April 2015 | Easter Volume XIIl | Issue 4 | Rs.5
Disfigured and Transfigured
Easter Greetings Moderator The Most Rev. Dr. G. Dyvasirvadam, Moderator, CSI & Bishop, Krishna-Godavari Diocese
“The Glory of the Empty Tomb”:thus redeeming life-giving power:'Christ Moderator greets! has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again', a declaration which The Glory of the Resurrection posits an confesses Easter faith around argument of life after death that makes sense only in which our entire liturgy centered the face of scientific and historical claims against round. such religious beliefs. The three events the [fact of Incarnation, the fact of Crucifiction and the fact of Finally the fact of Empty Empty Tomb (Resurrection)] constitute the Tomb becomes unique anubhava, personhood of Jesus (Christology) which is crucial to the experience in the living God, both to the Gospel and to the continued life of the thus the personal experience in the Resurrection of pilgrim Church. Jesus is both moral and Spiritual: in other words this experience is the 'divine encounter'. This can be S. M. Zwemer in his 'The Glory of the Empty repeatedly observed in the life experience of every Tomb': Fleming H. Revell, 1947 page 17-18 uses the believer, starting from 'breaking of the Bread' as in same adjective to all the three above events “the Glory the experience of the two disciples of Emmaus (Luke of the Manger” (Incarnation), “the Glory of the 24: 30-31) continued in the experiences to discover Cross”(Crucifixion) and “the Glory of the Empty the “Lord” (John 21: 12-13). The climax comes in the Tomb”(Resurrection) was the conclusion of a trilogy experience of Thomas in his confession of a historic on the Birth, Death and Resurrection. Though each faith statement, “my Lord and my God”. 'Blessed are of the event carries great significance, the fact of those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29) Empty Tomb surpasses all other events to place the a resounding and repeated experience by which the character of Jesus as the Supreme Being. Resurrected Lord is discovered who is truly present forever & ever. Therefore the Easter anthem, 'Christ The fact of Empty Tomb takes the centrality of is risen, Hallelujah'! not only the history of humankind that would divide the divine history and the human history, coalescing With this Easter anthem I greet one and all and culminating as “Christ Centered”or the Christian brothers and sisters both in Church of Christocentric history. As Bishop Fulten J Sheen South India and elsewhere inviting each one to puts it, the fact of Empty Tomb remained ever as the participate this celebration of new life. As yet “unhealed wound” on the earth. Thus the fact of another generation, we join the ongoing exhilaration Empty Tomb becomes both the reality and a to discover the Resurrected Lord every time in constructive hope of life for eternity. participating the sacramental event. In this manner the Church of South India in particular and the This leads us to discover the human & divine Church at large in general become a Sacramental celebration of life in Jesus' Resurrection. The Church, which event brings all humans to be Resurrection is believed as the dunamis, the 'Power'(I cleansed & shared in one body and blood of one Lord Cor 15: 56-57) over sin. St.Paul believed that it is Jesus the Christ. possible for every human to have 'power' whoever is 'in Christ' (Rom 6:11) & (II Cor 5:17). This hope in May the Easter joy, enliven each one of us and Christ's Resurrection is always celebration for a enable us to be His channels to witness this living believer. faith. “Christ is risen indeed, Hallelujah”!
The Eucharistic acclamation which follows the words of Institution expresses almost sensory experience of the risen Christ, who is present with His
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4 ! CSI Life April 2015 EASTER MESSAGE Resurrection: Celebrating the Joy of Salvation Exo. 14:5-31; Ps.118:14-29; Col.3:1-11; Matt.28:1-10.
Rev. Dr. Chilkuri Vasantha Rao, Presbyter, Medak Diocese Former Principal Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad. Introduction: According to the tradition of the early church, “Then Peter and the other disciple set out and when the preacher says JESUS IS RISEN, the went toward the tomb. The two were running congregation will respond HE IS RISEN INDEED! together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and The Burial of Jesus: saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go (The burial of Jesus as recorded in John19: 38-42) in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying “ The women who had come with him from there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;” according to the commandment.” (Lk.23:55-56) and (Jn.20:3-8). on Sunday morning “They had been saying to one Peter and John saw and they believed, the another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the question is what did they believe? Unfortunately they entrance to the tomb?” (Mk.16:3) At times we are in believed what Mary Magdalene told them. They such situations as that of Mary Magdalene. When we believed that the body of Jesus was taken away by are confronted with problems that of course seem like someone. Their subsequent behavior is indicative of a big stone, we think more of people, who could their unbelief about the resurrected Jesus. We read, possibly help us to overcome our problems. God's “for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that word teaches us: “It is better to trust in the LORD he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples than to put confidence in man.” (Prov.118:8). returned to their homes. (Jn.20:9-10). How sad, the The Resurrection of Jesus: “Early on the first disciples closed the chapter of Jesus in their lives. day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Mary Magdalene - Disbelief displayed to the Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone Angels: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As had been removed from the tomb.” (Jn.20:1) Mary she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw the stone removed! That was God's work. It is saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of wonderful to see the stone removed! We are happy Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at that Jesus is risen. the feet. (Jn.20:11-12) Act One - Mary Magdalene Mary was incessantly weeping, a sign of Disbelief displayed: helplessness, which we also experience in our lives When Mary saw the stone was removed she and cry in helpless conditions. Mary was also had fallen into the trap of a philosophical insolence. persistent in wanting to find the dead body of Jesus, We are familiar with the philosophical terms such as so that she could smear the spices and ointment, 'inference' and 'conjecture'. When there is smoke on a which the women prepared. The beauty of Mary's mountain, the inference is that there is fire. In the devotion to Jesus is such that she loved him the same instance of Mary, when she saw the stone had been when he was alive and also when he is dead. removed from the tomb, she had conjectured that someone had taken away the body of Jesus. Mary perpetuated her philosophical conjecture to the Angles: “They have taken away my Disbelief displayed to Peter and John: Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him” Mary ran and went to Simon Peter and the (Jn.20:13). other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to “ them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,…” Disbelief displayed to Jesus: When she had said this, she turned around (Jn.20:2). and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know She not only speculated but also announced that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why the same to Peter and John that someone had taken are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” away the body of Jesus. She even included them in Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, her opinion saying, “and we do not know where they “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where have laid him.” (Jn.20:2). you have laid him, and I will take him away.” (Jn. 20:14-15) 5 ! CSI Life April 2015 Mary totally involved in her own presumption and say to them.” (Jn.20:17) Just as Mary Magdalene that Jesus did not resurrect, but his dead body had went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the been stolen mistakes the very Jesus to be a gardener, Lord'; and she told them that he had said these things who in her opinion might have stolen the body of to her. (Jn.20:18), the women in every generation Jesus. ought to fulfill this commission to the people of their Generation. Mary Magdalene - Disbelief to Belief: The proclamation of Mary about the Mary has a personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus was not just a blind faith but a resurrected Jesus. “Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She verified experiential faith, having seen, heard, held turned and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni!' (which and spoken. We praise God for this precious means Teacher). (Jn.20:16). goodnews. When Jesus called her by name, Mary Act Two: Cleophas and Luke recognized that it was Jesus resurrected. She responded and called him 'Teacher'. How wonderful it Jesus met Cleophas and Luke on the way to is to be the first person to see the resurrected Jesus, Emmaus, Jesus walked with them, Jesus talked with Mary's persistence has given her this greatest them, but they did not believe that it was the spiritual privilege. Mary makes the women in general resurrected Lord. (Lk.24:15-17) Jesus even went to to inherit this legacy of being the first to meet the their house, but they did not believe that it was Jesus. resurrected Jesus and to have the joy of salvation. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their We have one problem here, in spite of being eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he the first woman to meet the resurrected Lord, the vanished from their sight.” (Lk.24:30-31). Christian world has not given due credit to Mary or the women due to one supposed reason. The reason Clepohas and Luke believed now that it was given is, that Jesus did not allow Mary to touch him Jesus who is risen! Here again their faith in Jesus was (whereas later he allows Thomas to touch him) “Jesus not something that they accepted but they were said to her, 'Do not hold on to me, because I have not convinced with a total experience of walking with yet ascended to the Father.'”(Jn.20:17). Many English Jesus, talking with Jesus, receiving Jesus, as well as vernacular translations give this meaning fellowshipping with Jesus and above all in and as not to 'touch' Jesus. But in the original Greek through the experience of breaking bread. On this writings “may mou aptou” means as New Revised Easter Sunday when we worship Jesus and partake Standard Version correctly renders 'do not hold on to in the breaking of the bread, we do have this spiritual me” or it could also mean 'do not continue to cling to experience of the presence of Jesus with us. Cleophas me' this explains that Mary and other women not only and Luke went back and told the other disciples. touched Jesus but also held him. Matthew reports, What a joy of sharing this experiential in Jesus Christ “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus with the others. met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.” (Matt.28:9- Act Three: Other Disciples King James Version) Jesus persuaded Mary to leave him so as to allow him to continue with his Meanwhile Mary Magdalene went to the resurrection appearances to others. Jesus thereby disciples (Jn.20:18), she found the disciples told to Mary that he was not just limited to her. Since mourning and weeping. (Mk.16:10). “But when they also that his time was limited and he had to ascend to heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, the Father, Mary must let him go and let him to be on they would not believe it.” (Mk.16:11). Luke reports the move. What a wonderful experience it might have that other women too joined Mary in telling the been to Mary to have held the resurrected body of disciples (Lk.24:10). “But these words seemed to Jesus. She not only was blessed but along with the other women who held Jesus made the whole them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. womanhood proud of this experience. This remains (Lk.24:11). as a historical factor for the rest of the history or On the one hand the women told the other herstory and Christendom. disciples that Jesus is risen, and on the other hand Further Jesus had given Mary, as the first even the two men; Cleophas and Luke also came to person and as first women, the great commission of the disciples and told them what had happened on going and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus to his the road, and how he had been made known to them disciples. The present church needs to realize the in the breaking of the bread. (Lk.24:35). But the spiritual privilege and right of continuing with this disciples did not believe them. (Mk.16:3). commission and thereby to fully participate in the life, Mission and ministry of the church in all its aspects of It is very unfortunate that the disciples who Life being ordained and consecrated ministers. Jesus were with Jesus for three and half years now do not continues to beckon the women “go to my brothers believe that Jesus rose again from the grave. Much 6 ! CSI Life April 2015 more they think that this news was a sheer story. And commends our faith by saying: “Blessed are What happened to what they heard from Jesus that those who have not seen and yet have come to the son of man will be put on the cross just as Moses believe.” (Jn.20:29). lifted up the bronze serpent? what happened to what Although we are God's children and saved by Jesus told them that Jesus will be in the grave like the forgiveness of our sins by the resurrected and Jonah in the belly of the whale? what happened to living savior Jesus and experience the joy of what Jesus said about his resurrection when he said salvation, there will be many times that we behave as pull this temple down and that he would build it in though we do not believe in the resurrected Jesus. three days? Only unbelief ruled the hearts of the This happens when we miss our Sunday worship disciples. service, primarily because we worship Jesus on that “While they were talking about this, Jesus day, since it is the day of the resurrection. We project himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace our unbelief when we don't pray and fail to speak to be with you.' They were startled and terrified, and him. We portray our unbelief, when we neglect thought that they were seeing a ghost.” (Lk.24:36-37) reading the word of God and miss God's guidance. We It could have been the biggest heart ache to Jesus expose our unbelief when we disregard hearing the dealing with the unbelief of the disciples. Jesus came apostolic preaching. We reveal our unbelief when we to them, stood among them, spoke to them but the do not consider the needs of the poor, which was a disciples failed to recognize him. They even went the concern of Jesus our savior. We disclose our unbelief extent of calling him a ghost. In fact the disciples when we do not care for the creation as Jesus did. stayed indoors for the fear of the Jews (Jn.20:19) and The Gifts of the Resurrected Jesus: now inside the room fear of a ghost begins. Jesus with his love, compassion and understanding ventured to On the Easter day, when Jesus appeared to show the disciples his hands, his feet and his side. He the disciples he had blessed them and bestowed them invited them to touch him and see it for themselves with his esteemed gifts. that it was he and not a ghost. (Lk.24:39-40; 1. The darshan: the gift of his divine appearance Jn.20:20), “While in their joy they were disbelieving (Jn.20:19-20) and still wondering”, and ultimately the disciples 2. The blessing: the gift of Peace (Jn.20:19,21) rejoiced at this experience of seeing the resurrected 3. The commission: the gift of proclamation savior (Lk.24:41; Jn.20:20). (Jn.20:21) 4. The breath: the gift of the Holy Spirit (Jn.20:22) We know from these events that the disciples 5. The authority: the gift of being able to forgive had not just accepted the news of the resurrection of sins of others (Jn.20:23) Jesus until they themselves had experienced the resurrected Lord, saw him, heard him, touched him As we worship the resurrected Jesus on this and experienced him for themselves personally. Thus Easter day and on every Sunday which is the day of faith is the resurrection of Jesus not a blind faith but his resurrection, may these gifts of the resurrected it is an experiential faith. The disciples now believe Christ be ours. And as we exercise these gifts, may that Jesus is risen and we too believe and proclaim God grant us the beauty of getting transformed into the same. the likeness of Christ our Saviour, whose forgiveness and salvation we enjoy in our personal, community Jesus reprimands the unbelief of the and societal life. Amen! disciples (Mk.16:14) and also of Cleophas and Luke (Lk.24:25-26). Green Awards
The Ecological Concerns Committee of CSI Synod is announcing Green Awards contest for the Churches, Dioceses and Institutions belonging to Church of South India. Those who wish to participate in this contest please visit www.csisynod.in Last date to apply for the contest is 30th June 2015.
For more details contact: Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnakadu. Convener, Ecological Concerns Committee [email protected]
7 ! CSI Life April 2015 EASTER: THE VICTORY OF CHRIST Prof. Dr. Joel Hemanth, Regius Professor of Mechanical Engineering, VTU. Member of Karnataka Central Diocese. Collect : lmighty God Lord the most high, whose Reflection: blessed son was resurrected to Resurrection is the divine work Aovercome the sin and the death to of God which cannot be explained with make all things new. By thy resurrection O Christ human knowledge. For this purpose our savior grant that as we celebrate with joy the message of resurrection in the Bible is explained very Easter, your raising from the death may be raised compactly but his passion and death runs to number from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, of pages. through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the holy spirit, one God now and ever This is intentional to see with what faith and Amen. belief you will understand resurrection though His passion, death etc. are being recorded in the Roman Introduction: history. Note that God is only for the living and this is So far out of the miracles happened, two great the reason that God has said, I am the God of miracles on this earth viz. 1. Virgin birth (Christmas) Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is here to be and 2. Resurrection (Easter) both points to Jesus remembered the words of Jesus to Nicodemus Christ. Meaning of Easter is to raise that comes from “Unless you are born again you will not see the the word East or born or get up and back to life or the kingdom of God “ (John 3:3). dark has gone and the light has come, points to victory of Christ over the sin and death. Why are you Who is going to roll away the stone ? All looking among the dead, for one who is living ? He is most all the disciples of Jesus were men since Jewish not here He is raised is the message of Easter. society was male dominated but near the cross many Gregory of Nissa has said “since Jesus is the son of women were present and hence the first news of God, either the death nor the tomb was unable to resurrection was to women only. When His disciples keep Him”. Hence Easter the resurrection of Christ were inside the room with the doors locked, the from the dead is the foundation for Christian faith. women went boldly to the tomb thinking who will roll Thus resurrection established Jesus as the powerful away the stone for us ? But resurrection of Jesus son of God. was not known to them nor aware of it. This was a great question for the women who came to the tomb to Who expected the resurrection of Christ ? anoint the body of Jesus according to their customs. When Jesus was alive he said: Tear down this temple Because they knew that Joseph of Arimathaeu and and in three days I will build it again (John 2:19) and Nicodemus did the last rituals to the body of Jesus this he said referring to his body and resurrection. and rolled the stone to the opening of the cave. When This also implies that buildings are not temples but I they come near the tomb, the stone was already rolled am the life and resurrection. Jewish leaders and law away and they saw the cloths wrapped to the body of teachers misunderstood and used this statement as Jesus but they could not see Jesus. They came to the the false witness during the trial of Jesus before the tomb in deep sorrow and tears (love towards Jesus) high priest. Jesus resurrection was not expected by but the resurrection and revelation of Jesus turned his disciples / his loved ones but by his enemies. their sorrow to joy and spread the news of Hence, they told to high priest and Pilate: “ It has resurrection as the perfume which they brought to come to our remembrance that, when He was alive, the tomb to anoint Jesus. He said I will be raised to life three days. So give order to put a strict guard for the tomb and seal it Reflection: until third day. Accordingly it was sealed, but an Which is the stone or obstacle in your life unexpected miracle happened ie., Jesus rose from which is to be rolled away ? Believe Jesus: He will go the death and showed his power over the death which ahead of you and roll away your obstacle. Likewise is beyond the grave. Jesus go ahead of you to prepare a way for you. In the old testament God said to Moses: My presence will go The empty tomb and the risen Christ is not with thee, I will come with thee and give you rest (Exo only the proof of resurrection but his revelation 33:14). Risen Christ The shepherd voice: “I have (especially in his famous ministerial area: the Galilee called you by name, you are mine” (Isa 43:1) “He calls since many disciples were from this area) to his his own sheep by name” (John 10:3). Beloved God disciples, believers and loved ones for 40 days after and Jesus knows your name and He calls you by resurrection to strengthen them spiritually and name. Eg. Your children too in a busy place like Jesus told the women that I will be going ahead of you railway station or market, when you call by their Galilee where you will see me again and inform this to name, they listen to your voice and come to you. my disciples. Same thing happened to Magdalene Mary when she 8 ! CSI Life April 2015 was crying near the tomb early in the morning you hungry young men? Don't you have anything to looking at the empty tomb assuming that someone eat ? A caring masters question. They said nothing . took His body. But though Jesus was standing beside Then Jesus said cast your net on the right side. her, she could not recognize Him because of sorrow Same words was told to Peter about three years back and tear that filled her eyes. So she thought that he when his net was empty. When they cast their net was the gardener and asked him for the body of they got 153 very big fish which was the gift to them Jesus. Then, Jesus just said “Mary”. She recognized and later they recognized him as Jesus. Jesus said the shepherd voice and she was so happy, joyful and to them bring some of the fish you have just caught said Rabboni (means teacher). Then Jesus said her to (meaning give something to me out of what I have tell this news to his disciples. given to you), when they gave and reached the shore they saw one more gift: bread and fish was ready for Reflection: their meal. Jesus said to them come and eat my dear Beloved, we also live in such a busy and children. crowded world. But remember that in the midst of this Jesus calls you by name. Are you listening to Reflection: your shepherd voice: if so, that is the joy of Easter What is your spiritual hungriness today ? where death turns to life and end became the What is your emptiness in life ? Beloved, give what beginning. you have little to Jesus and in return he will give you abundantly. Resurrected Christ walks with you (Lk. 23:13- 33): Two disciples (one is Cleopas) went to Restoration of His disciples: Jerusalem to see risen Christ which was the hot news Jesus once said to Peter “come with me (follow that day and could not see Jesus. They were me) and I will teach you to catch men (Math 4:19). returning to their place Emmaus with Peter the senior disciple of Christ who rebuked Him disappointment and withered face. To remove that for three times was restored back to his discipleship disappointment and sadness, their teacher walked by His command “tend my sheep” and “feed my with them as a stranger and joined them with a lamb”. Later, after the resurrection, for Peters first simple question “what are you talking about to each message (Acts 2:41) three thousand men joined the other ?” Then a sweet dialogue between them and group and Peter offered this as the first sacrifice to though the distance was 6.5 miles from Jerusalem, it Jesus indicating that according to the promise of was nothing for them. At the end of the journey, the Jesus three years ago he caught men. Restoration of disciples extended three invitations to that stranger Thomas (Apostle to India) by the words: “Stop not knowing that He was Jesus. 1) It is getting dark doubting but believe”. For this the response of come to our town 2) come to our home and stay with Thomas was: “My Lord and My God”. More than all us 3) sit with us for dinner. Jesus accepted all the When Peter and John answered before council (Acts three invitations and sat for the meal. What 4) the council was amazed to see their boldness, happened ? when Jesus took the bread and broke it, knowledge and healing power and realized that they their eyes were opened and saw the resurrected were Jesus companions. Jesus and now their house that night was full of light. Immediately they returned to Jerusalem and spread Reflection: the news of resurrection. “Happy are those who believe without seeing me” is the good news for all of us who believe in the Reflection: resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evening journey to Emmaus, the time, tiredness of the journey and return journey was Conclusion: nothing for them because of sweet communion with Jesus is not like other teachers who preached Jesus. Likewise, Jesus as a stranger joins with you, and died but he lives, that too forever. One who walks with you and if you invite Him, He will come invites Him and receives Him will certainly recognize into your personal life as a savior, He reveal Himself Him and see Him and receives the gift of holy spirit. to you and He is the unseen guest at every meal. “I Many emperors built their kingdoms but its vanished stand at the door and knock if any one hear my voice but the church of Christ and Christianity is existing and open the door I will come to his house and eat for the past 2000 years and continue to exist for ever. with him” (Rev. 3:20). The only reason for this is the resurrection of Jesus, a living Lord and his church which is built on the Gift of resurrection to His disciples (John 21): empty tomb. Because of the burden of life and family, seven disciples including the professional fisherman Peter went back to their old profession for catching the fish to lake Galilee. Whole night they tried but their net was empty. Again Jesus revealed to them (they could not recognize Jesus in the beginning) and asked “Are
9 ! CSI Life April 2015 THE RESURRECTION
Rev. Vinod Allen, CSI Cathedral, Kozhikode,North Kerala Diocese he Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the tomb as secure as you can”. But all recorded in all the four Gospels of the those became futile exercise when TNew Testament. The Gospels vividly there was an earth quake and Jesus state that 'He is not here; He has been raised'. And rose from the dead. Only Matthew every book in the NT assumes that Jesus Christ rose records about it. When Jesus died on from the dead. This event took place on the third day the Cross he had recorded about the earth quake. The after Jesus was crucified. The resurrection narratives Jewish authorities still attempted to spread a slander which describe the happenings found in the Gospels that His disciples had stolen and hidden His body vary from each other. Though there are disparities in (Matt. 28: 11-15). Some went on even to say that Mary the description they all profoundly affirm that Jesus the Magdalene lost her way in the garden and she has been raised from the dead. The dates of the went to the wrong tomb found it empty. Then through gospels writing fall in to a late period i.e. could be her tear flooded eyes, beholding the form of the somewhat fifty years after the death of Jesus. There gardener, she leaped to the conclusion that it was was not any eye witness to the event. Therefore, there risen Jesus. Towards the end of the first century AD have been differences in the narrations. They teach there were many teachers of strange teaching, that Jesus rose in the body (LK. 24: 39-43, Jn 20:6f, including docetists who taught Jesus Christ had not 27), though it is implied that His risen body come in the flesh at all and His incarnate life was only possessed capacities not shared by our ordinary an apparition hence His resurrection the ghost of an bodies (Jn20:26). No gospel writer ever stated how He apparition. rose from death. J. S. Whale says, “The Gospels do not explain the resurrection; the resurrection Against all the theories that the risen Christ explains the Gospels. Belief in the resurrection is not was merely a kind of ghostly appearance the Church an appendage to the Christian faith; it is the taught that His resurrection was real, objective Christian faith.” palpable-bodily. His presence to the Apostles after His resurrection was real as His bodily presence in The Resurrection a Fact: Galilee had been. Many a people do not believe the fact that Jesus is raised. But it serves focus attention most Appearances of the Risen Christ: intensely upon the character of the entire course of The risen Christ appeared before many of His redemptive history. The CSI has accepted two faith followers. The NT depicts ten such appearances but affirmations namely the Apostles' Creed and the not easy to make a consistent series because the Nicene Creed. Both of them staunchly avow that, “on descriptions are independent. Some of the incidents the third day He rose again”. This was the message of involved only individuals (Jn 20:15, 27), couple (Lk the first century Apostolic Kerygma. St Paul makes it 24: 13-32), others in a group (Jn 20:26, Jn 21). Many clear that “if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; are of very personnel interactions. Some of those were you are still in your sin” (I Cori. 15:17). The Book of a kind of repetition for example the catch of fish in Jn Acts gives us a vivid depiction of their entire work on 21(cf. Lk 5: 1-11). And still a few are reminded of the the basis of their faith on the resurrected Christ. The breaking of the Bread. The resurrected Jesus was Apostles preached of the risen Christ and added capable of eating. He ate a piece of fish in the presence many to the faith in Christ. The other NT books also of his disciples (Lk. 24: 42, 43).They gave the disciples attest the fact that Jesus is raised. The NT scholars impetus to stand firm in their faith on Jesus. have divided Jesus' mighty work into four categories Resurrection is confirmed by the appearances to namely healing, natural miracles, exorcism and many encouraging and empowering them the task of raising the dead. We find three incidents of Jesus Mission. The Johanine description even goes on to raising the dead in the Gospels. We do not find the enlighten us how He commissioned the disciples in word resurrection there. Jesus' resurrection from the Jn 20 and 21. Those show that the risen Christ can dead is different from those events recorded in the perform things just as He done while He lived on the Gospels. earth. Consequently, the disciples became transformed people ready to stand suffer for Jesus. There are fraudulent stories about the resurrection of Jesus. The chief priest and the Importance of the Resurrection: Pharisees had an apprehension that His disciples Basically it is important because it gives us come by night and steal His body away and propagate crucial insights about God, Jesus Christ and that He has been risen from the dead (Matt. 27: 62- ourselves. The Scripture often defines God in terms of 66). This eventually made them to approach the what God does. The O.T. identifies God from the Governor Pontius Pilate to get more security to Jesus' history of His people for example the Exodus event. tomb. He passed orders, “Take a guard go and make How God led the people of Israel out of Egypt and into 10! CSI Life April 2015 the Promised Land with great signs and wonders. The Another important fact is that the drastic NT enlightens us with the story of Jesus Christ. The change of the life style of the disciples of Jesus. The story reaches its climax in the account of the disciples forsook Him and fled for their safety when resurrection of Jesus from the dead (Rom 4:24). The Jesus was seized by the temple soldiers (Mk. 14:50). NT affirms that resurrection was God's act revealing Jesus' death had shattered their hopes. The news His plans for the humanity (Acts 2: 24-32, Rom. 6:4, shared by Mary and other women gave them Heb. 13:20, I Pet. 1: 21 etc). Jesus was declared with enormous astonishment. They were convinced that power to be the Son of God by His resurrection (Rom. Jesus was alive by the appearances of risen Jesus to 1:24). Resurrection singles out Jesus as unique. It them in different phases. They were sure that they demonstrates His vital unity with God Himself. The had seen Him, heard His voice and recognized His central and decisive Christian doctrine of the divinity person. The disciples were suddenly and abruptly of Jesus Christ is grounded in His resurrection. The transformed into confidence and certainty from NT also makes it clear that believers share in the fate discouragement and frustration. The disillusioned of their Lord (Rom. 6: 1-10). Faith binds us to Jesus disciples began to proclaim a new message in Christ so that we share his inheritance. Through Jerusalem. They asserted that Jesus was indeed the adoption we are the children of God, and entitled to Messiah (Acts 2: 36). They also boldly affirmed that the same riches which Jesus gained including the one whom the Jews had murdered was the author resurrection and glorification. St Paul is concerned of life (Acts: 15). This eventually gave rise to the birth with the eschatological resurrection of believers of Church. The event recorded in Acts (Chp 2) gave birth Jesus at the parousia. He ascertains that the to the Church as a self-conscious fellowship. The resurrection of Jesus is the first fruits of the revolution of the disciples from a disappointed eschatological resurrection (I Cori. 15: 20). All in terrified band to a fellowship of bold preachers of Adam share Adam's death, so all who are in Christ Jesus as Messiah was caused by Jesus' resurrection will share Christ's life (I Cori. 15: 23). The from the dead. They found their primary function not resurrection of Jesus is an eschatological event that to rule or govern but to bear witness to the occurred in history and gave birth to the Christian resurrection of Jesus (Acts 4: 33). “The resurrection Church. did not result in a committee with a chairman, but in a fellowship with an experience”.
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11! CSI Life April 2015 Obituary Notes Prof. Ninan Koshy (1934 - 2015) The Church of South India deeply grieves the sudden demise of Prof. Ninan Koshy on March 4, 2015 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, shortly after his 81st birthday. Born on 1 February 1934 at Thiruvalla, He graduated from St. Berchman's College, Changanassery, and obtained a Master Degree in English literature from St. John's College in Agra and then went on to teach at Bishop Moore College in Mavelikara for some time. Later he became the General Secretary of the SCMI, an ecumenical student's movement affiliated to World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) which paved way for his ecumenical journey. During the biennium1962-1964, Prof Ninan was a member of Church of South India Synod and its Executive Committee representing undivided Central Travancore Diocese.
In 1973 at the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore he served as its Associate Director and then as Director-in-Charge. In July 1974, on the recommendation of his mentor M. M. Thomas he was invited to join as the Executive Secretary of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, WCC and served as its Director from 1981 to 1991. Upon retirement from WCC Prof. Koshy accepted an invitation to become a Visiting Fellow in the Human Rights Program of the Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Back at home in India he became a fellow of the Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi, and also taught at other universities. In recognition of his extensive contribution to Church and Academic Theology he was conferred an honorary Doctorate in Theology by Serampore University and was named member of the Kerala University Senate. Ninan was a compelling speaker, gifted and prolific writer, in both English and Malayalam. His very first book written in 1968 titled 'Caste in the Kerala Churches' was even then called path-breaking and it has been reissued recently with a postscript on the contemporary situation. He engaged personally in initiatives aimed at peaceful resolution of conflicts in different parts of the world, meeting with churches, government and political leaders. His writings in books, newspapers, and periodical journals was exceptional and appeared regularly, and right up to the day he died he was still writing and at work on new projects. Although serious in his work, Prof. Ninan maintained his relaxed demeanor and his sense of humour.
Prof. Ninan is survived by wife Susan and daughters, Mariam Shiney, Achamma Niney, and Elizabeth. On behalf of the Church of South India, we profoundly offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We recall with great joy his undaunted commitment to Church and its mission and also regret his absence with us to provide his services. Prof. Ninan Koshy a lay theologian, renowned ecumenical leader, political thinker, foreign affairs expert, social analyst, a multi-faceted personality will be missed and cannot be replaced.
Rev. Dr. (habil.) James Massey (1943-2015)
The Church of South India griefs the sad demise Rev. Dr. (Habil) James Massey on March 2, 2015 at Patna due to heart ailment.
Hailing from a humble Majbhi Sikh Christian community in Punjab, Dr. Massey had his school and college education in his state. Taking inspiration from his father's pastoral work, he pursued theological education after which, he was ordained as a minister in Church of North India and considered as one of the most prominent and resourceful persons of the Church.
Dr. Massey has served as the General Secretary of the Indian Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, member of the National Minorities Commission, Secretary of BTESSC and Chairperson of NCCI's Commission on Communications. He was the founding director of Centre for Dalit/ Minorities Studies (CDS) and Community Contextual Communication Centre and also passionately worked for the betterment of dispossessed and the marginalized people living in the slums of New Delhi.
He being a pioneer and proponent of Dalit Theology in India was one of the strongest voices for Dalits rights, especially the Christians Dalits, he had dedicated his life for the subaltern communities in India, and his contributions are immense to the field of theology and theological formation. As a Dalit Christian theologian, he authored and edited more than twenty books, most of which are in-depth studies on Dalits and other subaltern communities in India. One of his major contributions is the Dalit Bible Commentary. His life and work is very inspiring as he laboured untiringly towards real transformation in society with an essentially inclusive approach.
We extend our heartfelt condolence to his wife, Mrs. Kala Massey, and daughters, Jyoti, Ujwala and Kiran. We pray for God's peace and comfort to the bereaved family. 12! CSI Life April 2015 DIACONAL CHURCH IN THE RADICALLY CHANGING INDIA The Last paper presented by Late Prof. Dr. Ninan Koshy as Key Note address at the CSI-CISRS jointly organized National Consultation on 23rd and 24th February 2015 at CSI Synod Centre.
e have a very challenging theme the Hindutva agenda by the Sangh before us. I congratulate the C.S.I Parivar? Will he be able to restrain their WSynod and the CISRS for bringing words and actions? Because, the threat to church leaders together to discuss the theme. secularism comes out of the spread of the ideology of Hindutva, challenging its Why the Context? basis. The immediate reaction from the To be a diaconal church, a clear understanding Vishwa Hindu Parishat seems to suggest of the context is necessary. “For a church which they don't consider Prime Minister's statement a acknowledges the lordship of Christ over all the world message to them. As The Hindu wrote editorially on and all history it is necessary to discern Christ working 19th February, “As party the Bharatiya Janata Party in the world so that we may witness to what he is doing looked as if it was torn between its role as a politically and be with him when he acts”, Dr. M. M. Thomas responsible ruling party, and its need to cater to its wrote.(1) As God's incarnation took place within a core Hindutva constituency”. specific context God's mission always takes place in a particular social, economic, political and cultural “India is a Hindu nation. Hindutva is the context. There is no direct line from a Biblical passage identity of our nation and it (Hindutva) can incorporate or text to media headlines or to a conclusion about a others (religions) in itself”, said Mohan Bhagavat, RSS th development. There is no set of universally valid rules chief in Mumbai on 17 August. 2014. Similar or easy to apply abstract principles. We have to read statements about Hindu rashtra, Hindu rule etc. have the signs of the times with discernment and prophetic been made by other Sangh Parivar leaders too. The insights. challenge to the secular polity of India from Hindutva is a very serious one. The Sangh Parivar feels that since As faith-based action, diakonia connects the the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is their government, reading of the context to the reading of the Holy they have every right to operationalise openly the Scripture. The Biblical witness reminds us of God's Hindutva programme with gusto. unconditional love and caring for the suffering and marginalised and God's promise of future and hope. Cultural nationalism is the basis of Hindutva. In 1938, two years before he succeeded Hegdewar as The context is “the radically changing India”. RSS chief, M.S. Golwalkar published his “We or our What are the radical changes that are taking place in Nationhood Defined”. Golwalkar's theoretical writings the country? While several changes can be identified clearly take Savarkar's Hinduta as starting point but we will focus on two. One is the increasing threat to elaborated the ideas into what he liked to call “cultural secularism and the other is the new stage of neo- nationalism”, as distinct from “territorial nationalism”. liberalism. Territorial nationalism was the phrase used by the Congress and Nehru to describe the aspirations for The Threat to Secularism freedom of all people living in the territory of India irrespective of religion, caste, creed, gender and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a language. It reflected an inclusive nationalism function organised by the Syro-Malabar Catholic embracing all people in the country. Secularism is the Church in New Delhi on 17th February gave in continuation of the nationalism of the independent assurance on protecting religious freedom in the struggle. country. He said, “My government will ensure complete freedom of faith and everyone has the The BJP has never accepted the Nehruvian undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or concept of nationalism which is inclusive. In the her choice without coercion or undue influence”. He “Frontline” (August 1997) special issue on the added, “We cannot accept violence against any religion occasion of the 5oth anniversary of Indian on any pretext, and I strongly condemn such violence. independence, A.B.Vajpayee wrote an article in which My government will act strongly in this regard”. he said three things. They are still very relevant. He acknowledged his relationship with the Rashtriya This is a most welcome assurance befitting the Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and the inspiration he Prime Minister of a democratic country, coming after a derived from it. He said that “the Nehruvian consensus long silence even during discussions in Parliament. suppressed genuine nationalism which the BJP is now However a serious question is being raised. Will the reaffirming”. He said that the BJP made substantial Prime Minister be able to block the implementation of electoral gains by “joining” the Ayodhya movement.
13! CSI Life April 2015 Vajpayee. Reconversion drives in Gujarat, Madhya The three pillars of Indian polity are Pradesh and Orissa (now Odisha) had intensified and democracy, social and economic justice and were accompanied by violence against Christian secularism. They stand together. The weakening of one institutions and workers. The Dangs, Jhabua and weakens the other. Sarghuja districts were constantly in the news for In 1950, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru violence unleashed on Christian priests and nuns. declared “The government of a country like India, with Leaflets were circulated in the Dangs calling upon many religions that have secured great and devoted Hindus to “wipe out” Christians from the district. One following for generations can never function of the most gruesome instances of Hindu right-wing satisfactorily in the modern age except on a secular violence by persons allegedly belonging to Bajrang Dal, Basis”. Will the Nehruvian principle of secular one of the offshoots of VHP, was the burning alive of democracy be upheld under the BJP government?. Graham Staines and his two sons. According to Rajeev Dhavan, the secular After visiting Gujarat soon after the attacks on design of the Constitution can be summarised as churches, schools and Christians, all what Prime articulating three salient principles. “First and Ninister Vajpayee had to say that there should be a foremost is the principle of religious freedom which “national debate on conversion”. He seemed to imply expansively covers not just the right to religious that Christians themselves were responsible for their thought and belief, but every aspect of the faith sufferings. including its beliefs and rituals as also freedom from “Ghar wapsi” is not a simple act of conversion discrimination on grounds, inter alia, of religion, race, or reconversion but has a political ideological intent caste, place of birth or gender. The second secular behind it. The assumptions and claims of 'ghar wapsi' principle of 'celebrative neutrality' and the de- are wrong and questionable. Was Hinduism the house politicization of religion, underlying the Constitution, of these victims of 'ghar wapsi' at any time? What is the was devised to create a participatory secular State state of the house they are returning to? Where is their which would naturally assist and celebrate all faiths in place in the house? addition to generally not discriminating against them. The third salient feature of India's secular state was Another strategy is sought to be implemented social welfare and reform, with an accent on a through redefinition of secularism as tolerance. As 'regulatory and reformative justice”. Achin Vanayak has pointed out, “Once secularism is redefined as tolerance, then the truly secular state The Strategies of Hindutva comes to mean the truly tolerant state. From here it is an easy step to advocating a Hindu 'rashtra' and There are two major strategies followed by implicitly a Hindu state or one which is in some basic Hindutva. Both are devised to undermine secularism. sense affiliated to the majority religion. After all One is to polarise religious communities Hinduism, it is claimed, is the most tolerant of all through communal violence. The 1990s saw the religious systems and therefore most conducive to true massive violence in Mumbai and then the beginning of secularism. Those who oppose the idea of a Hindu the violence against Christians. The Gujarat carnage 'rashtra' or Hindu state but propose a redefinition or in 2002 was an anti-Muslim pogrom and later reinterpretation of secularism as tolerance, provide Khandamal in Odisha was the one to intimidate the legitimacy to the overall project of the BJP and Sangh Christian community on a big scale. Violence against Parivar”.) Muslims and Christians is continuing in a sporadic The Congress appears to have accepted the way in several parts of the country. redefinition. “The tolerant character of Hinduism is the Closely related to this strategy of polarisation best guarantor of secularism”, the Congress Working is Ghar Wapsi which is a political agenda of the Sangh Committee once argued. That is why the Congress is Parivar in religious garb. Violence against and accused of 'soft Hindutva'. A number of church leaders intimidation of Muslims and Christians by the Sangh have succumbed to the BJP strategy of secularism as Parivar along with programmes directed at them such tolerance. This is dangerous. as ghar wapsi are part of the same script. Hindutva and Neo-Liberalism They are expressions of Hiindu “power” in ”Hindu's homeland”. The message from the Sangh From 1991 India has followed a neo-liberal Parivar is clear, that it has won the state power and model of development which gives emphasis to growth now it has to demonstrate its power over the social and growth only. There is no provision for justice in space with the same vigour and brute display of force theory or in practice under this model. All studies both physical and verbal. have shown that the upper layers of society have benefitted most from neo-liberal reforms. These The VHP has named the process of conversions reforms have only widened inequalities between the to (Hinduism) or what it calls 'reconversion' rich and the poor, between the rural and the urban. ,'parivartan' or 'ghar wapsi'. It needs to be recalled that The benefits of growth have gone largely to a small the 'ghar wapsi' attempts of the Sangh Parivar had minority. The claim of “inclusive growth” made by gathered force even in the late nineties when the BJP Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was false and was ascending and won power under Aral Bihari misleading.
14! CSI Life April 2015 government. In An Uncertain Glory two leading economists, Is the church a minority? M. M. Thomas jean Dreze and Amratya Sen argue that the country's answers this question. “The Christian church is not a main problem lies in the lack of attention to the minority community. Theologically, the church is the essential needs of the people, especially of the poor. sacrament of the union between God and human There have been major failures both to foster growth beings and the sign of the goal of humankind and and to make good of the public resources generated by therefore it represents all men and women in their economic growth to enhance people's living conditions. search for their humanity in freedom and justice. From They point out that there is also a continued this perspective the Church is not concerned with inadequacy of social services such as safe water, being the majority or minority but in being the electricity, drainage, transport and sanitation. conscience and servant of all men and women as they seek their social and spiritual well-being. The minority The project of Narendra Modi is a combination consciousness of the Indian Christian community of the agendas of development and Hindutva. The neo- which makes it seek or accept conformity with the liberal “Modi-fication” of Hindutva began in the early powers that be because they provide protection is a nineties. Two important things happened at that time. denial of the theological nature of the Church of Manmohan Singh was brought back from the Christ.” comfortable seat of the South Commission in Geneva to become the Finance Minister. It was a deal forced Yes, as a community we are a minority in the upon India by the International Monetary Fund. country. The policy of presenting special minority rights as the greatest of our rights is wrong. Our The second important thing that happened at greatest right as minorities comes out of the fact that that time was the demolition of Ayodhya mosque on we are a minority in a democratic secular state. December 6, 1992, which was a declaration of the growing strength of the Hindutva with its fascist Let us be clear that there is no historical trends. It had other implications too. evidence that minority rights can be protected without
th the larger human rights. Religious liberty is not a In December 2012, on the 20 anniversary of minority right but a right of all people in the country. It the demolition of the Babri Masjid in an article in should be defended as a fundamental right and not as “Outlook”, pro-Modi commentator Swapan Das Gupta any special rights of Christians or Muslims. said the demolition was a necessary prelude to the economic prosperity that followed in India. “Finally the This means that we cannot defend our rights Ayodhya years coincided with the greatest crisis of the without defending the rights of all those who are ideological consensus forged by Jawaharlal Nehru. denied their fundamental rights the dalits, the The disintegration of the Soviet Union, the rise of adivasis, the women, labourers etc. radical Islamism in the neighbourhood and the failure of the socialist way to deliver economic growth led to Defending Secular Democracy old shibboleths being questioned. Coming in the face of So what we should do is to defend secular that uncertainty, Ayodhya pushed the old order over democracy in this country and not do anything that the cliff. Later on India moved tentatively towards will weaken that. Sometimes the way in which minority market economics, material prosperity and a more rights are claimed tends to weaken secularism.. pragmatic relationship with the rest of the world. “ This demands that there is no accommodation The Vajpayee government accelerated the pace with Hindutva and its strategies. We should not fall of neo-liberal reforms started by the Congress. He into the trap of tolerance but insist on secularism. showed that the neo-liberal agenda can be combined Religious minorities are the greatest beneficiaries of with the Hindutva agenda. A good example was in the secularism and they should also be its guardians. field of education. The Vajpayee government gave a strong push to neo-liberal policies in the field of Religious freedom is an important component education, promoting commercia- lisation of of secularism. The provisions in the Indian education. At the same time a Hindutva agenda was constitution on religious freedom are superior to followed in education and it was known as similar provisions in any other constitution. The “saffronization”. Neo-liberalisation and saffronization Indian constitution is unique in including the right to were combined. propagate under religious freedom. It was the declaration of commitment to secularism by leaders of the Christian and Muslim community during How do we respond to the new situation? discussions in the Constituent Assembly that formed the background of this. Defending minority rights Religious freedom is not a special privilege of There is an understandable anxiety among the Church. It is an important political right. It is religious minorities in the country after the intertwined with other fundamental rights like assumption of power by the BJP government. The freedom of expression, freedom of association and attacks on minorities are likely to increase, mainly by freedom of movement. Whenever these freedoms are the Sangh Parivar, followed by inaction by the denied to any section of the people or persons, the
15! CSI Life April 2015 Church should defend them. Religious freedom the intention of serving the weak and the marginalised, should be used to affirm the dignity of the human have over the years become instruments of service being created in the image of God. (trade in service) to the privileged and affluent sections of society. We have to examine what is “Christian” The link between propagation and conversion about our educational and medical institutions”. Can has been a subject of debate from the beginning and we call 'Christian ', our institutions which are run on the Sangh Parivar intends to take away the right to commercial lines? propagate. This is behind the move for anti-conversion law at the national level, in the controversy over ghar For me the guide to understanding wapsi. A number of states Gujarat, Rajastan, Madhya development is Psalm 23, which one of the most Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and familiar psalms. “I shall not be in want” means Arunachal Pradesh have Freedom of Religion Acts economic justice. In 1941 when President Roosevelt euphemism for anti-conversion. wrote his famous State of the Union address, it is said he had this psalm by his side. He described the Any failure on the part of the church to provide freedoms that should be ensured after the end of the a real home for all in it will open the path for Hindutva's World War. “Freedom from want”, he wrote the first ghar wapsi. We have to confront divisiveness on the time such a formulation of a freedom was made. basis of caste in the churches. I made a study of “Caste “Green pastures” and “quiet waters” are about the in the Kerala Churches” for the CISRS 47 years ago. environment. The protection of the environment is an (The reprint of the book, CISRS-ISPCK, is available important feature of development. “He guides me in now). The conclusion of the study was that in Kerala paths of righteousness”. Development has to be in the the so-called Syrian Christians constituted a caste and path of justice. Each development project has to be in discriminated against “backward class” (dalit) the path of justice, justice-oriented. “I will fear no evil” Christians. I am given the impression that the means human security. Among Roosevelt's four situation has only worsened. There are many Syrian freedoms was “freedom from fear”. Christians who consider dalit Christians as a liability. Many of them are inclined to consider “ghar wapsi” a The ecumenical understanding of development good thing; “it is good these people leave”. A diaconal consists of growth, distributive justice and people's church has to be one of genuine fellowship. It is when participation. Economic growth is necessary for the fellowship is not ensured that “ghar wapsi” development. Justice is not a by-product of growth. becomes attractive. While justice after growth is rejected, many would speak of growth with justice. This also is misleading as Diakonia and Neo-liberal Development model many projects of growth militate against justice. What Globalization poses direct challenges to is needed are projects, as the Psalmist says, in the path diakonia. Diakonia is service to the people in need. of justice. Globalisation denies justice to the pople. It has made But development is not just about projects. It is service a commodity that can be sold. The World Trade about transformation. As Dr.Samuel S. Parmar said at Organization has a major treaty, General Agreement the Uppsala Assembly of the WCC in 1968, on Trade in Services (GATS). Services can be sold and “Development is disorder”. Diakonia in the age of neo- bought. What is the meaning of diakonia in a market liberal development is social and political action for society? The overwhelming culture of globalization radical social and economic changes in the interests of with its accent on profit-making and consumerism has the poor and the dispossessed. There is a spiritual distorted the meaning of service. The Church, dimension to these actions. Diaconia is “acted prayers” unfortunately, has compromised itself with to use the famous phrase of Albert Schweitzer globalization. For the church the three dimensions of Rajni Kothari wrote long ago “Globalization celebration, proclamation and service are inter-related and marginalization are the two sides of the same in a way that each one is rooted in the other two and in coin”. Diakonia has to be rooted in the perspective and fact would not exist without them. Diakonia cannot be experiences of those in the margins. We cannot accept separated from what the church proclaims and an economic model that further marginalises the celebrates. already marginalised and dispossessed. Through diakonia the dignity of the human Privatisation and other market-oriented being is affirmed and defended, the rights of the people solutions are proposed for welfare systems. Where do are uplifted and protected, the process of empowering diaconal institutions place themselves in this people are initiated. People's participation is ensured discussion? Privatization means commercialisation. and building blocks towards social transformation are Privitisation is about profit-making and is distinct laid. from the role private agencies like the Church in fields of education, health etc. have played. As I said at the beginning, a careful reading of the signs of the times is needed for being and becoming We may have to look closely at our institutions a diaconal church. Let us pray to God to give us the especially in the fields of education and health, two grace, wisdom and ability to discern the signs of these important areas of diaconal activity. To which sections perplexing times. of society do they now cater to? Is it not a fact that many of our diaconal institutions which began with 16! CSI Life April 2015 1
17 CSI Life April 2015 18 CSI Life April 2015 19 CSI Life April 2015 20 CSI Life April 2015 THE RESURRECTING POWER OF THE CRUCIFIED: A Theological and Biblical Exploration. Mr. Vinod Wesley, Teaches Christian Ethics at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College. Member of CSI Madras Diocese. Introduction: Easter is one of the unique messages that the of Jesus on the resurrection of the Just. Jn. 5 : 24-29 Christian religion has contributed to the world about clearly records resurrection of the good for life and for the resurrecting power of the crucified. The story of the evil the resurrection is for condemnation, likewise Jesus' movement did not stop with the death of Jesus similar idea is mentioned in Matt. 11:23 - 26. but became more vigilant and active especially after his resurrection. The movement initiated by Jesus in Paul also taught the same message that Jesus touching the untouchables, healing the suffering, taught about death and resurrection : I have hope in challenging the status quo, redefining fundamental God, which they themselves also accept, that there will religious rituals and beliefs, resisting the unjust be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the empire and religious authorities and forming unjust (Acts 24:15). Similar views are also mentioned communities of peace continued with more vigor after in For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, his resurrection. The resurrection of Christ has even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in important theological as well as socio political Jesus (1Thes.4:14) and Therefore He says:"Awake, implications. The message and celebration of Easter you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will while conveying the faith affirmation of the give you light." (Eph. 5:14). In I Corin. 15 : 12 -19 Paul resurrection of Jesus Christ also still provides hope condemns people who did not believe in resurrection for many who are crucified by various forces to of Jesus. Paul also taught that all would be resurrect to show that death cannot put an end to resurrected, but that there would be a specific order of prophetic voices in transforming society. In this short resurrection, as all would not be resurrected at the article I would like to reflect on the biblical implication same time (I Cor 15 : 20 -23). Most important aspect of and historical importance of the belief in resurrection, Paul is that he understood that God has a plan to then the personal and spiritual implication based on extend his gift of salvation and life after death to the text John 20 : 11 30 and finally socio-political people beyond Israel. implication of how contextual theologies and subaltern movements derive the source for John also talks about three types of resurgence and resilient from the resurrection event. resurrection. The resurrection of the saints (Rev. 20: 4 -6),resurrection of small and great and the Resurrection for the Israelites and the Early resurrection of the dead of the sea ( Rev. 20 : 12 15). It Christian Community seems that many who followed John' view believed in Bible is very clear that the belief in three type of resurrection including St. Gregory of resurrection began with the Israelite community Nyssa. itself. The book of Daniel 12 : 2 4 clearly says about the waking up of people in the dust to everlasting life Many Church leaders from the second century (Daniel 12:2-4). This passage also shows that death is following the words of the apostles strongly talked like sleep. It also refers to a resurrection to everlasting about resurrection. Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp life and resurrection to shame and to everlasting of Smyrna considered a disciple of the Apostle John contempt. The book of Ezekiel 37:3-14 also clearly taught that the body and soul were to be resurrected, points on the dry bones becoming flesh and coming to hence he taught against the immortality of the soul life and being a witness to God. Isaiah also noted that doctrine. “Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; Theophilus of Antioch also talks about people For your dew is like the dew of herbs, And the earth being born again being present in the resurrection. shall cast out the dead (Isaiah 26:19). Although this Even people like Justin and Irenaeus talked about the seems clear that there is a physical resurrection, not idea that God would resurrect people and provide an all Jewish leaders believed this at the time (Isaiah opportunity for salvation. The same goes with 26:14). Tertullian, Hippolytus and Origen. Later even Martin Luther affirmed that death is like a sleep and will Even in Jesus' day, there were religious remain so until resurrection. leaders who did not believe in physical resurrection. Matthew records how the Sadducees did not believe in Even the biblical scholars in the 21st century resurrection (Mt 22 : 29 32). Jesus also spoke about strongly believed in resurrection. N.T. Wright affirms multiple resurrection, Luke 14 : 14 records the words the Pauline belief of soul resting with God and 21! CSI Life April 2015 brought to life in resurrection. We can consider that challenges us towards the following the deepest faith bible actually teaches that there are three future Mary Magdalene would have had to experience such a resurrections The first for the saints at the time of sight of the resurrected Jesus and to converse with Jesus' return (Rev. 20:5-6; John 5:24; 1 Thess. 4:16), him. the second for others (Rev. 20:5a,11-12; John 5:25; Brutal death and torture has always been the cf. Matt. 11:23-24), and the third for the incorrigibly tool of the dominant to crush any people' movement wicked (Revelation 20:13b-14; John 5:29; Isaiah everywhere and it was the same when Jesus was 65:20). The Bible teaches at least three judgments killed. The death of Jesus meant the death of his and that "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James movement as the disciples were in fear locking their 2:13) but also punishment for those who have sinned. doors fearing the Jews (vs 19). It is at this time Jesus Jesus taught multiple resurrections. Jesus' disciples enters and says “Peace be with you”. A peace which is taught multiple resurrections. The second century still the source of life where the experience of death church taught theses doctrines and even today many has shattered many of our lives. Their fears were believers believe in this doctrine. taken away. We might think the message of Easter ends here but actually Easter begins not only with the It is very interesting to note that the Jewish resurrection of Jesus but also his movement as Jesus and the Roman leaders thought that the crucifixion of challenges his disciples to continue God' mission Jesus would bring down the prophetic movement to when he says, “ Peace be with you. As the father has an end but as visualized in Daniel and in Isaiah, the sent me, so I send you” (vs 21). Easter was born here resurrection of Jesus Christ, the just and the when the exploitative Jewish and the dominant subaltern leader did not shun the growth of the Jesus' Roman world began to witness the resurrection of the movement rather the number of believers began to movement initiated by Jesus with much vigour and grow. Jesus' resurrection not only gave hope for the strength. This revived movement was ready to die as early believers, through Paul and many others it they witnessed the evil forces cannot defy God' revolutionized the theological and philosophical purpose of peace in this world as they realized God' beliefs and discourses on resurrection. The most peace in the deepest of their souls. important underpinning theological aspect is that the brutal death of the just cannot be accepted and that This resurrected movement is not without any there is resurrection for the Just and punishment of power rather it was with more power as Jesus gives the wicked and hence the resurrection of the crucified them a powerful gift the “Holy Spirit”. When Jesus has become the centrality of Christian belief. breathed upon them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit”(vs. 22) they were revived with a new power to Resurrection dethrones fear and gifts Hope in continue the prophetic mission of God in challenging Pain: Personal and Spiritual Affirmation sin and forgiving sin. The mission of forgiveness (vs. Anything theological has to have a personal 23) clearly points out that God intends reconciliation spiritual implication. Meditating on the resurrection and not punishment. Thus many believers who were of Jesus Christ is a personal spiritual experience for able to understand this message of the resurrected many of us. It helps us to understand the immense Christ have experience great change in their lives and power of God and also to believe the resurrection of continue to live as a witness for peace and human beings. The gospel of Jn. 20:11-30 records the reconciliation propagated by Christ. This is also the presence of the resurrected Christ in the midst of his faith in which the Church stands and thrives. shattered disciples which revived their spirituality and made them to continue the prophetic mission of Resurrecting power of the Crucified : Subaltern Christ in the midst of persecution and death. This Resurgence and Resilience particular passage has been the basic faith The resurrection of Jesus Christ not only inspiration for the Church and its believers. It is very provides theological significance for the victory of God true that resurrection of Christ is foremost the over evil, it is also a significant force for political experience of the disciples and it provided hope for the resurgence and resilience of the subaltern shattered disciples in pain than for anybody else but communities. Especially, for the Christian subaltern the Christian community has been able to derive hope communities resurrection of Christ proved that God in identifying with the experience of the disciple' with is in their political struggle and that their struggle them. does not die in the deaths that they face. Subalterns began to relate the death of many of their martyrs to The exposition of this text gives us very deep, the crucified Jesus on the cross and the resurrection real, challenging spiritual truths strengthening our of Christ gave them the unrelenting spirit to continue faith. Though the resurrection account begins with fighting until liberation could be attained. the empty tomb the first affirmation of resurrected Christ comes from Mary Magdalene who says to the For liberation and contextual theologies disciples “I have seen the Lord” (vs. 18), a radical resurrection provided the impetus for the continued breaking of barriers of the revelation of the struggles for liberation. For James Cone resurrection resurrected Jesus coming first to a women disciple is the ultimate act of liberation after Jesus identifying and friend in a highly patriarchal society. It also with the poor. In the Indian context not only Dalit 22! CSI Life April 2015 theologians but Dalit writers also used resurrection A Christological Paradigm for Doing Theology in as a political metaphor for the unrelenting struggle in India points out that “With resurrection Jesus the midst of death of many of their Dalit leaders. transcends all marginality, he broke the bonds of Mahesh Chandra Dewedy in his book Ambedkar : every cultural, racial, religious, sexual, economic Resurrection of Dalits brings out very clearly how Dr. social or regional bias that marginalized him and B. R. Ambedkar' effort brought in the resurrection of eventually lead to the cross.” Nancy L . Eiesland in her Dalit struggles. For Christian Dalits the resurrection facinating work. The Disabled God: Toward a is the vindication of the mission of Jesus which was Liberatory Theology of Disability radically points out tremendous sign of hope for the Dalits that they could that the resurrected Christ is a Disabled Christ with in fact realize their dream of equality and justice. The wounds in his bodies thus a theological affirmation risen Jesus is still with them encouraging them and which breaks the idea of abled bodies as the natural strengthening them to continue their fight against creation of God and that disability as a natural injustice and oppression. By rising from the dead inclusion in the body of Christ. Chris Damian in his Jesus proved that death is not the last word. Evil and article Homosexuality and the Resurrection of injustice cannot and will not have the final victory. Disability derives inspiration from disability theology This gives hope to the dalits that their struggle for homosexuality to say that as the wounds of Jesus against injustice and oppression is not a lost battle. became a redeeming agent for many so does the They will see the light of day. They will be able to rise wounds of marginalization and rejection of the sexual with Jesus to a more human existence. Vemaiah in orientation of the sexual minorities as the agents for his book Dalit Theology : An Indian Christian attempt the salivific act of the sexual minorities. to give voice to the voiceless mentions that “The resurrected Jesus who gives the hope for a bright Further extending the idea of resurrection as future encounters the Dalits in their day to day the resurgence of subaltern communities George experiences. No Christian faith is possible in India Zachariah extends this idea to resurgent struggles of today without the identification with them and Social Movement in his work Alternatives commitment to their resurrection from the tombs in unincorporated : Earth Ethics from the Grassroots. He which they are now held, guarded by the musclemen points out how the Narmada Bachao Andolan led by of the ruling classes according to the law and Medha Patkar several other leaders from otherwise. God dies in his people's death and raised tribal/adivasi communities to save the Narmada river again in his people's resurrection”. Belinda in her and the indigenous communities' livelihood in the unpublished research on Dalit Womanist Narmada Valley used their own ideologies to Perspectives on the Theology of cross mentions that resurrect themselves in their struggles again and death and resurrection of Christ is similar to the again though failure and oppression continued to everyday struggle of Dalit Women. The article Faith suppress them. Thus one community' resurrection Walkers : Dalit Women' Spiritual Journey brings out against oppression gives hope to many other the resurgent and resurrecting journey of Dalit struggles in India such as the Nilpu Samran in women in breaking the barriers of caste and Kerala. hierarchy. Conclusion: Similar views are also perceived my many As we are heading to celebrate Easter let us feminist theologians. For Heather W. Reichgott in her not limit ourselves with a very fundamentalist book Resurrection and natural law : A Feminist attitude that this celebration is unique only for Perspective says that “ In the resurrection God takes a Christians. While affirming the person spiritual natural process and subverts it completely. As people dimension of it we are also challenged to recognize the of the resurrection, Christian women may be resurrection of Christ in the struggles and confident that God has completely subverted the resurrection of many subaltern movements. The “natural” rules of gender once and for all.” Similar message of Easter does not only stop with celebration views are emphasized in the book “Queering Death” but move forward to continue God' mission as “sent in The Sexual Theologian, edited by. Althaus-Reid and out” community with the gift of holy spirit in bringing Isherwood. Nidheesh J Villatt in his book Tales of the vision of the reign of God in this world. As Jesus struggle and resurrection brings out the heroic stories wanted his disciples to be a witness to his of poor women transgressing boundaries of domestic resurrection, we are challenged in every Easter terrain to enter into public sphere. celebration to live a life for the transformation of the society in which the resurrection of Jesus Christ is The theological understanding of resurrection witnessed by all. Let us strongly believe that the as concretely present in the resurgent struggle of crucified are not mere victim but the resurrection of Dalits and women is further extended in identifying in Jesus Christ will show us they have the immense the resurrected Christ the disabled body and multi power of God to resurrect through our lives. Peace be gendered and differently sexually oriented minorities. With you…. K. P. Kuruvila in his work The Word Became Flesh:
23! CSI Life April 2015 CSI Karnataka Central Diocese CONSECRATION OF THE NEW BISHOP RT. REV. DR. PRASANA KUMAR SAMUEL The Consecration and Installation of the Rt. Consecration Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar Samuel as Bishop of CSI in Karnataka Central Diocese was held in a solemn The Moderator then led the consecration and service on Thursday, the 26th of March 2015 at 7:30 installation of the Bishop-elect. There was a solemn am in St. Andrew's Church, Bangalore. The Worship examination of the Bishop-elect, followed by the Service was led by the Moderator of the Church of congregational hymn inviting the presence of the Holy South India, the Most Rev. Dr G. Dyvasirvadam and Spirit. The Moderator and the officiating Bishops, graced by the Rt Rev. Thomas. K. Oommen, Deputy alongwith senior presbyters of the diocese, laid their Moderator - CSI, Rev. Dr. D. Rathnakara Sadananda, hands on the head of the Bishop-elect and prayed that General Secretary - CSI, Adv. Robert. C. Bruce, God ordain and consecrate him Bishop in God's Treasurer - CSI, Rt. Rev. G. Devakadsham, Former Church. The Moderator then presented the newly Moderator and Bishop in Kanyakumari Diocese, Rt. consecrated Bishop with the Bible, Cross and the Rev. Ravikumar Niranjan, Bishop in Karnataka Pastoral Staff, the symbol of the good shepherd. Northern Diocese, Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj, Bishop in Bishop Devakadasham adorned him with the Saffron Karnataka Southern Diocese, Rt. Rev. Timothy Stole, while the Deputy Moderator placed the Ravinder, Bishop in Coimbatore Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. episcopal Ring on his finger, a token of pledge and A. Rajavelu, Bishop in Vellore Diocese, Rt. Rev. fidelity. The Bishops then welcomed the new Bishop Christudoss, Bishop in Diocese and Rt. Rev. E. to the council of the Bishops by giving the right hand Pushpalalitha, Bishop in Nandyal Diocese. of fellowship. The Moderator then declared Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar Samuel Bishop in the name of Worship Service Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The congregation responded with a loud 'Amen' and sang The sacred consecration and installation the doxology. service commenced with a word of prayer by the Moderator of the Church of South India, the Most Rev. Installation Dr. G. Dyvasirvadam. A procession of deacons, presbyters, bishops, officers of the CSI synod and the The newly consecrated Bishop was led to his Bishop-elect walked towards the altar of the church to Episcopal chair. Mr. J. M. Richard, the financial the tune of “If Thou Art Near” by Johann Sebastian administrator of KCD, presented copies of the CSI and Bach. Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer, the presbyter-in- KCD Constitutions. Representatives of the Charge of St. Andrew's Church, extended a word of presbyters, deacons, women, youth, Sunday school, welcome to the dignitaries and the congregation. The laity and institutions in the diocese acknowledged the Bishop-elect was presented to the Moderator by Rev. authority of the Bishop and promised all due honour Solomon Thomas, the Administrative Secretary of and obedience to him. KCD, Rev. G. Wilson, Rev. Olvin Prabhakar, Rev. Job The Moderator, in his brief address, termed Jayaraj and Rev. Paul Dhinakaran. Rev. Dr. D. KCD as the smallest, richest and toughest diocese in Rathnakar Sadananda, the General Secretary of CSI, CSI. The newly consecrated Bishop, acknowledging read the instrument of election and selection, to the enormity of the responsibility handed to him, which the congregation gave its assent, emphatically. sought the cooperation of his clergy colleagues and all The Rt. Rev. Dr. Devakadasham, the former the lay members of KCD. He, also, reiterated that, as Moderator of CSI and Bishop in Kanyakumari the Shepherd of the diocese, he will have a very diocese, delivered a theologically profound and inclusive and unbiased approach. He expressed his ministerially challenging sermon. Acknowledging the gratitude to the Moderator, former moderator and the lingual plurality of KCD, he addressed Rev. Dr. other officers of CSI synod for their support. He was Prasana Kumar Samuel as a 'National Bishop.' appreciative of the efforts, taken by the diocesan Focusing on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, officers towards conducting the consecration service he emphasized that Jesus' encounter with the elite and, also, wholeheartedly thanked the people of God ruling class in Jerusalem should inspire Christians to of KCD for their solidarity and prayers. confront evil structures. He added that although Jesus' entry into Jerusalem marked the end of his Mr. K. J. George, the Home Minister of earthly life, it also ushered in an era of hope, peace Karnataka, Mr. P.C. Mohan, MP, Ms. Vinusha Nero, and justice. MLC, Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj, Principal of the United Theological College and Rev. Dr. Mohan
24! CSI Life April 2015 Larbeer, Secretary of Board for Theological society to the middle class and rich. He, also, served Education Senate of Serampore College were some of as the pastor of CSI Tamil Christ Church, Abu Dhabi. the notable persons, who participated in the solemn service. He has rich administrative experience in the diocese. He has served as a member of the Executive Brief Bio-Data of Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar committee, standing committees and boards of Samuel management of several institutions in the diocese. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar Samuel was His stints as the secretary of the diocese from 1999- born on February 11, 1956 in Kolar Gold Fields, 2001 and, again, in 2013 -2015 were marked by Karnataka. He was ordained as a deacon in 1981 by remarkable development in the ministry and mission the Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Doraiswamy, Moderator of the diocese. In recognition of his immense of CSI and as presbyter in 1983 by the Rt. Rev. Dr. contribution in the field of Christian Ministry, the C.D. Jathanna, Bishop of KCD. Jerusalem University conferred a Doctorate on him. An Ordained Minister for the last 35 years, Rt He is married to Prof. Esther Samuel, who Rev Dr P K Samuel's career has spanned rural, semi serves as the Principal of Bishop Cotton Women's urban and urban parishes covering peoples of Christian College, Bangalore. His daughter, Keren various cultures and languages. Economically, these Richards is a software Engineer and Paul, his son, parishes have ranged from the poorer sections of works for a financial institution. (Photos found on p.17) Department of Mission and Evangelism Refresher Course for Missionary Pastors and Mission Trainers- Sponsored by EMS The Department of Mission and Evangelism openness to other faiths. Evening session was of CSI Synod organized Refresher course for the CSI organized as a panel presentation by the Directors of Missionary Pastors and Mission Trainers in the Syonodical departments. This session was association with Karnataka Southern Diocese at chaired by Rev. Dr. D. Ratnakar Sadananda, the Mangalore from 20th to 23rd February 2015. 100 General Secretary CSI. Rev. K. James Cecil Victor Missionary Pastors and Mission Trainers as men and Director Pastoral Concerns, Rev. J. Solomon Paul, women of various CSI dioceses participated in this Director Youth Concerns, Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj, Refresher course. Rev. William Kunder, Presbyter Director CSI EMS Desk, Dr. Mathew Koshy, Director Karnataka Southern Diocese and his team led the Ecological Concerns, Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan, singing sessions. Director Mission & Evangelism were the speakers in this panel presentation. All the Directors shared On Friday 20th February at 10.A.M the first their departmental concerns and activities and their day event started at Shanthi Nilaya, the diocesan vision for future actions. meeting hall. This Refresher course was inaugurated by The Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Deputy On Saturday 21st February the sessions Moderator CSI in the presence of Rt. Rev. Mohan started at KTC Bishop Jathanna Hall with the Manoraj, Bishop in Karnataka Southern Diocese. morning worship and Bible study by Rev. Dr. Royce Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj led the morning Worship Manoj issues discussed on this day were and Bible study and shared greetings. The Deputy Communication Methodology in presenting the Moderator delivered inaugural address and Gospel, Equipping missionaries for Healing Ministry motivated the participants for wider mission and Socio Political and Religious dynamics in India. engagement. The Rev. Dr. D. Ratnakar Sadananda, Rev. Dr. Honey Cabral, Principal Karnataka General Secretary, CSI delivered key note address on Theological College; Mr. Ben Ebenezer, Project the main theme Building Faith Communities for Administrator CLHTC, CMC Vellore; Rev. Fr. Social Transformation. Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan, Philomin Raj, Program Coordinator IDEAS were the Director, Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod speakers for the day. In the evening participants were introduced the purpose of organizing this program. divided in to various groups in a regional basis to The Diocesan Secretary Mr. V. Isaac Vijayasekar share their missional activities for mutual welcomed all the leaders and participants on behalf understanding. After the group sharing all the of Karnataka Southern Diocese. The inauguration participants together spend half an hour for group session ended with the prayer and benediction by the prayer to remember the missionaries working in the Deputy Moderator. On the first day afternoon session remote parts with many challenges. was led by the deputy moderator and the speaker was Rev. Dr. Packiam T. Samuel, Director Henry Martin On Sunday 22nd February all the participants Institute Hyderabad. The theme for the afternoon participated in the worship service at CSI Shanthi session was Re-Imagining Christian Mission in the Cathedral, Mangalore. Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan context of religious extremism which helped the was the preacher and Rev. Edward Karkada and Rev. participants to see missional engagements with Ebenezer Jathanna led the worship service. After the 25! CSI Life April 2015 worship service all the participants were taken to at Sahodaya hall which was led by Rev. Viji Varghese Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island and Kappu Light Eapen on the theme Revisiting missiological call. In house. The Ebenezer Church in Malpe hosted a the culmination program the Bishop in Karnataka delicious lunch to all the delegates. Rev. Ivan D. Southern Diocese appreciated the missionary Soans Presbyter in Malpe Church and the members pastors for their tireless efforts for Gods mission. Mr. of the Church committee organized this lunch and Udayaraj Kaunds the diocesan Treasurer shared short worship in the Church. Rev. Sebastian greetings and distributed gifts to all the participants Jathanna, Convener Mission board KSD, Rev. on behalf of the diocese. Rev. Dr. Honey Cabral Vinyalal Bangera and Mrs. Joicy Watson were the offered prayers in the last session and Rev. S. organizers for this visit program. After the visit Christopher Vijayan extended vote of thanks. program the participants gathered for group sharing in the KTC Sahodaya Meeting Hall. All the leaders of This Refresher course is more relevant to the regional groups submitted their consolidated have it in Mangalore. As Karnataka Southern report of the regional mission activities. Diocese is one of the Basel Mission Dioceses, it became an opportunity for our missionary pastors to On the last day Monday 24th February, understand the works of the Basel Mission closing day events started with the Holy Communion Missionaries and their unique mission Worship at Shanthi cathedral at 7.30 A.M. Rev. methodologies. The participants enjoyed the warm Vinyalal Bangera was the preacher and worship was hospitality of the Karnataka Southern Diocese and jointly conducted by Rev. Edward Karkada and Rev. equipped by the rich missionary tradition. The Ebenezer Jathanna, Rev. Sebastian Jathanna and participants were equipped by this refresher course Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan. After the Holy and motivated to do Gods mission in a meaningful Communion worship culmination session was held way. (Photos found on p.18) Mission Consultation for Pastorate Mission representatives in Madurai-Ramnad Diocese The department of Mission & Evangelism of City Mission in Madras diocese were the Resource CSI Synod organized one day mission consultation person and took sessions on Churches engagement for the pastorate mission representatives in Madurai in Mission. Rev. T. Samuel R.V. Sing led the singing Ramnad Diocese on 7th March 201 at CSI sessions and made all the local arrangements. As a Tirumangalam North Pastorate Church. The Rt. Rev. part of this one day mission consultation Mr. Dr. M. Joseph, Bishop in Madurai Ramnad diocese Solomon David was commissioned by the Bishop as a inaugurated the mission consultation at 9.00 A.M new missionary to work with the Home missionary and delivered inaugural address. Rev. Dr. G. K. Society in Madurai-Ramnad diocese. The Chellappa the convener of the diocesan mission consultation ended with the prayer and benediction board extended welcome address. Rev. S. by the Rev. Dr. G. K. Chellappa. Christopher Vijayan, Director, Mission & Evangelism (Photos found on p.18) CSI Synod and Rev. Wellington Jesudas, Director Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan Director, Mission and Evangelism
26! CSI Life April 2015 CSI Synod Diaconal Concerns Peace Seminar held at Mangalore CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese has organized 2. Peace through Need Fulfilment: Needs vs a Seminar on “Peace Initiative Programme”, Local Wants/Sharing of resources/Projects to fulfil needs Capacities for Peace Pilot Project in collaboration with the CSI Synod Diaconal Concerns on 04-02-2015 at CSI 3. Peace through Violence Free and Non-Violence Shanthi Cathedral, Balmatta, Mangalore. About 85 Filled Life: Good relationships/ Celebrating Differences/ pastors of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasaragod and Mutual Understanding/Love Kodagu districts have actively participated in the one day 4. Peace through Justice and Equality: Poverty seminar. alleviation/ Gender Equality/ Non-discrimination/ Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj, Bishop KSD Equal Opportunity inaugurated the seminar and gave the inaugural 5. Communication as an Instrument of Peace: address. Active listening/Understanding/Counselling/ Conflict Mr Reginold Soans, Project Co-ordinator KSD Resolution gave brief introduction of the programme. He explained Each of the groups was given a theme to discuss about the background history and objectives of the local in about 20 minutes. They were asked to select a Capacities for Peace (LCP) and further he explained that spokesperson who would later sum up the group's the LCP tools enable us to analyse the situation conclusions in the main assembly. All the groups took prevailing in a given context of conflict and come out with the exercise seriously and came out with relevant and alterative options and solutions to bring peace. In this critical observations. Most of the participants respect the CSI Diaconal Concerns is engaged for the appreciated the Seminar and felt that it was informative past several years in organizing orientation workshops in and useful. The feedback from the groups included all the regions to equip the pastors, project workers, suggestions to have similar input sessions preferably in youths in LCP so that this tool may be used at the local the form of workshops which would facilitate more level also. practical orientation. The general consensus was that Dr Charles V. Furtado, Assoc. Professor of Peace Education was indeed an essential aspect of English, St. Aloysius Evening College, Mangalore was the pastoral care and needed to be given more importance. resource person. He facilitated two sessions entitled They also felt the need to strengthen the Counseling arm “Peace Education” and “ Pastors as Peace Makers”. of the Church and target all the organs of the Church, especially the Youth Fellowships through Peace Camps The first session which began with a video etc. clipping of St Francis of Assisi's famous prayer 'Make me Concluding Session: a Channel of your Peace', highlighted the various aspects On the basis of the points brought out by the of Peace education. After listing the main objectives of spokes persons of each groups the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Peace Education, Dr Furtado enumerated the different Mohan Manoraj highlighted them following points in dimensions of peace and the important perspectives of respect of Role of the Church in Peace initiative. peace education with cogent illustrations. Emphasis was given to Peace through Teamwork, Peace through 1. Local Church as the participants hail from Ex- Caring/Sharing/Forgiving and Peace as a Ripple Effect. Basel Mission area, he highlighted the work of the The session ended with video clippings of missionaries of Basel Mission in India, their initiative of MalalaYousafzai, the recent winner of the Nobel Peace bringing all class of people together whether they are prize, who was presented as a role model for emulation. poor or rich, low cast or upper cast, Dalits or any other sector and to live together as a community in education, The second session, 'Pastors as Peacemakers', work, living, etc. This resulted in bringing communal which began after a tea break, tried to examine the harmony. Taking their model, the Pastors and the crucial topics 'Who are the Peacemakers?' and Pastorate Committees solve the conflicts within the 'Understanding and Resolving Conflict'. After explaining Church and community surrounding. the three dimensions of peace, the facilitator emphasised the importance of forgiveness in the context of cultivating 2. How to bring Peace in conflict he explained that peace and exhorted the participants to work towards counselling is very important in solving the conflict building a culture of peace. The session ended with a amicably and peacefully. At the first step individual Group Discussion on the 'Role of Church in Peace- counselling of the people involved and thereafter making and the various possibilities of future action. The bringing them together for amicable settlement participants were divided into 7 groups and were given peacefully. topics to deliberate upon. The groups elected spokespersons who presented the gist of their On conclusion Bishop explained that Church discussions to the main assembly. can act as a channel for Peace by amicably solving the conflicts within the Church and community Themes for Group Discussion: surrounding. He thanked the CSI Synod Diaconal Role of Church in Peace Making/Initiating: Concerns for sponsoring this programme in our Diocese. 1. Peace through Right Values and Human Rights: Reginold C. Soans R e s p e c t i n g t h e r i g h t s o f a l l s e c t i o n s o f Project Co-ordinator, KSD Society/Children/Women/Youth/Senior Citizens (Photos found on p.20) 27! CSI Life April 2015 Diocese of Madras
CLERGY LENTEN RETREAT A BRIEF REPORT The Clergy Lenten Retreat was organized from Loving or the Compassionate father he beautifully the 25th to 27th of February 2015 at ASHIRWAD drew upon the point of Identity Crisis. He concluded KENDRA At Hyderabad. An excellent place with saying the father in the story tries to overcome quietness filled with solemn atmosphere with an Difference Vs Domestication and Self Constructed Vs awesome ambience. We the 174 Clergy of our Diocese Imposed identities. The father wants to continue his arrived on the 25th morning at the Pearl City. The identity as' Father' and them as 'Brothers'. In all Lenten programme started at 10.00 a.m. with these sessions there were lots of questions and Morning worship lead by the Rev. Backiaselvan and interactions. We were privileged to have few his worship team with Tamil Isai Vazhipadu and The dignitaries with us such as The Rev. Dr. Immanuel Rev. T. Devaputhiran, our Administrative Secretary Matthews Thathapody the principal of ACTC, The Delivered the Homily based on the text Luke 11-27- Rev. Asir Ebenezer the Director of Synod Diaconal 36. His homily focused on the theme Concerns, The Rev. James Cecil the Director of CROSS:CHRIST-COMMUNITY, challenging the Pastoral Concerns CSI Synod, The Rev. Christopher Pastors to look at the cross and draw strength in their Vijayan the Director of Mission and Evangelism of Ministry. The Moderator of CSI and Bishop In-charge CSI Synod, The Rev. Solomon Raj the Vice-Chairman Most Rev. Dr. Govada Dyvasirvadam along with his of Medak Diocese, Dr. Vimal Sukumar the Treasurer spouse The Rev. Dr. Ramani Dyvasirvadam, The of Medak Diocese and Mr. Jireh the Head Operations General Secretary of CSI The Rev.Dr.Daniel of Ashirwad. All these Dignitaries brought greetings Rathnakara Sadananda, and others started the from their respective Departments and Institution. It Session by Lighting the Lamp as the Bhajan was was a Joy to have all of them in the midst of us. sung. After Felicitations the Moderator delivered his address on the Theme. He emphatically stressed on The sight seeing to Museum on the 26th three perspectives CROSS AND CUP, CROSS AND afternoon and shopping at Charminar was CROWN, CROSS AND CULTURE. He emphasized not thoroughly enjoyed by the pastors. In the Pearl City on the Mystical Cross or Liturgical Cross, but the many bought pearls, sweets, colourful Bangles, Rugged Cross which is the Authentic Cross. The Chudis, Sarees, Footwears, etc. On the 27th we Session led by the General Secretary of CSI was started the day with Worship. An excellent Gramya based on John 13:1-15, Washing of the feet stressed Isai Vazhipadu was conducted by the Rev. Samson on 'Bending: Master becoming Servant, Borderless Rasa and his team. The way the Worship was Community is Christ Community and Kenotic conducted was well appreciated by all. The pastors experience of the self were the important pointers for felt this worship must be introduced in all the Bending. The Basin, Water and the Towel becoming Churches, specially at Rural areas. The sermon for symbols of Bending. Unless one undergoes the the day was delivered by The Rev. Y.L. Babu Rao, the experience of bending one cannot rise. The Convener, for Pastoral Concerns. After the worship experience of Bending is a must in our faith journey. We left the venue for Zoo and Shopping. The We had fun and frolic at the Camp Fire at 8.30 p.m. Hyderabad Biriyani was served to everyone for Parai Attam by young pastors, Gumi Attam by women Lunch. By the Grace of God everyone had good health clergy, Excellent Elegy, Jokes were part of the Camp during all these days and all flew back to Chennai on Fire. The day ended with prayer and Benediction. the 27th February 2015. Definitely we are assured that this Lent would compel us to comprehend the On the 26th February the day began with the Cross in relation to Christ Community. Holy Eucharist Service. All women Clergy lead the service with Bhajans , Intercessory Prayers, Bible My Sincere and Special thanks to the Reading and distribution of Sacramental elements. Moderator for his guidance all through to us and the The Speaker and the Celebrant for the day was The officers of Medak Diocese. The Stay, food, travel and Moderator's Commissary The Rt. Rev. Dr. A. above all the Fellowship between the pastors were Rajavelu. His sermon stressed the importance of I outstanding. Without his guidance it would not have and THOU relationship. Rev. Dr. John Samuel been successful. My heartfelt thanks to the Ponnusamy the Old Testament Professor from Rev.Solomon Raj the Vice-Chairman and Dr. Vimal Tamilnadu Theological Seminary took two Bible Sukumar the Treasurer of Medak Diocese for their Studies on Genesis 4:1-16, the story of Cain and Abel. love and hospitality all through the Retreat. We thank He described the Dynamics of Identity, Geography of them for hosting this Retreat and for a wonderful and Sin, Ideology of Sin, and how to break the Cycle of sin. expensive Travel Bag as compliment for all Madras In his second Study on Luke 15: 11-32 the story of the Diocesan Pastors present for the Retreat. My thanks
28! CSI Life April 2015 to all the Officers of the Administrative Committee untiring work in the preparation for this Clergy Rev. T. Devaputhiran, the Secretary, Rev. Y.L. Babu Lenten Retreat. I praise and thank God for the Rao the Convener, Pastoral Concerns and Mr. P.J. Wonderful Clergy of the Madras Diocese for all their Selvakumar the Financial Administrator, for their support and Prayers, for this Retreat. May God Bless advice and suggestions pertaining to the Retreat. My all of us in all walks of life and in all our Endeavours. thanks to all the members of the Sub-Committees and its Conveners. My thanks to the Staff of the Paul Francis Ravichandran Diocese Mr.Prince, Mr. Robert, Mr.Gopi, Bishop's Chaplain Mr.Abraham, Mr. David, and Mr. Nirmal for their (Photos found on p.19)
Karnataka Central Diocese
CLERGY LENTEN RETREAT CSI-KCD Lenten Retreat was organized in towards new paths, vigilant images and effervescent Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad from 26-27 demonstration. Jesus took an inter-cultural walk February 2015. The Lenten retreat began with the from Nazareth to Jerusalem during which people morning devotion on 26 Feb 2015 in the ecumenical discovered His true Identity. Walk became a process chapel. Rev Sunjay Samuel was the devotion leader. of self- discovery which showed the disciples complete Rt. Rev. Dr. P.K. Samuel shared word of God from image of Jesus: The Servant Master. The Servant Ephesians 2:10. The message focused on having Master image of Jesus is the perfect example for intimate relationship with Christ. This relationship church to follow. The washing of the feet of disciples should be visible in our deeds where the spirit driven by Jesus is act of Hospitality, which embraced the title work is implemented in our ministry. Servant Servant-Master. Jesus used water to wash feet of His leadership is the apt role model that we need to follow. disciples; water is a sign of caring and healing. We need to build our character and integrity so that Church should care and heal, extending hospitality to we will not become Cow On Walk. Bishop P.K. Samuel communities beyond horizons. concluded the devotion by saying without discipline one cannot be called as a disciple of Christ. Rev. Jesus knelt down which opened a new way to Solomon Thomas closed the devotion with prayer and the community to enter into the future. The path of Benediction. the future prepared by Jesus is completely based on experience. A servant can become a teacher. The Retreat began with inaugural address Servant-Teacher is qualified to teach because the delivered by CSI Moderator the Most Rev. Dr. G. Servant- Teacher has the experience which is carried Dyvasirvadam. Scripture passage for meditation was from the margins. So mission from the margins is the chosen from St. Mark 10:35-45. The Moderator titled new path of the future for the church. Bending down the meditation as, “Cross-Christ Community”. provides an opportunity to see face of God in the Challenge of the Christian Community to transform suffering of human beings. The church needs to bend into a Christ Community was the focus of meditation. down to meet the face of God in the suffering. Today's churches are still remaining as structure; this is the principal obstacle towards transformation. A connection between the Shepherd and the Slowly and steady movements like Bakht Singh have servant is necessary. A shepherd knows, cares and motivated church to de-institutionalize its structure. searches for the lost sheep. These qualities support The second step towards transformation is to revive the Servant Master to know, care and seek the lost. Cosmic Personality of Christ, which we have Only through knowing, caring and seeking the lost centralized to human beings. When we truly their suffering and pain are identified. The recognition understand Cross as, Firstly the cup of suffering not of the neglected ones has tremendous outcome. The the cup of authority, Secondly the crown of pain not power of Knowledge of ethos and pathos of the crown of glory and Thirdly, the culture for change marginalized communities need to be remembered, as not of rigidity. These will help in the transformation they are the foretaste of liberation. Church has to and revive a Christ- Community. Mrs. Ramani recognize and identify the foretaste of liberation Dyvasirvadam responded to the gathering by greeting through knowing, caring and seeking the lost. and explained the importance of cross and suffering. As an Jewish Scholar said, “Education gives The General Secretary of CSI Synod Rev. Dr. children roots and wings”. Memory, reality and vision D. R. Sadananda moderated the first session. Biblical become one when we are educated. The requirement passage for meditation was based on St. John 13: 1- of education is fulfilled when Past , present and future 15. The introduction of the session began with I-Thou meet together to construct and create a borderless relation of Jesus. The relationship leads Jesus community. So to make the borderless community a
29! CSI Life April 2015 reality church needs to transform the memory. The are: understanding of God Changes, Sadhanas are work of the Holy Spirit in St. John 14 tells, Holy Spirit missing, language of Christians is different, will lead You to all truth. Remembrance is an agent of Christians make people to believe but not to seek, and truth. The guidance of the Holy Spirit to educate will Understanding of God is confusing. These inputs led continue through memory and remembrance. for an interaction with other faith members from HMI. Dr. Packiam finished the session by saying, “How can Symbols used by Jesus in the act of a mechanical engineer evaluate a classical painting?” Hospitality have an unique understanding. Jesus used Water, Basin and towel to remember movements 27th Feb 2015, second day of the retreat began from the margins; likewise Pilate used the same (Matt with worship. All the newly ordained deacons were the 27:14) to relieve himself from burden of the innocent worship leaders. The worship began by singing blood. The question remains, which is the church choruses and bhajan. Rev. Dishon did the opening following? prayer. The Scripture reading was taken from Ezekiel 22:29-31, the bible passage was read colloquially by Vision of the church is to discover itself and Rev. Shalini. Rev. Job Jayaraj gave a meaningful relive Jesus through mission. Work of the church is to mediation on the theme, Meeting the Gap by practice sava of the Servant Master. Sava is the only reminding us the call of God from, Ezekiel 22: 30 'I am trademark for Christ community where work of grace looking for someone who could build a wall' because is visible. Grace creates new space for Christ- human made obstacles have widened the gaps. community. Human obstacles such as socio, political, economic, Before the second session there was a brief spiritual gaps have been increased. The Sins of introduction of the working/ projects/ concerns/ Jerusalem have monopolized all around the world. future plan of the CSI Synod which was given by Rev. People who were called to build bridges have Asir Ebenezer. construct blocks around them personally and professionally. The blocks need to be removed to build The second session was conducted by Rev. Dr. bridges. A call from God to bridge the gap for unity is Packiam T. Samuel, Director of HMI. The title of the needed of us. An enactment was performed by the session was: “Perspectives of people of other Faiths on deacons representing the Voices of the marginalized. Christian Community”. Dr. Packiam began his Rev. Jessie Ranjan did the closing prayer and presentation by saying the following, ““Everything we Benediction. hear is not a fact, and everything we see is a perspective not truth”. Some of the opinions about The rest of the day we visited the historical Christian by other Faith were briefed by Dr. Packiam's sites of Hyderabad: hearing the echoes from the survey: Christians are fun loving, kind and nice, best Golkonda, viewing the beauty of Hussain Sagar Lake, teachers, very board minded, helping and serving. searching the best pearls from charminar and enjoyed the hospitality of the city of nawabs. The media presented Christians as merchants of Reported by KCD faith. Perspectives of Christian Theology by others (Photos found on p.19) Bethel Bible Institute Admission to B.D., B.Miss., Diploma in Mission Studies for the year 2015-2016
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The programme ended with activities by the Durai, Vice President and Mr. D.S. Amirtham, Joint Women's and Youth fellowship followed by prayer Board Convener, Rev.Victor Prem Kumar, Convenor and benediction by the Bishop. Clergy Lenten Retreat:Towards Renewal and Reconciliation CSI Coimbatore Diocesan Clergy Lenten Professor, Old Testament, Tamilnadu Theological Retreat was held from 23-24 February 2015 at YMCA Seminary delivered in two sessions the retreat's key Camp Centre, Yelagiri Hills. The Campus was note on the topic “ Identity in Christ”. There was a beautiful and spacious. The food offered was debate… Pattimandram organized on the topic “In delicious. 88 Presbyters and 15 Deacons from all the Pastors life, Is Family good or Hindrance to ministry”. five area of the diocese participated. Rt. Rev. Timothy Rev. J. Vincent, Coimbatore Area Chairman moderated Ravinder, our Bishop in Coimbatore gave the the session which was interesting and inspiring. inaugural Christo-centric message calling us to have Presbyters brought out their talents through their the Determination to live a life that would be useful communication skills. God granted all of us mouthful of for others, to work with Dedication to serve the poor laughter and time of leisure. and the needy and to follow Jesus Discipline in managing our time and emotions in our ministry. The following day started with the Holy Communion worship for spiritual enrichment. Presbyters who were going to retire were given time and Rt. Rev. Rajavelu, opportunity to speak about their experience. Presbyters Bishop in Vellore engaged themselves in playing cricket to burn out their and Office Bearers calories. Presbyter's Lenten retreat came to a close with of the Vellore closing words of inspiration by our beloved Bishop. The diocese had earlier fellowship and fraternity between the Clergy which we w e l c o m e d a n d all experienced was mutually enriching and felicitated us. Rev. strengthening. Rev. S. Prince Calvin, Dr. John Samuel, Hon. Secretary, CSI Coimbatore Diocese 31! CSI Life April 2015 Diocese of Vellore Clergy Lenten Retreat A Lenten Retreat for the Clergy of CSI Vellore Word based on Isaiah 53:1-6, and John 1:35-42, Diocese was held on 17th & 18th March 2015 at exhorting the Clergy to deeper commitment and LITE(Laity Institute for Transformation Education, active involvement in the Church ministry. The third CSI Madras Diocese), Kellys, Kilpauk, Chennai. The session was led by Rev. Dr. Joseph Prabhakar Dayam retreat began on 17th March with the inaugural from Gurukul with the theme “Theology of Cross: its address by our beloved bishop the Rt. Rev. Dr. A. relevance for Christian Ministry in India today,” Rajavelu. The officers of the Diocese Rev. H. Sharma highlighting God's identifying nature with the Nithyanandham, Hon. Secretary, and Rev. Barnabas suffering Community, as the Church continues to be Absalom, Hon. Treasurer and 75 Pastors of the a body of broken people. In the closing session Rev. Diocese participated in the retreat. It was really a Dr. Premiah spoke on the “Critical analysis of the meaningful time of prayer, fellowship and spiritual Pastoral Ministry in today's Indian Context,” nourishment.
At the first session Rev. Dr. B. J. Premiah gave broadly classifying the ministry at three levels: 1. a talk on the theme “The Life-giving Cross of Christ Sewage level, 2. Street level, and 3. Sky level, giving and its significance for the Pastoral Ministry,” special emphasis on identity, availability, emphasizing the self-giving personality of the Cross accountability, and maturity in Pastoral ministry. that offers life in all its fullness providing a variety of The retreat came to an end with felicitations, and opportunities for the mission and ministry of the the message of greetings by the Rev. T. Church. At the second session Prof. Susai Devaputhiran, Secretary, Rev. Y. L. Babu Rao, Jaganathan from Gurukul spoke on the topic Convener-Pastoral Concerns, and Rev. Paul Francis, “Effective Leadership Models for the 21st Century Bishop's Chaplain of the CSI Madras Diocese. Christian Church,” proposing the “suffering servant model” as the ideal model for today's Church. Rev. M. Rajendran The next day, on 18th March during the Holy Director, Communion Service Bishop Rajavelu shared the Pastoral Aid Department CSI Vellore Diocese Disclaimer
ANY VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE CSI LIFE BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORS AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE CSI LIFE. THE AUTHORS WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR VIEWS AND IDEAS
32! CSI Life April 2015 Edutainment PuzzlesDiocese o&f CoimbatoreQuizzicals Congratulations Crossword Puzzles # 158 - Total Points: 19 By Mr. S. John Barathi
Dr.B.Evangeline Jones, Salem -19 Anbu Jesudasan -18 Mrs. R. Thanammal Pitchivilai -19 Mrs. Krupamma Rajkumar, Nandyal -18 Rev.Sam Richard, Kanyakumari -19 Mrs. Mercy Victoria Kattekola -18 Mr.D. Hallel Johnson, Vellore -19 Mrs. Lilly Nithyanandam, Vellore -18 Mrs. Mahibasen Marthandam -19 Mrs.Evangeline Lionel,Tirunelveli -18 Mrs. Maragatham, Chennai -19 Mr.J.Paulose, Muvattupuzha -18 Mrs. Grace Srinivasan -19 Mrs. Susheela Franklin, Dornakal -18 T. Christa Kumari Chowtakur -19 Rev.A. Olimpa, Pannaivilai -18 Mrs. Anbu Hepzibah Jesudason -19 Angel Gnana Cyinthiya, Vandavasi -18 Mrs. P.A. Jebarani -18 Rev.D. Anbu Raj, Vellore -18 Mrs. Nivedita Martin, Bellary -18 Rev.Sambathini Sudhakar, Machilipatnam -18 C.K. Selvarani Thangadurai -18 Mr. G. Paulraj, Thirunelveli -17 Jolly Varughese Theckepparampil -18 Rev.G.Savariroyan, Madurai -17 Sneha Achu Varghese -18 Miss. S. Anbu, Thindivanam -17 Rev.B. Dayanandam, Vijayawada -18 Dr.Samuel Rajendram Maisa, Dornakal -17
Crossword Puzzle # 158 Exodus 11-15 (GNB) 1 3 9 7 11 13 15 I W I L L M A K E M 2 N E X T E I R I T A Answers Across : No 158 4 1 I will make 14: 4 T I M E A A M N H L and elsewhere 5 2 Next 12: 4 O P V C Y G A E 4 Time 12: 42 12 6 Place 13: 14 T E E L I M M D 8 Honour 14: 4 R u s h 8 17 H O N O U R B O 10 Live 15: 25 Answers Down : No 158 i n y o u r 6 12 Elim 15: 27 1 Into the sea 15: 1 E P L A C E E N 14 Shur 15: 22 3 Leave 11: 8 a n s w e r s 10 14 16 East wind 15: 21 5 People 13: 3 S L I V E S H U R K 18 an animal 12: 4 7 Army 14: 24 b e f o r e 16 9 Miracles 11: 10 E E A S T W I N D E 11 King 13: 17 t h 18 2 0 A N A N I M A L A Y 13 Etham 13: 20 15 Male donkey 13: 13 A p r i l ’ You can send answers by 17 Bread 13: 6 Email
1 8
2 4 3 Clues Across: No 159 1 work on the ______(7+3) 6 7 8 3 son of Ziporrah ? 5 to day is the _____(7) 11 7 the food ____(5) 9 ..ready to ___ __(5+2) 5 14 12 11 ..white ____(4) Clues Down: No 159 13 and __out (4) 2 ..of his ______(9) 15 and ___brought (3) 4 Do not ___(5) 15 13 17 went ___ to (3) 6 his ____(6) 18 settling ___s(8) 8 too much ? (4) 17 10 …sky for ______(3+2+3) 9 11 brought a ___(5) 12 ..commit ____(6) 18 14 Trumpet is ____(5) jumbled 16 _____of Sinai (6)
33! CSI Life April 2015 Art ‘n’Culture Department of Communication Church Music - Keyboard Lesson 88 By Mr. S. John Barathi
In contrast to western, Indian and other Asian find semi quavers and triplets (three in the place of music are filled with unique ornaments and two), while singing these ornaments should be embellishments (Grace notes) and give them a rendered on the vowels. As you could have observed distinct character. Here below we have a pretty south there can be no melismatic (two or more pitches for a Indian melody composed for a doxology and you can syllable) singing without vowels.
Expecting that you will play learn and sing this as Doxology at the end of worship or at prayer meetings.
34! CSI Life March 2015 35 Date of Publication: 28th of Every month CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine Posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/7245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH/(C)/267/15-17 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2015-2017
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Edited & Published by Rev. Dr. D.R. Sadananda, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road. Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 Printed by: N. Raja Singh at Mighty Roak Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street. Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Mob: 99622 02158, Phone: 2860 2158