THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS NEWS IS RECEIVED FROM VELLORE. SEE BELOW FOR:
- NEWS OF THE CORONAVIRUS SURGE IN INDIA AND REQUESTS FOR PRAYER FROM CSI - 22ND APRIL 2021
- NEWS OF A CHURCH DEDICATION AND A YOUTH CONFERENCE 2021
- DIOCESAN COUNCIL UPDATE
- NOTES FROM A ZOOM MEETING 23RD DECEMBER 2020
- ARTICLES FROM CSI LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020 ON EVENTS IN VELLORE DIOCESE - CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BISHOP SHARMA, CENTENARY OF KASAM AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE, ARM-AMEN MOVEMENT
- AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE NIRVAR - 27TH NOVEMBER
- PRAYER REQUESTED FOR BISHOP'S WIFE SOPHIE - 18TH JULY
- A SHORT REQUEST FOR PRAYER FROM BISHOP SHARMA - 24TH JUNE
- BISHOP SHARMA'S INTERVIEW WITH THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 19th MAY
- POWERPOINT AND NEWS RECEIVED IN EARLY MAY
- BISHOP SHARMA'S LETTER TO THE PASTORATES 31ST MARCH
- PHOTOGRAPHS OF LOCAL CHURCHES AT WORK
- A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP SHARMA WITH REQUESTS FOR PRAYER 24TH MARCH
- A MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA 29TH MARCH
News and Prayer Requests from CSI on the Coronavirus Pandemic
These letters have been received from CSI:
Greetings from the CSI Synod Secretariat. Hope this letter finds you well with the Grace of God!
The Church of South India completes a challenging year of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2021, the whole year has been tough for the country - medically, economically, in terms of human crisis. We have just started to rebuild after the COVID-19 first wave / lockdown restrictions and now India is in the clutches of COVID - 19 second wave and also the affected rate in India has been rapidly growing day by day. On 14th April, India saw the biggest single-day jump of 2,00,739 new cases, pushing the cumulative tally to 1,40,74,564., according to Union Health Ministry Data.
The Bishops, Pastors, Missionaries, Congregation Members and our fellow brethren in the community are also affected by this second wave. As we battled in the first phase, we have to combat the second wave as the situation goes worsening day by day.
We are sending herewith the COVID-19 second wave status in India as an update. In this situation we have to pray to each other for our God's protection / healing from this pandemic. We are grateful to our global partners for their prayer and support extended during COVID-19 first wave. We request you to uphold our Nation as well as the Church into your Prayers.
We pray to God almighty for HIS accompaniment with the suffering people globally during this pandemic situation.
With Prayers and Hope,
C. Fernandas Rathina Raja General Secretary, CSI
COVID 19 SECOND WAVE IN INDIA AND PRAYER REQUEST
Greetings from the CSI Synod Secretariat. Hope this letter finds you well with the Grace of God!
The Church of South India completes a challenging year of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2021, the whole year has been tough for the country - medically, economically, in terms of human crisis. We have just started to rebuild after the COVID-19 first wave / lockdown restrictions and now India is in the clutches of COVID - 19 second wave and also the affected rate in India has been rapidly growing day by day. On 14th April, India saw the biggest single-day jump of 2,00,739 new cases, pushing the cumulative tally to 1,40,74,564., according to Union Health Ministry Data.
The Bishops, Pastors, Missionaries, Congregation Members and our fellow brethren in the community are also affected by this second wave. As we battled in the first phase, we have to combat the second wave as the situation goes worsening day by day.
We are sending herewith the COVID-19 second wave status in India as an update. In this situation we have to pray to each other for our God's protection / healing from this pandemic. We are grateful to our global partners for their prayer and support extended during COVID-19 first wave. We request you to uphold our Nation as well as the Church into your Prayers.
We pray to God almighty for HIS accompaniment with the suffering people globally during this pandemic situation.
With Prayers and Hope,
C. Fernandas Rathina Raja General Secretary, CSI
COVID 19 SECOND WAVE IN INDIA AND PRAYER REQUEST
News of a Church Dedication and a Youth Conference 2021
The New Church “Christhu Nadhar Alayam” at Mathur village, Muttathur pastorate in CSI- Vellore Diocese was dedicated by Bishop, The Rt.Rev.H.Sharma Nithiyanandham on 8th February 2021. It was meaningful ceremony and great milestone in the ministerial extension of Vellore Diocese. The local M.L.A Mr. Masthan, the southern area chairman, Bishop’s chaplain and pastors were participated in the ceremony. the arrangements were made by the Local Presbyter Rev. M. Samuel Satheesh kumar, pastorate secretary, treasurer, PC members and congregation members of the village. Special word of thanks and appreciation to local Catechist Mr. Isaac and also thanks to sabaimaium and Sexton of the Mathur church for their tireless work.
Tamilnadu Regional Youth Conference started on 29th January, 2021 at CSI Retreat Centre, Yelagiri by following the COVID 19 Protocols. This conference is organized by the Church of South India: Department of Youth, hosted by the CSI Diocese of Vellore. This Conference was Inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham, Bishop in CSI Diocese of Vellore & Chairperson of the CSI Synod Youth Department. Almost 60 Young People and Youth Directors from all over Eight CSI Dioceses of the Tamilnadu region are present in the conference. On 29th January 2021, there were 3 sessions focusing on the theme, “Youth for Truth and Justice.” Dr. I John Marlin Inba Kumar spoke on, ‘Youth for Truth and Justice in the Context of Socio-Political and Religious situation of present Indian Nationalism.” Rev. J. Rajan equipped the ‘Youth to practice Truth and Justice in Multi-Religious Inhabitance and Eco-Sensitivity.’ Rev. J. Jacqulin Jothi, explained ‘the role of youth in achieving Gender Equality through Truth and Justice.’ Conference on the first day began at 10:00 a.m and ended at 6:00 p.m. Apart from the sessions, youth actively participated in various activities. Cultural Evening and Camp Fire started after the dinner at 8:30 p.m. Rev. A. Noel Christopher: Director, Rev. P. Samraj Kumar: Chairperson and Mr. J. Joshua Stalin: Treasurer of the Board for Youth work, CSI Diocese of Vellore are instrumental in making the conference successful.
Second day of the Tamilnadu Regional Youth Conference was started with a Holy Communion service at CSI Chapel, Yelagiri at 10.00 a.m. The Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham, Bishop in CSI Diocese of Vellore & Chairperson of the CSI Synod Youth Department was the Celebrant, Rev. A. Noyel Christopher was the preacher and Rev. Samraj Kumar was the Leader of the Service. After the Holy Communion Service, Dr. Bennet Benjamin took a session on, ‘Youth Adopting Truth and Justice as a Lens for Peace Building.” This session was followed by a Group Discussion and presentation focusing on the main theme, “Youth for Truth and Justice.” Inter-diocesan and intradiocesan activities and presentations by the youth led to a great learning experience to evaluate and resolve the problems related to the Young people in Church and Society. Group Discussion and Presentations were focused on eight sub-themes such as Nationalism, Multi-Religious Inhabitance, Gender Equality, EcoSensitivity, Peace Building, Addiction and Abuse, Leadership goals and Psychological issues allotted to the Eight CSI Dioceses in Tamilnadu. There was a Sharing and Feedback session where Youth shared their views about the conference and further activities of the department. Closing session was led by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham. CSI Diocese of Vellore felicitated CSI Synod Youth Director, Tamilnadu regional Youth Directors and the youth who are yet to ordain and youth who are studying in seminaries with a Cassock Cloth and other robes. After lunch there was an exposure visit to ‘Christukula Ashram’ which is a Christian Ashram built in the year 1933 with an Indigenous style of construction. After Exposure visit this conference was concluded at 5.00 p.m with a prayer and a benediction by Rev. Noah James and Rev. Bhaktha Thagyaraja from CSI Diocese of Vellore. Mr. J. Joshua Stalin took care of the other arrangements of the conference
Tamilnadu Regional Youth Conference started on 29th January, 2021 at CSI Retreat Centre, Yelagiri by following the COVID 19 Protocols. This conference is organized by the Church of South India: Department of Youth, hosted by the CSI Diocese of Vellore. This Conference was Inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham, Bishop in CSI Diocese of Vellore & Chairperson of the CSI Synod Youth Department. Almost 60 Young People and Youth Directors from all over Eight CSI Dioceses of the Tamilnadu region are present in the conference. On 29th January 2021, there were 3 sessions focusing on the theme, “Youth for Truth and Justice.” Dr. I John Marlin Inba Kumar spoke on, ‘Youth for Truth and Justice in the Context of Socio-Political and Religious situation of present Indian Nationalism.” Rev. J. Rajan equipped the ‘Youth to practice Truth and Justice in Multi-Religious Inhabitance and Eco-Sensitivity.’ Rev. J. Jacqulin Jothi, explained ‘the role of youth in achieving Gender Equality through Truth and Justice.’ Conference on the first day began at 10:00 a.m and ended at 6:00 p.m. Apart from the sessions, youth actively participated in various activities. Cultural Evening and Camp Fire started after the dinner at 8:30 p.m. Rev. A. Noel Christopher: Director, Rev. P. Samraj Kumar: Chairperson and Mr. J. Joshua Stalin: Treasurer of the Board for Youth work, CSI Diocese of Vellore are instrumental in making the conference successful.
Second day of the Tamilnadu Regional Youth Conference was started with a Holy Communion service at CSI Chapel, Yelagiri at 10.00 a.m. The Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham, Bishop in CSI Diocese of Vellore & Chairperson of the CSI Synod Youth Department was the Celebrant, Rev. A. Noyel Christopher was the preacher and Rev. Samraj Kumar was the Leader of the Service. After the Holy Communion Service, Dr. Bennet Benjamin took a session on, ‘Youth Adopting Truth and Justice as a Lens for Peace Building.” This session was followed by a Group Discussion and presentation focusing on the main theme, “Youth for Truth and Justice.” Inter-diocesan and intradiocesan activities and presentations by the youth led to a great learning experience to evaluate and resolve the problems related to the Young people in Church and Society. Group Discussion and Presentations were focused on eight sub-themes such as Nationalism, Multi-Religious Inhabitance, Gender Equality, EcoSensitivity, Peace Building, Addiction and Abuse, Leadership goals and Psychological issues allotted to the Eight CSI Dioceses in Tamilnadu. There was a Sharing and Feedback session where Youth shared their views about the conference and further activities of the department. Closing session was led by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham. CSI Diocese of Vellore felicitated CSI Synod Youth Director, Tamilnadu regional Youth Directors and the youth who are yet to ordain and youth who are studying in seminaries with a Cassock Cloth and other robes. After lunch there was an exposure visit to ‘Christukula Ashram’ which is a Christian Ashram built in the year 1933 with an Indigenous style of construction. After Exposure visit this conference was concluded at 5.00 p.m with a prayer and a benediction by Rev. Noah James and Rev. Bhaktha Thagyaraja from CSI Diocese of Vellore. Mr. J. Joshua Stalin took care of the other arrangements of the conference
Diocesan Council Postponed
The Diocese of Vellore was due to hold Diocesan Council meetings between 4th and 6th March 2021. The meetings would normally include the election of the new Diocesan Officers, but as the State Election Officials are required elsewhere, and so cannot monitor these elections, the Council meeting has had to be postponed.
The Diocese reports it is now experiencing the second wave of the Covid Pandemic and prayers are asked for this testing time and for other issues which continue to affect the lives and well-being of local communities, including: State Government Elections; the Diocesan Council; the Farmers’ Struggle; Environmental degradation; Moral degradation; Unemployment; Child issues; External support Withdrawal.
The Diocese reports it is now experiencing the second wave of the Covid Pandemic and prayers are asked for this testing time and for other issues which continue to affect the lives and well-being of local communities, including: State Government Elections; the Diocesan Council; the Farmers’ Struggle; Environmental degradation; Moral degradation; Unemployment; Child issues; External support Withdrawal.
Zoom Meeting 23rd December 2020
On 23rd December friends from Cambridgeshire and Vellore met up by Zoom to worship together and share news of how our regions and churches are coping in the current challenging times of the pandemic. In India the numbers of cases are falling but a second virus spike is expected, while Cambridgeshire is facing a third spike and a more infectious mutation of Covid 19. We continue to pray for each other and continue to thank God for his blessings in these times.
The news from Vellore is that all churches were closed in week two of the pandemic and there is still no indoor corporate worship. However, it was possible to ordain ten new deacons to the Diocese in a service at Poonai.
The Diocese has thrown itself into putting God’s love into action in many ways by supporting the vulnerable who have lost their work and sources of income, and the many who cannot afford food for their families, as well as the street dwellers and migrant labourers. As well as donating money to meet these needs, more than 600 of the poorest families have been given parcels of dry rations.
Schools and school hostels were closed by the government at the beginning of the troubles and have still not been able to reopen. Schools such as VRV in Ranipet have distributed dry rations to the families of girls who would normally be in their hostel. For children stuck in their small family homes there is not only fear of hunger and loss of education to face, but also depression and possibly violence. Pastors are active in visiting these homes and counselling families.
Churches are also raising money for local hospitals; St John’s Church raised five lakhs (500,000 rupees) for each of CMC, Scudder Memorial at Ranipet, and Karigiri to fight the pandemic. It has been very challenging for the hospitals to manage the numbers infected, with CMC turning 80% of its wards into Covid 19 facilities. Ranipet is also dealing with the infection and opened a Covid ward; obtaining PPE was particularly difficult in the first half of the year. Building of new hospital extensions continues. The hope is that a vaccine will be available in India by April or May 2021, although there is still much uncertainty about how this programme will be rolled out around the villages. As elsewhere, health workers will be the first to receive the vaccine.
The recent cyclone resulted in paddy fields and villages in the Diocese being submerged, but the area was not so badly affected as others. Local churches have come to the assistance of their communities. On a positive note, the good rainfall has meant that the water tanks now contain enough water to last until April!
The news from Vellore is that all churches were closed in week two of the pandemic and there is still no indoor corporate worship. However, it was possible to ordain ten new deacons to the Diocese in a service at Poonai.
The Diocese has thrown itself into putting God’s love into action in many ways by supporting the vulnerable who have lost their work and sources of income, and the many who cannot afford food for their families, as well as the street dwellers and migrant labourers. As well as donating money to meet these needs, more than 600 of the poorest families have been given parcels of dry rations.
Schools and school hostels were closed by the government at the beginning of the troubles and have still not been able to reopen. Schools such as VRV in Ranipet have distributed dry rations to the families of girls who would normally be in their hostel. For children stuck in their small family homes there is not only fear of hunger and loss of education to face, but also depression and possibly violence. Pastors are active in visiting these homes and counselling families.
Churches are also raising money for local hospitals; St John’s Church raised five lakhs (500,000 rupees) for each of CMC, Scudder Memorial at Ranipet, and Karigiri to fight the pandemic. It has been very challenging for the hospitals to manage the numbers infected, with CMC turning 80% of its wards into Covid 19 facilities. Ranipet is also dealing with the infection and opened a Covid ward; obtaining PPE was particularly difficult in the first half of the year. Building of new hospital extensions continues. The hope is that a vaccine will be available in India by April or May 2021, although there is still much uncertainty about how this programme will be rolled out around the villages. As elsewhere, health workers will be the first to receive the vaccine.
The recent cyclone resulted in paddy fields and villages in the Diocese being submerged, but the area was not so badly affected as others. Local churches have come to the assistance of their communities. On a positive note, the good rainfall has meant that the water tanks now contain enough water to last until April!
A Christmas Message from Bishop Sharma
Taken from CSI Life Magazine
A Christmas Message from Dr Daniel Ezhilarasu
Taken from CSI Life Magazine
Centenary of Kasam Agricultural Institute
Taken from CSI Life Magazine
Taken from CSI Life Magazine
27th November - Cyclone Nirvar
Following Cyclone Nirvar we have heard from Bishop Sharma in Vellore: "I’m so happy that God has given us bountiful rain fall which was brought by Nihar Cyclone without its fury. I want to inform you that a stretch of about 60ft has collapsed at Womens' Industrial School compound wall, at Palamaneer, Gudiyattam Road. A stretch about 10ft in come compound wall surrounding the Ashram bungalow (where the Bishop lives) has crumbled." It is of course good that there is at last rain in the State, but sad that it’s also brought devastation to people already hit hard by the effects of COVID 19. There are Indian news films of the cyclone at https://youtu.be/D5b_kgXIO7c
These photographs are from the Bishop's visit to flooded homes at Ponnai, and if we receive further news of the effects on the rural villages and the farmers we shall share it here.
These photographs are from the Bishop's visit to flooded homes at Ponnai, and if we receive further news of the effects on the rural villages and the farmers we shall share it here.
18th July 2020
Please remember in your prayers Bishop Sharma's wife Sophie who has been admitted to hospital with COVID 19. Sophie is a Senior Charge nurse at the Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore and has been working there throughout the pandemic. The family are very worried.
Please pray for Sophie, Bishop Sharma, their son Mariyan and the diocese.
The situation in Vellore, and India in general, is still very bad with Tamil Nadu being one of the worst states hit.. A complete lockdown has been imposed across the state on the four Sundays in July which is when nothing except essential services such as milk, water and medical services can function. The state is in lockdown for the whole month other than for permitted trades such as commercial and industrial activities. Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts are in full lockdown.
Please pray for Sophie, Bishop Sharma, their son Mariyan and the diocese.
The situation in Vellore, and India in general, is still very bad with Tamil Nadu being one of the worst states hit.. A complete lockdown has been imposed across the state on the four Sundays in July which is when nothing except essential services such as milk, water and medical services can function. The state is in lockdown for the whole month other than for permitted trades such as commercial and industrial activities. Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts are in full lockdown.
24th June 2020
Our latest news from Bishop Sharma is: ‘Vellore is very vulnerable. Covid cases are multiplying. Please pray for us.’ Vellore is one of the areas particularly badly hit at the moment.’ Bishop Sharma says that surviving is "By Grace alone."
Also pray particularly for the continued recovery of Reverend Emmanuel, who will be well known to many who have visited the Diocese of Vellore. He and his wife Nirmala were with us in England just before lockdown. This week, Emmanuel wrote ‘Just after arrival (in India), I was caught up with Corona and 47 days I was in CMC (Christian Medical College). By God’s healing grace I am back home from death bed.’ Emmanuel was mentioned in the Tamil Nadu version of The Hindu newspaper for his donations of plasma as he recovered!
Also pray particularly for the continued recovery of Reverend Emmanuel, who will be well known to many who have visited the Diocese of Vellore. He and his wife Nirmala were with us in England just before lockdown. This week, Emmanuel wrote ‘Just after arrival (in India), I was caught up with Corona and 47 days I was in CMC (Christian Medical College). By God’s healing grace I am back home from death bed.’ Emmanuel was mentioned in the Tamil Nadu version of The Hindu newspaper for his donations of plasma as he recovered!
Interview with Bishop Sharma on the World Council of Churches Website
27th November 2020
The interview below with Bishop Sharma has been taken from the World Council of Churches Website and was dated 19th May. The original account can be accessed here:
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/rev-sharma-nithyanandam-contribute-toward-suspending-negativity?fbclid=IwAR3RfL-FWw4fVxThIm6VaOHzBoPqyQTYgccleP2gmllQZT1aDZf-JS5AVYw
COVID-19 has imposed a heavy onslaught on humanity, posing serious threat to human life, jobs and livelihood. So far in the past the churches in India and abroad have been actively tackling the challenges of poverty, unemployment, economic deprivation, gender inequality and ecological destruction. Now, as we see the unprecedented escalation of suffering and hopelessness of the most poor and vulnerable among us, adapting to life amidst COVID-19 involves infusing hope as an antidote against despair. Motivating humanity to not to lose hope for survival and sustenance and struggling to make this hope a reality for people, even as we wait for deliverance from God is our challenge today. We can adapt to life meaningfully only by emerging from a passive mode of participation in the life of the world to an active mode of participation. The greatest test of faith for the churches at this time is to contribute towards suspending negativity and disbelief by instilling hope. It is only through the power of the risen Christ that we can reach out to people to spread the good news that together humanity will overcome the pandemic. As people who follow Jesus, who promised life in abundance, we should do our best to promote and protect lives. We should not become agents of death by endangering the vulnerable. Rather we should become agents of life. This is especially a time for the church to extend all possible help to those suffering among us – especially the well-to-do churches. We need to be holistic and attend to both physical, as well as psychological well being.
As communities of hope it is time for the rich churches and communities among us to provide relief and help at a time where several have been rendered jobless and hungry. The church has to proactively take the program of feeding the hungry and leading the sick to healthcare services for recovery. It is that we become agents of tangible social action, so that people we serve will be able, through our actions, to ‘taste and see that our Lord is good’ (Psalm 34:8). It is time for our churches to be converted into centres of refuge where migrants and others can come in and be treated with dignity. It is also time to open up community kitchens with local church resources. Psychological and emotional support to those who are living in fear, is needed. Church groups need to equip themselves in addressing the emotional health of all and in disseminating valuable information. Churches should also become agents of social preparedness.
During this lockdown situation, our church doors may be closed but our hearts are not closed. Pastors have been encouraged to livestream their services and make use of online tools for worship. I understand that access to technology may be limited for people, therefore we have made use of print media and have been sending typed messages to parishes and calling people through phones and praying for them. We understand we have to get used to new ways of service.
This is also a time for liturgical improvisation. Special liturgy prepared by few individuals are circulated in some churches. We have other instances where we have ecumenically collaborated with our local Roman Catholic partners. On 14 May in response to the global call to prayer by the World Council of Churches, we used a special order of worship prepared by the Catholic bishop’s Conference of India, which was prepared specially for this occasion with an interreligious dimension. It was encouraging to see the initiative being embraced by our diocesan hospitals, schools and congregations. For us this has been also a time for strengthening ecumenical and interreligious collaboration.
I personally think this is the time for deeds and not words. It has been an undeniable fact that the church takes up the role of servant leadership in times of need. This is a time of great need and leaders should soil their hands, engage in actions that promote the good of the wider community and lead from the front. This is the time to be catalysts for change, break the walls of inequality that COVID-19 has highlighted, and reach out to the bottom-most sections of our society.
We draw strength from the fact that we are part of the global fellowship. Our diocese is a predominantly rural diocese, so the people badly affected are small farmers, those who work on a daily wage basis, migrants and small shopkeepers. It is time to pray that the narrow divisions that the pandemic has highlighted will disappear, and for everyone to come together as one family. Pray that at this particular moment we as a diocese will embrace our Christian calling to be the salt of the earth and light of the world and maximise our reach and resources for service and solidarity. At a time when it is clear that the powers have no answer for coronavirus, that science and medicine have no answer for coronavirus it is time to fall back and rest in God’s reassuring grace. Pray that God will strengthen us and sustain our will to spend our lives in selfless service.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/rev-sharma-nithyanandam-contribute-toward-suspending-negativity?fbclid=IwAR3RfL-FWw4fVxThIm6VaOHzBoPqyQTYgccleP2gmllQZT1aDZf-JS5AVYw
COVID-19 has imposed a heavy onslaught on humanity, posing serious threat to human life, jobs and livelihood. So far in the past the churches in India and abroad have been actively tackling the challenges of poverty, unemployment, economic deprivation, gender inequality and ecological destruction. Now, as we see the unprecedented escalation of suffering and hopelessness of the most poor and vulnerable among us, adapting to life amidst COVID-19 involves infusing hope as an antidote against despair. Motivating humanity to not to lose hope for survival and sustenance and struggling to make this hope a reality for people, even as we wait for deliverance from God is our challenge today. We can adapt to life meaningfully only by emerging from a passive mode of participation in the life of the world to an active mode of participation. The greatest test of faith for the churches at this time is to contribute towards suspending negativity and disbelief by instilling hope. It is only through the power of the risen Christ that we can reach out to people to spread the good news that together humanity will overcome the pandemic. As people who follow Jesus, who promised life in abundance, we should do our best to promote and protect lives. We should not become agents of death by endangering the vulnerable. Rather we should become agents of life. This is especially a time for the church to extend all possible help to those suffering among us – especially the well-to-do churches. We need to be holistic and attend to both physical, as well as psychological well being.
As communities of hope it is time for the rich churches and communities among us to provide relief and help at a time where several have been rendered jobless and hungry. The church has to proactively take the program of feeding the hungry and leading the sick to healthcare services for recovery. It is that we become agents of tangible social action, so that people we serve will be able, through our actions, to ‘taste and see that our Lord is good’ (Psalm 34:8). It is time for our churches to be converted into centres of refuge where migrants and others can come in and be treated with dignity. It is also time to open up community kitchens with local church resources. Psychological and emotional support to those who are living in fear, is needed. Church groups need to equip themselves in addressing the emotional health of all and in disseminating valuable information. Churches should also become agents of social preparedness.
During this lockdown situation, our church doors may be closed but our hearts are not closed. Pastors have been encouraged to livestream their services and make use of online tools for worship. I understand that access to technology may be limited for people, therefore we have made use of print media and have been sending typed messages to parishes and calling people through phones and praying for them. We understand we have to get used to new ways of service.
This is also a time for liturgical improvisation. Special liturgy prepared by few individuals are circulated in some churches. We have other instances where we have ecumenically collaborated with our local Roman Catholic partners. On 14 May in response to the global call to prayer by the World Council of Churches, we used a special order of worship prepared by the Catholic bishop’s Conference of India, which was prepared specially for this occasion with an interreligious dimension. It was encouraging to see the initiative being embraced by our diocesan hospitals, schools and congregations. For us this has been also a time for strengthening ecumenical and interreligious collaboration.
I personally think this is the time for deeds and not words. It has been an undeniable fact that the church takes up the role of servant leadership in times of need. This is a time of great need and leaders should soil their hands, engage in actions that promote the good of the wider community and lead from the front. This is the time to be catalysts for change, break the walls of inequality that COVID-19 has highlighted, and reach out to the bottom-most sections of our society.
We draw strength from the fact that we are part of the global fellowship. Our diocese is a predominantly rural diocese, so the people badly affected are small farmers, those who work on a daily wage basis, migrants and small shopkeepers. It is time to pray that the narrow divisions that the pandemic has highlighted will disappear, and for everyone to come together as one family. Pray that at this particular moment we as a diocese will embrace our Christian calling to be the salt of the earth and light of the world and maximise our reach and resources for service and solidarity. At a time when it is clear that the powers have no answer for coronavirus, that science and medicine have no answer for coronavirus it is time to fall back and rest in God’s reassuring grace. Pray that God will strengthen us and sustain our will to spend our lives in selfless service.
May 2020
Here is a link to a 13 minute powerpoint with some of the latest news and photographs from Vellore, and prayers for us all in Cambridgeshire and Vellore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvg_5PzL69w&t=9s
The script of the powerpoint is available here
This includes the news that:
We hear from the Diocese that Bishop Sharma donated a month’s salary to the Diocesan relief effort, and that also in honour of his recent birthday the Chennai High Court Advocate provide food, shirts and saris to over 1100 families in a remote part of the diocese. At the moment the Diocesan hospitals and CMC have not been overwhelmed by coronavirus patients.
The World Council of Churches has invited all its member churches to use 14th May as a global day of prayer. Bishop Sharma has written to all the pastors, heads of institutions etc to observe this as ‘a day of prayer, fasting and good deeds’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvg_5PzL69w&t=9s
The script of the powerpoint is available here
This includes the news that:
- Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore is a Corvid 19 testing centre.
- Churches have been closed for worship since the lockdown, but Christians have been gathering sanitiser and supplies for the hospitals. Churches have also been feeding the poor, stranded migrant labourers and the police. Food parcels have been handed out and large meals cooked for the poor. All church building projects have been put on hold so that the money can be used for this ministry.
- On Palm Sunday, instead of the usual processions and gathering for Holy Week worship, Bishop Sharma and the churches distributed food parcels to migrants, and cleaning products to local poor and street vendors.
- The pastors of the Diocese are encouraged to pray daily at 7.00, 12.00, 16.00, and 20.30 hours for the crisis.
We hear from the Diocese that Bishop Sharma donated a month’s salary to the Diocesan relief effort, and that also in honour of his recent birthday the Chennai High Court Advocate provide food, shirts and saris to over 1100 families in a remote part of the diocese. At the moment the Diocesan hospitals and CMC have not been overwhelmed by coronavirus patients.
The World Council of Churches has invited all its member churches to use 14th May as a global day of prayer. Bishop Sharma has written to all the pastors, heads of institutions etc to observe this as ‘a day of prayer, fasting and good deeds’.
March 2020
On 31st March Bishop Sharma's Pastoral Letter calls on the Christians of Vellore to become "Jesus corona warriors".
In the photographs above:
Isaac Fernandes at Zion Hill has been preparing meals for the poor and also for the police.
Katpadi church have been collecting resources for Ranipet Hospital.
Face mask distribution
The pictures of Madurai hospital can illustrate how the Diocese's own hospitals are preparing.
Isaac Fernandes at Zion Hill has been preparing meals for the poor and also for the police.
Katpadi church have been collecting resources for Ranipet Hospital.
Face mask distribution
The pictures of Madurai hospital can illustrate how the Diocese's own hospitals are preparing.
On 24th March 2020 this news was received from Bishop Sharma, telling us of the issues relating to Coronavirus in the Diocese of Vellore and asking for our prayers:
"We are in real trouble, We just simply relying on God . As bishop, I have sent information and circulars to all the pastors and Heads of institution to obey the Government order and withdraw from coming to Churches and to institutions . Services are called off. The Diocesan Office is closed till 31st of March. Government declared CMC as one of the places where the covid 19 tests could be done.
"The state emergency is declared for 8 days. We are under house arrest. I have canceled all my appointments till April.
CMC wants all of the hospital staff to work in a war foot manner.
"God alone to intervene and help.
"Please pray for us .
"We assure our prayers for Cambridgeshire. You are close to our hearts . We remember the faithful Long journey that we are in . We hope that it continues."
The Christian Medical College (CMC) has been declared a centre for the treatment / testing of Coronavirus; many local Christian families have at least one member serving here, including Bishop Sharma's own wife Sophi.
You may also have heard of the recent (unrelated) death of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Vellore, the Most Rev. Dr P. Soundararaju SDB.
Bishop Sharma has asked us all to pray:
- Pray for India
- Pray for the global community
- Pray for the Churches in India
- Pray for the vulnerable people, poor and the old.
- Pray for the CSI, all the Dioceses
- Pray for the Synod Moderator and other officers of the CSI
- Pray for the pastors in CSI , about 5000 in all
- Pray for all the Catechists, Bible women , Sisters and Evangelists
- Pray for Vellore Diocese
- Pray for Pastors, officers of the Diocese, Women’s Board , Catechists , Bible Women ,Evangelists , Sabai maniyams
- Pastorate Officers , PC members , all the Teachers, Head Teachers, College Professors, teaching and non teaching staff at Voorhees college, Correspondents, School children, students.
- Village congregations, Town congregations
- Sextons' families, Gardeners , Watchmen,
- Government Hospitals and primary health care centres
- CMC Vellore, SMH Ranipet , Vandavasi Hospital.
- Specially pray for the Seniors and Children.
- Please remember the daily coolies , rickshaw pullers , vegetable vendors on the Street , corporation workers , scavengers .
- Please remember all the Collectors, PM , C.M.
- Diocesan Staff , Diocesan Hostel Managers , wardens , those in charge of Projects
Finally pray for China, Italy , Iran , UK , USA , France , Russia , Singapore and other countries that are going through this tough time
God bless
Bp Sharma
Diocese of Vellore- CSI
On 29th March this was received from the General Secretary of CSI:
CSI Mailing - including photographs
Greetings from Church of South India!
As you are all aware, due to pandemic of Corona Virus, (COVID 19) our Indian Government declared Civil Curfew for 21 days all over India. For the same reason, we, the CSI Synod Secretariat, have also closed down our office from 23rd March 2020 onwards.
By God's Grace we are all safe in our respective home towns. And also we are all praying at home for the well-being of all Global communities, those who are infected, those who lost their loved ones, and also those who are hospitalized.
We hope that by the Grace of God Almighty, all of you are safe in your respective places. Even though we are in faraway places, we are all United in Prayer and support. We believe that only God can intervene and eradicate Corona from the earth
We believe that: "God's light surrounds us, God's love enfolds us, God's power protects us, God's presence watches over us; wherever we are, God is there, and wherever God is, there is healing." Shalom!
With Prayers,
C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
General Secretary, CSI & Hon. Secretary, CSITA