, Bishop of the Church of South India in the Jaffna Diocese invited the congregation during the Sunday worship on 18th November 2007 to thank God for the life and witness of Mrs. CHANDRA AMARASINGHAM and also to pray for the repose of her soul and comfort of the members of the family especially at the time when her funeral takes place in the United States of America on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. While bringing the memories of the deceased bishop did not fail to stat the contributions Luther family has made to the Jaffna Diocese and Jaffna College and the impact they have made to the community as a whole. |
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Savalkadu Palmyrah Project
Encourages Cottage Industries
Savalkadu Vocational Training Centre award of Certificates |
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Chief Guest Mr C.D.Chinnakone, Bishop’s Secretary in Colombo & Chairman, Medical Board of JDCSI on October 14, 2007.
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| The Centre is ably managed by the Rev I.Rajkumar, Secretary,JDCSI.
Also in the picture are Rev Sebastian Antony, Mrs Narmadha Antony, Co-Coordinator Palmyrah Project, The Grama Sevaka Officer of Savalkaddu area and Rev P.Punitharajah
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நான் மரண இருளின் பள்ளத்தாக்கிலே நடந்தாலும் பொல்லாப்புக்குப் பயப்படேன்; உமது கோலும் உமது தடியும் என்னைத் தேற்றும்.
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| Bishop Condoles the Demise of Mrs. Parimalam Sandirasegaram |
| The Rt.Rev.Dr. Daniel Thiagarajah, Bishop of South India in the Jaffna Diocese expresses his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Mrs. Parimalam Sandirasegaram of Thunnalai. She was the loving mother of Thevaannarani (retired Principal), Richard (France), Yogarani (Australia), Sugirtharani (Germany), Selvarani (France), Selvaraya (France), Indirani (Norway), Moses Atputharajan (Browns), Sandrarajan (Germany), Rev.S.I. Anandarajan (CSI), Jameson (France); mother-in-law of Killi (France), Rev. T.S. Premarajah (Melbourne, Australia), Karunananthan (Germany), Baby's husband (France), Pathma (France), Manoharan (Norway), Rasani (Standard Charted, Pakistan), Nangi (Germany), and Amesha (CSI); sister of late Thavamani, Ranji, late Malar, Karunakaran (Australia), Kirupakaram (Germany) and loving grandmother of 18 Grand children. Her husband Sandirasegaram, an Ayurvedic Doctor by profession, predeceased her. |
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Mrs. Sandirasegaram was living with her eldest daughter at Mallavi at the time of her death. "She was a humble and God-fearing person who always gave priority to God's work and cared for all workers in the vineyard of the Lord," Bishop stated. Bishop remebered the time when he drove her to Colombo to be with her younger daughter Yogi and son-in-law Rev. Premarajah during those 'dark' days in the late 80s. "I simply admired her patience amidst all hasel at the check points. She corporated so well," bishop added further. He also said that truly she leaves behind a sweet fragrance on earth which time cannot obliterate.
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In God’s blessed grounds we will seed and tender His garden
As a new era of stewardship begins to roll.
A message from Vaddukoddai, Sri Lanka
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Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah offering a word of prayer and thanksgiving prior to declaring the Boys Home open. Along with some of his ministers on his right, are seen on his left M A Sumanthiran, a Colombo Counsel and Attorney at Law who delivered the 6Oth anniversary sermon and Noel Vimalendran, the principal of Jaffns College.
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We marked 60th anniversary of the Church of South India with the commencement of a Boys Home Project, the premises of which was ceremoniously opened Sunday October 14 following the Service of Thanks Giving held at the Cathedral Church, said a report from Vaddukoddai N P, Sri Lanka.
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| This Remembrance Monument to mark the Diamond Jubilee celebrations was made possible through the Rev Dr A Mathanarajah, formerly a priest of the JDCSI now in Germany who had raised a sum of ten thousand Euros form “DIAKONISCHES-WERK, REGENSBURG" towards the project. |
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Already known as the “Poor People’s Friend” in his German circles and no doubt in Jaffna too, the Rev Mathanarajah had worked hard to raise these funds. This is very much appreciated.
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| Such involvements with the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) especially from our own Diaspora in various parts of the world and their wish and willingness to help us must be reciprocated by us with an open and transparent accountability, said Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah thanking the gesture of the Rev Mathanarajah. “Every cent should be accounted and records must always be available and transparent.” commented Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah. |
| A feeling that gathered grounds during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations was that an era of “Accountability and Honesty in Stewardship” has finally dawned on the JDCSI. Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah has a Herculean task to clean up the Augean Stables and it is said something well begun is already half done. When the Chariot of Honesty rolls, no force on earth can stop it. The horses will come to rest only when the task is completed. |
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Preacher Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran BSc.,LLB and
Bishop Daniel Thiagarajah
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Candidates for ordination
being presented to the Bishop
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Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
in Vaddukodddai
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| 13th October 2007 |
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He came not to be served but to serve
Victor Karunairajan
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An 1672 artist’s impression of the Battecotte Church first built by the Portuguese. On this site stands the Cathedral Church of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church South India today at Vaddukoddai.
web: ceylontamils.com
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| The Church of South India celebrates her 60th anniversary this month. A church that encompasses four lingual states in India along with the Jaffna Diocese in Sri Lanka was founded in great faith and has grown into a role model of unity that has held it together despite the various challenges it has faced through its growth. This message is intended to focus on Redeemer Christ and the principal mission of His mortal life. |
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Church of South India was born on the 27th September 1947 in St. George’s Cathedral, Chennai and is now serving more than 4 million people through its 22 dioceses with 15 thousand congregations and more than 3000 clergy spread over in 4 States in India viz, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka & Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Jaffna Diocese is one of its founding 14 dioceses that came together on that historic day.
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| JDCSI Welcomes New Vice President of the Methodist Church |
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Mr.M.A Sumanthiran was recently appointed as vice president of the Methodist Church.
At this occasion many religious leaders were present including the Bishop Dr. Daniel Thiagarajah of the CSI church.
Sumanthiran is the son of Mr.and Mrs. Mathiabaranam and the grand son of A.V Ponnu Master of Kudathanai.
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SOLIDARITY IS STRENGTH
PALMYRAH PROJECT
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Visit of WCC Team to Jaffna CSI Area
(Here Dr Aruna Gnandasan and another delegate sympathetically listening to the stories of war widows in Chavalkaddu, an area where PPTF works for the empowerment of widows)
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Agreement on Project Cooperation
between The Association "Palmyrah - Ecumenical Partnership Project – Jaffna/Sri Lanka" (hereafter Palmyrah), c/o Fachstelle OeME, Reformed Churches Bern-Jura-Solothurn, Speichergasse 29, 3011 Berne, Switzerlandand
The Church of South India (hereafter CSI), Jaffna Diocese, 17, Frances Road Colombo 6, Sri Lanka, represented by the Bishop and The Palmyrah Project Task Force (hereafter PPTF).
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Preamble
Our common task is to share in the building of a worldwide "multinational cooperation of hope". As brothers and sisters in Christ we are aiming together towards a just, participatory and sustainable society with a preferential option for the poor. This involves the struggle against violence, the empowerment of the oppressed and marginalized, with special emphasis on the rights and needs of women and children. We support each others efforts to advocate for the cause of a just peace in Sri Lanka as well as of good cooperation among Swiss and Tamils in Switzerland.
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Those Exemplary Men of Preachers
By Victor Karunairajan |
| The pen-portrait on Sinnathamby Upethesiar has been warmly welcomed by folks who had known him during their youthful years when this humble priest was quite elderly. A typical reaction came from the Rev Manopavan in Melbourne who grew up in Jaffna in a very muchchurch-oriented family and served the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) for some years. He observed:
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| FULL STORY Click here |
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Daughter Grace sullies the name of her parents,
the Bunkers
Letter from Victor Karunairajan
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When Grace Bunker expressed a desire to serve Jaffna College and the Uduvil Girls College for a period of time teaching English it was treated as a great gesture. She is the younger daughter of the much revered Rev Dr Sydney and Mrs Ruth Bunker who served Jaffna College with singular honour and rare distinction. Grace Bunker was offered the best of facilities all free despite the fact she received a very handsome monthly allowance. She soon got involved in certain partisan activities virtually amounting to treacherous conduct and is now known to be identified with a rebel group of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India. She has returned to the US and from time to time publishes what she calls her reports on the Global Ministries website.
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| Reacting to Grace Bunker’s activities, Victor Karunairajan who was a student of her father and a member of the school choir that was led by her mother, has in a lengthy letter indicated obliquely that her role should have been different; the visions of her parents evidently did not have an impress on her. He fears that her role in the US may amount to mischief as it was when she was stationed at Uduvil Girls College and teamed up with its principal Shiranee Mills who has identified herself with the rebel group. |
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We are publishing this letter, and Mr Karunairajan has specifically conveyed to Grace Bunker that this is a document of interest to the public and especially to the alumni, students and staff of Jaffna College and the JDCSI. Comparing the role played by her parents and the time spent by Grace Bunker at Uduvil and Vaddukoddai, a scholar defined it as how a beautiful stream ended as a dirty canal.
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| FULL STORY Click here |
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First Anniversary of Consecration of
Bishop Dr Daniel Thiagarajah
Today (21 /08/07) is th First Anniversary of Consecration of the Fourth Bishop of JDCSI the Rt. Rev. Dr Daniel Selvaratnam Thiagarajah. Worship Srvice of Praise and Thanksgiving is being held in the Cathedral Church, Vaddukoddai at 7.30 a.m. where pastors will gather for a Holy Communion Service and a fellowship breakfast therefater at the Bishop's residence.
The Rev. Ms. Daisy Aseerwatham is organizing a service of Thanksgiving at 5.00 p.m. at the JDCSI Church-Colombo at 17 Frances Road, Wellawatte. The Rev. Jebaratnam Jebamohan of the Anglican Church will be the preacher of the day. Rev. Jebamohan is at the moment Director of Evelyn Rutnam Institute, Thirunelvely and Lecturer at The department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna. A special anthem will be given by the Rev. A.W. Yogarajah of the Methodist Church. Others who take part in leading the service are Revds S. Antany Sawerimuthu, Sebastain Antony, V.S. Thevaharan, A. Ruban Sivanandam and T.S. Joshua, Mr. C.D.Chinnakone, Mrs. Eva Boniface and Mrs. Esther Narmadha Antony.
The Members of JDCSI Colombo Church are also organizing a fellowship tea after the service.
Bishop Thiagarajah is attending a meeting of CSI Bishops' Council in Bangalore where the anniversary will be celebrated with a Holy Communion Worship celebrated by the Moderator of the CSI Synod the Most Rev. Dr B.P. Sugandhar assisted by the Deputy Moderator the Rt. Rev. S. Vasanthakumar. The Rt. Rev. Dr K.G. Daniel, Bishop of East Kerala Diocese will be the preacher. This is also the anniversary day for Rt. Rev. J. Prabakhar Rao, Bishop of Karnataka Northern Diocese.
(News sent by Rev. I. Rajkumar, Secretary, JDCSI)
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