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JDCSI – Vacation Bible School Teachers’ Training Program

JDCSI – Vacation Bible School Teachers’ Training Program

The Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India has conducted a special Vacation Bible School Teachers’ Training Programme for Sunday School teachers across the Diocese.
This programme was organized by the Board of Christian Education of the Jaffna Diocese, under the leadership and guidance of the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan.
The purpose of this training was to equip and encourage Sunday School teachers for their important ministry among children, and to prepare them for the upcoming Vacation Bible School programme.
The resource persons for this training came from the Thoothukudi–Nazareth Diocese of the Church of South India.
The partnership between the Thoothukudi–Nazareth Diocese and the Jaffna Diocese has a meaningful history. Since 2015, both dioceses have been working closely together in children’s ministry, sharing resources, experience, and a common commitment to nurturing the faith of children.
Through this training, the teachers were equipped with practical ideas and creative approaches to communicate God’s Word effectively and meaningfully to children.
They were also reminded that Vacation Bible School is more than an annual programme. It is a valuable opportunity to introduce children to the love of Jesus Christ, help them understand God’s Word, and encourage them to grow in faith and Christian values.
Following this training, these dedicated teachers will serve in the six-day Vacation Bible School programme organized by the Jaffna Diocese.
The Diocese expresses its sincere gratitude to the Thoothukudi–Nazareth Diocese and all the resource persons for their valuable contribution and partnership.
Together, both dioceses continue to invest in children, strengthen their faith, and prepare the next generation to become faithful disciples and responsible leaders in the Church and society.
Through partnership, commitment, and faith, the Jaffna Diocese continues its mission of nurturing children and building a strong future for the Church.

JDCSI Revives Lay Leadership Formation with the Inauguration of the Lay Leaders Training Programme 2026

JDCSI Revives Lay Leadership Formation with the Inauguration of the Lay Leaders Training Programme 2026

The Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) marked a significant milestone in its ministry with the inauguration of the Lay Leaders Training Programme 2026 on 18 July 2026 at the Diocesan Conference Hall. The programme revives a cherished tradition of equipping lay members with sound biblical, theological, and leadership training for effective Christian service.

The inaugural service was led by the Bishop of the Jaffna Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan, who called upon participants to embrace lifelong learning, spiritual growth, and faithful discipleship. In his inspiring address, the Bishop reminded the gathering that the strength of the Church lies not only in its clergy but also in committed lay members who faithfully serve Christ in their congregations and communities.
A total of 28 participants from the Diocese's four regions—Colombo, Batticaloa, Vanni, and Jaffna—have enrolled in the one-year programme. The training curriculum combines biblical and theological studies with practical ministry and leadership development, enabling participants to serve more effectively in the life and mission of the Church.

Beginning in August 2026, classes will be conducted monthly at regional centres across the Diocese, making theological education more accessible while encouraging fellowship and contextual learning among lay leaders.

The successful launch of this programme reflects JDCSI's continued commitment to nurturing spiritually mature, knowledgeable, and mission-oriented lay leaders who will strengthen the witness of the Church and serve society with dedication and compassion.

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

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

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

Bishop met with inter-religious leaders in East

Bishop met with inter-religious leaders in East

Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan marked Easter Sunday with a pastoral visit to Batticaloa, where he presided over the Holy Communion service, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Following the Easter worship, the Bishop met with inter-religious leaders and civil society activists at the Eastern Ministry Office of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI). The meeting focused on strengthening interfaith collaboration and addressing key social and political concerns affecting the district.

During the discussion, civil rights activists shared their ongoing work and the challenges they face in promoting justice and community welfare. Bishop Pathmathayalan attentively listened to their concerns and affirmed the commitment of the JDCSI to fostering social harmony, building strong inter-religious relationships, and advocating for justice in the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The engagement highlighted the growing importance of faith-based collaboration in addressing contemporary social issues and promoting peaceful coexistence in the Eastern Province.

தென் இந்திய திருச்சபை யாழ் ஆதீன ஆயர் Rt. Rev. Dr. வே . பாத்மதயாளன் அவர்கள், ஈஸ்டர் நாளில் மட்டக்களப்புக்கு விஜயம் செய்து, உயிர்த்தெழுந்த இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவை நினைவுகூரும் பரிசுத்த திருவிருந்து ஆராதனையை நடத்தினார்.

ஈஸ்டர் ஆராதனைக்கு பின்னர், தென் இந்திய திருச்சபை (JDCSI) கிழக்கு பணியக அலுவலகத்தில், மட்டக்களப்பு மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள சர்வமத தலைவர்களும் சிவில் சமூக செயற்பாட்டாளர்களும் ஆயரை சந்தித்து கலந்துரையாடினர். இந்த சந்திப்பில் மத நல்லிணக்கம், சமூக ஒற்றுமை மற்றும் மாவட்டத்தின் சமூக-அரசியல் சவால்கள் குறித்து கவனம் செலுத்தப்பட்டது.

இந்த உரையாடலின் போது, சிவில் சமூக செயற்பாட்டாளர்கள் தங்களின் பணிகள் மற்றும் தாம் சந்திக்கும் சவால்கள் குறித்து ஆயருடன் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டனர். சமூக நல்லிணக்கத்தை வளர்த்தல், மதங்களுக்கு இடையேயான உறவுகளை வலுப்படுத்தல் மற்றும் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் போதனைகளின் வழியில் நீதி குரலை எழுப்புதல் ஆகியவற்றில் JDCSI-யின் அர்ப்பணிப்பை ஆயர் உறுதிப்படுத்தினார்.

மேலும் தற்போதைய சமூகத்தில் காணப்படும் சமூக சவால்களை எதிர்கொள்ள சர்வ மதங்களின் ஒத்துழைப்பின் அவசியம் கிழக்கு மாகாணத்தில் அமைதியான வாழ்வை மேம்படுத்துவதின் முக்கியத்துவம் போன்றவை குறித்தும் கலந்துரையாடப்பட்டது.