Thanksgiving for a Dinner Sponsorship by Mr. B. Arulbalamenan

by Author | Jun 20, 2026 | With Gratitude to Our Meal Sponsors

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. B. Arulbalamenan for generously sponsoring the dinner for the residents of the Elders’ Home on 20 June 2026 in celebration of his 20th Wedding Anniversary.

His thoughtful generosity and kindness brought joy and blessing to our elders. We sincerely appreciate this meaningful gesture of thanksgiving and sharing on this special family occasion.

May God continue to bless Mr. Arulbalamenan and his family with good health, happiness, and many more years of togetherness.

With sincere thanks and prayers.

Special Environmental Cleanup Campaign by J.D.C.S.I St.John’s Church, Batticaloa

by Author | Jun 19, 2026 | Diocesan News, Eastern News

To mark Environment Sunday, the Church of South India, Jaffna Diocese – Batticaloa St.John’s Church organized a special environmental cleanup campaign on 19 June 2026 at the Batticaloa Lighthouse Children’s Park.

Members of the congregation, youth, and well-wishers participated enthusiastically in cleaning and maintaining the park, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and community responsibility.

The event was further strengthened by the participation of civil society activists from the Batticaloa District, who joined hands with the church in promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.

Speaking on the significance of the event, organizers emphasized that caring for creation is a God-given responsibility. The Church exists not only for human beings but for the well-being of all creation. Therefore, being the Church is not merely about worship within church buildings; it is expressed through action, service, and care for God’s creation.

This initiative reflected the Church’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainability, encouraging the wider community to take an active role in protecting and preserving the natural world.

Church of South India
Jaffna Diocese –
St.John’s church
Batticaloa

Late Mr. Visuwalingam Chanthirathas

by Author | Jun 18, 2026 | With Gratitude to Our Meal Sponsors

We express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Janithambal and Ms. Jagana for generously sponsoring the meals for the residents of the Elders’ Home on 18 June 2026, in loving memory of their beloved husband and father, Late Mr. Visuwalingam Chanthirathas, on the occasion of his 6th death anniversary.

This thoughtful act of kindness and remembrance has brought joy and nourishment to our elders. We deeply appreciate their generosity and compassionate spirit. May the cherished memories of Late Mr. Visuwalingam Chanthirathas continue to inspire love, service, and care for others.

With heartfelt thanks and prayers.

OBITUARY – Rev. Dr. Mohan Larbeer

by Author | Jun 17, 2026 | Diocesan News

Former Principal, Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai

The Diocese of Jaffna of the Church of South India, together with its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan, joins the family, friends, colleagues, students, and the wider ecumenical community in mourning the passing of Rev. Dr. Mohan Larbeer, former Principal of the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai.

Rev. Dr. Mohan Larbeer was a distinguished theologian, educator, and church leader whose life was dedicated to the service of God, theological education, and the formation of generations of pastors and Christian leaders. Through his faithful ministry, visionary leadership, and commitment to justice and academic excellence, he made a lasting contribution to the life and witness of the Church.

As Principal of the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, he inspired students and colleagues alike with his profound scholarship, pastoral concern, and unwavering dedication to the Gospel. His ministry extended beyond the classroom, touching countless lives through his teaching, mentoring, and prophetic engagement with the challenges of society.

We give thanks to Almighty God for his faithful witness, his commitment to theological education, and his invaluable contribution to the mission of the Church. While we grieve his passing, we rejoice in the assurance of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus.

The Diocese of Jaffna extends its heartfelt condolences to the members of his family, the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary community, and all who mourn his loss. We pray that the God of all comfort will strengthen and sustain them during this time of sorrow.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”
(John 11:25)

Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan
Bishop of Jaffna,

Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India.

Farewell and Retirement Benefit Presentation for Rev. A.K. Selvanayagam

by Author | Jun 15, 2026 | Diocesan News

Rev. A.K. Selvanayagam, who has served the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) with dedication for more than forty years, celebrated his 67th birthday and officially retired from active church ministry at the Diocesan Assembly held on 13 June 2026.

During this occasion, a pension scheme for clergy, which had not been in operation for many years, was reintroduced, and a certificate entitling Rev. A.K. Selvanayagam to a monthly pension was presented to him. In recognition of his long and dedicated service, he was also honored with a cheque from the Employee Benevolent Fund (EBF) on the same day.

The event, presided over by the Bishop, was attended by the Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Treasurer, clergy, officers, and staff members.

Rev. A.K. Selvanayagam’s more than four decades of faithful ministry were fondly remembered, and appreciation was expressed for his invaluable contribution to the life and mission of the Church. He was further honored with a congratulatory address in recognition of his dedicated service.

The Jaffna Diocese gratefully remembers the faithful ministry of Rev. A.K. Selvanayagam, who labored diligently in the Lord’s vineyard, and prays that his retirement years may be richly blessed with God’s peace, grace, and abundant blessings.

அருட்பணி ஏ.கே. செல்வநாயகம் அவர்களுக்கு பிரியாவிடை மற்றும் ஓய்வூதிய வழங்கும் நிகழ்வு

தென்னிந்திய திருச்சபையின் யாழ் ஆதீனத்தில் கடந்த நாற்பது ஆண்டுகளுக்கும் மேலாக அர்ப்பணிப்புடன் பணியாற்றிய அருட்பணி ஏ.கே. செல்வநாயகம் அவர்கள், 2026 ஆம் ஆண்டு ஜூன் மாதம் 13 ஆம் திகதி நடைபெற்ற ஆதீனக் கேட்போர் கூட்டத்தில் தனது 67ஆவது பிறந்தநாளைக் கொண்டாடியதுடன், தனது திருச்சபை ஊழியப் பணியிலிருந்து ஓய்வு பெற்றார்.

இந்நிகழ்வில், பல ஆண்டுகளாக குருமார்களுக்காக நடைமுறையில் இல்லாதிருந்த ஓய்வூதியத் திட்டம் மீள ஆரம்பிக்கப்பட்டு, அருட்பணி ஏ.கே. செல்வநாயகம் அவர்களுக்கு மாதாந்திர ஓய்வூதியத்திற்கான சான்றிதழ் வழங்கப்பட்டது. மேலும், அவரது நீண்டகால அர்ப்பணிப்பான சேவையைப் பாராட்டும் வகையில் ஊழியர் நல நிதிக்கான காசோலையும் அதே நாளில் வழங்கி கௌரவிக்கப்பட்டது.

பேராயர் அவர்களின் தலைமையில் நடைபெற்ற இந்நிகழ்வில் ஆதீன செயலாளர், ஆதீன பொருளாளர், அருட்பணியாளர்கள், அலுவலர்கள் மற்றும் பணியாளர்கள் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.

அருட்பணி ஏ.கே. செல்வநாயகம் அவர்களின் நாற்பது ஆண்டுகளுக்கும் மேலான விசுவாசமிக்க சேவை நினைவுகூரப்பட்டதுடன், அவரது திருச்சபைப் பணிக்காக நன்றியும் பாராட்டும் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது. மேலும் வாழ்த்துமடல் வழங்கப்பட்டு அவர் கௌரவிக்கப்பட்டார்.

இறைவனின் திராட்சைத்தோட்டத்தில் அர்ப்பணிப்புடன் உழைத்த அருட்பணி ஏ.கே. செல்வநாயகம் அவர்களின் சேவையை யாழ் ஆதீனம் நன்றியுடன் நினைவுகூருவதுடன், அவரது ஓய்வுக் கால வாழ்வு இறைவனின் ஆசீர்வாதமும் சமாதானமும் நிறைந்ததாக அமைய பிரார்த்தித்து வாழ்த்துகிறது