15/11/2009
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Valedictory Meeting |
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The yearlong sesquicentennial
celebrations culminated on the 150th year consecration day
of the Church on Sunday, the 15 November 2009 with a
combined H. E Service celebrated by our Bishop, Rt. Rev.
Thomas Samuel and a Public Meeting in the evening. The
Church and the premises had a festive ambience with arches,
colorful decoration, pandal, lighting of the Church and
premises and installation of close circuit TV. A detailed
presentation of the Jubilee Celebrations started at
4.00pm,followed by the Public Meeting at
4.30pm.Rt.Rev.Thomas Samuel, our Bishop presided and Most
Rev. Dr. J W Gladstone, Moderator of CSI was the Chief
Guest. Shri. Sashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Union Minister of state
for External Affairs inaugurated the function by lighting
the lamp, followed by an impressive speech and release of
the sesquicentennial Souvenir. His Beatitude Moran Mor
Baselios Cleemis Catholicos delivered the Anugraha
Prabhashanam and Shr.M Vijaya Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for
Law, Sports, Parliamentary and Youth Affairs, Govt. of
Kerala and Rev.Dr.Kuruvilla George, Diocesan Treasurer
delivered felicitation address. A book on the History of the
Church, Awards for the Sesquicentennial Competitions and
Jubilee Memento for all the families have been released
during the function. Rendering of the Jubilee Theme Song by
the special Jubilee Choir and Songs by the Christ Church
Choir added variety to the function. Rev. Daniel George,
Vicar&Chairman of the Organizing Committee welcomed the
distinguished guests and participants and Shri John Kurien,
Church Warden&General Convener proposed the Vote of thanks.
The Jubilee Flag in our Courtyard was brought down after the
meeting by our Bishop to mark the end of the Jubilee
Celebrations. |
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23/08/2009
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Adoration Concert |
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The Adoration Concert was special with
participation of more than 50 old Choristers from 1952
onwards coming from all over the world, recollecting the
earlier fellowship in the Sanctuary. The Choir Committee
deserve special appreciation for all the arrangements. |
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Gallery |
Video Gallery |
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15/08/2009
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Praise And Worship Service |
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The services held in our Church have been
well attended and appreciated. We propose to continue the
Praise & Worship Service every month on third Sunday at
6.00pm under the leadership of Young Family Fellowship,
Youth Movement and the Almaya Fellowship. |
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12/07/2009
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Medical Camp by Doctor’s Forum |
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Our Medical Forum organized a camp at the
CSI Church, Lenin Nagar on 12th July from 2 to 6 pm. 150
patients attended special clinics on General Medicine,
Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopedics and Dentistry. Our
doctors Dr. A.M. Mathew, Dr. Thomas Manual, Dr. (Mrs) Susila
Abraham, Dr.(Mrs) Indumathy Rajkumar, Dr. Cherian Jacob, Dr.
N.O. Varghese, Dr.Abhilash V. Jacob, Dr. Riaz, examined the
patients, gave free medicine and free blood tests, provided
by Travancore Scans. The patients were mostly workers from
Palayam market who are in real need and cannot afford
expensive medical care. Rev. Daniel George inaugurated the
camp. The local Church Committee under Rev. Vinod Victor,
provided the physical requirements for orderly conduct of
the camp. The members of our medical forum and Volunteers
deserve special appreciation. |
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11/07/2009
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Mission awareness Programme (Youth Fellowship) |
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Our Youth Fellowship organised a
programme of songs, skits and exhortation on mission
activities at the Centenary Hall on 11th July 2009. Most
Rev. Dr. I. Yesudasan, former moderator of the Church of
South India, Rev. Dr. K.T. Kurian, Vicar, St. John, The
Baptist Church, Pallom and Very Rev. Mathew Mathew spoke and
the function was well attended. Kudos tothe members of our
Youth Fellowship. |
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20/06/2009
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Counseling programme for Teens and Parents |
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This important programme to benefit our
teenagers and their parents was held on 20 June 2009 at our
Centenary Hall. 25 children and about 35 parents
participated. Dr. Susheela Mathew, of the Psychiatry
Department, Trivandrum Medical College held Separate
Sessions for Children and parents. This was a very useful
programme and we expect participation of more members, to
receive very valuable benefits to the congregation from such
seminars organised by the church. |
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13/06/2009
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Seminar by Ecological Forum |
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The seminar on “Food Security” organised
by the Ecological Forum on 13 June 2009 has been a great
success with good participation and interesting talks by
experts. Excellent presentations on Food Security and food
safety have been made by Dr. V.S. Vijayan, Chairman, Kerala
State Biodiversity Board, Mr. M.S. Joseph IAS, Smt. Usha,
Executive Director, Tanal and Prof. Thomas Biju Mathew of
Kerala Agricultural University, followed by active
discussion session from the participants. 150 Eco kits
consisting of planting materials, vermi compost and coir
pith compost were distributed to the participants and the
tree planting programme proposed for the Pastorate was
inaugurated by planting of 6 tree saplings in the Church
compound by our Achens and General Convenor. Special thanks
are due to our Achens, Ecological Committee under the
leadership of Brig Oommen John and the master of ceremonies
Mr. Jogan Easow Mathew for efficient conduct of the
programme. Thanks are also due to the various sub-committees
and in particular to the food sub-committee led by Mr. Jacob
Rajan and Abraham Mathew for providing eco-friendly
refreshments. |
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Gallery
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23/05/2009 - 24/05/2009
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Great Family Reunion |
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This mega event at the middle of our year
long celebration was well attended with participation of all
the church organizations and Area Prayer groups, as per the
detailed programme drawn up by the organizing Committee. In
all, 800 members registered of which 42 had come for the
Re-union from outside Trivandrum. Rt. Rev. K.P. Kuruvilla,
Bishop of North Kerala Diocese and Kochamma came from
Shornur to rekindle their fellowship with us; so also rev.
K.J. Chacko, our former Achen, who made it, to this
memorable occasion. Out of 90 members above 80 years of age,
29 present, were honoured with beautiful woolen shawl by own
achens. There was an occasion for familiarization of our
members who came for the re-union from Kerala, various parts
of India, Gulf, Indonesia, Singapore and USA. A variety of
family programmes and a novel programme of laughter
“chiriarangu” by Mr. P.C Sanal Kumar I.A.S. Secretary,
Government of Kerala added spice to the function.
The cultural programme and games held on Saturday 23rd May
was also well attended with a variety of items including
groups games for all ages and categories, group songs, skit,
dance, margamkali, shadow play, tableau etc; followed by
fireworks. The church premises had a festive look with
decoration and colourful lighting. Tea and snacks on 23 rd
evening and lunch on 24th evening have been served to all
participants. Our sincere thanks are due to all the members
of the organizing committee and in particular to the
subcommittees on Prayer, Publicity, Programmes Physical
Arrangements, Reception, Food & Transport, Games co-ordinator,
the event Convenors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Church committee
members and staff for making the great family re-union a
grand success. |
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Gallery
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01/05/2009
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Camp and Expert Lectures by Doctor’s Forum |
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The Eye Camp and Special Lectures on Oral
Cancer and Infections Fever, organised jointly by the Tamil
section of the congregation and Doctor’s Forum on 1 May 09
was well attended. In all, 98 members attended the eye check
up by M/s Vasan Eye Care headed by Dr. Jacob S. Mathew, son
of Dr. Samuel Mathew (ID 426), from 9.00 to 13.30 hrs. Both
the presentations on Oral cancer and infection fevers held
at our Centenary Hall during the evening hance been very
informative to the members of the congregation. Thanks to
all who arranged. |
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14/03/2009
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Honoring The Maharaja |
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CSI CHRIST CHURCH, Thiruvananthapuram on
14 March 2009 conducted a special Programme in connection
with its Sesquicentennial Celebrations at the Christ Church
Centenary Hall at 9.30 AM to honor H H Uthradom Thirunal
Marthanda Varma Maharaja, whose predecessors donated the
land and required timber for construction of our holy
sanctuary 150 years back. The property was bestowed to us
through two separate “Neetu” with tax exemption. The
function was presided over by the Vicar Rev. Daniel George
and special prayer offered by the Very. Rev. Mathew Mathew.
The Maharaja was warmly welcomed by the entire congregation
with red carpet and floral decorations and in suitable words
by John Kurien, Church Warden & General Convener. The
Maharaja was adorned with Ponnada by one of the senior
members, Mr.C Thomas IAS. Maharaja inaugurated The Cancer
Awareness Programme and also distributed the Cancer Care for
Life certificates to 12 recipients at the inauguration of
this Programme and gave his illuminating address, The Church
Choir and the Jubilee Choir rendered Prayer Song and Jubilee
Song respectively. The Women’s Fellowship representatives
Mrs. Omana Abraham explained the details of the Programme
and Mrs. Kunjoonjamma Oommen proposed a vote of thanks. High
Tea was served to all the participants. |
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Distribution of Cancer Care Certificates |
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CSI Christ Church, Thiruvananthapuram, as
a part of its yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebrations
organized a memorable Programme on 14 March 2009 through its
Women’s Fellowship, in which H H Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda
Varma Maharaja distributed the Cancer Care for Life
Certificates to identified deserving candidates. We are
providing help to 100 persons chosen after a survey covering
the outstations located at Karali, Muttathara, Mudavanmugal
and various housing colonies in and around the city . The
Certificates are issued by the Regional Cancer Centre,
Thiruvananthapuram where medical help required would be
provided to the recipients. This is a part of our medical
assistance mission to the less privileged in society and the
help covers all sections of the society without any barrier
to caste, creed or religion. The cost of the programme has
been fully covered through voluntary donations from the
members of the Parish. The Women’s Fellowship deserves all
appreciation for the untiring work for this noble cause and
also their committed service with providing continued succor
to patients at the Regional Cancer Center |
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23/12/2008
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Christmas Tree Competition |
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Christmas celebrations during the Jubilee Year was
marked by active involvement of children, youth and
elders from our Area Prayer Groups in decorating various
types of Christmas Trees with varied themes on 23
December 2008 in our Centenary Hall. Expert panel of
outside judges evaluated the Christmas Trees put up by 9
area prayer groups. Three prices each for natural and
artificial Christmas Trees have been given during the
Christmas Carol Service on 24 December 2008. M/s V S
Hezekiel and Suku C Oommen have contributed rolling
trophies in both the categories. The exhibition of
Christmas Trees attracted the entire congregation during
Christmas time from 23-25 December 2008. Special thanks
are due to the sub committee and convener Adv.Rays John
Koshy for taking active interest in making this colorful
competition a grand success. |
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Gallery |
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08/12/2008
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Musical Concert by Christian Music Academy |
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Under the auspices of the Golden Age Fellowship, as one
of the events during December 2008, assigned to mark the
sesquicentennial celebrations, the Praise and Worship
concert was conducted by the Christian Music Academy,
Trivandrum. The Group was led by Adv. Rays John Koshy
and the audience were given opportunity to join in the
singing ,for which words of all the songs had been
distributed. Members of the Golden Age Fellowship took
active part in the function in Bible Reading, Welcome
and Thanksgiving and also in presenting a brief account
of the Holy Land Visit .Rev. Daniel George, Very Rev.
Mathew Mathew, Rev. Dr.KK Koshy, and Rev. Dn.Lijo George
Oommen guided the proceedings |
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07/12/2008
| Harvest Festival and Annual Thanksgiving Service |
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Harvest Festival and the Annual Thanksgiving Service
during our Sesquicentennial Year was held on 7 December
2008 with a target of Rs.14 Lakhs to be apportioned for
various Projects as follows: (1)Muttathara Church
construction Rs.5lakh, (2)Jubilee Projects
Rs.5lakh, (3)Charkari Mission House Rs.2 lakh and
(4)Generator for church Rs.2lakh.The response has been
overwhelming. The total proceeds with cover collection
from 617 members as of 21 December 2008 amounted to
Rs.14,49,607 and we expect that the net inflow would
exceed the target soon.
All the Church Organizations
participated actively in various assignments for the
success of the Festival. This was a joyous occasion for
all the family members to come together and enjoy the
fellowship. Special thanks are due to the Area Prayer
Groups, the Church Organizations, Volunteers , the
Conveners and those who provided leadership including
all our achens, who made this Festival a grand success,
in spite of some unexpected shortcomings. |
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14/11/2008
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Inauguration Of Sesquicentennial Celebrations |
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A special thanksgiving service to mark the start of the
sesquicentennial celebrations of our Church commenced at
4.30pm on 14 November 2008 . Rt. Rev.Thomas Samuel,
Bishop of Madhya Kerala Diocese, CSI led the worship
service along with Rev. Daniel George, Vicar, Rev.Dn
Lijo George Oommen,Asst.Vicar and other senior achens
including Very.Rev.Mathew Mathew,Rev.Dr.Jacob Verghis,
Rev.Dr.K K Koshy, Rev. Mathai John, Rev.Dr. George
Joseph and Rev. Felix Mathew. The church choir and a 65
member Choir for rendering the Theme Song assisted in
the worship Service. Mr. John Kurien, Church Warden and
General Convener for the yearlong celebrations explained
the various Programs and Projects planned for the
celebrations. The Service in the church was followed by
hoisting the Sesquicentennial Flag by the Bishop and
rendering of the Theme song in the courtyard in the
midst of the entire congregation. Colorful fire works ,
decoration and illumination in the church compound added
variety to the celebrations. |
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Gallery |
Press Coverage |
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Release of Special Cover and Special Cancellation by
Depts. Posts |
| Dr. Uday Balakrishan , Chief Post Master General,
Kerala Circle, Dept. of Posts released the Special
Commemorative Postal Cover with special cancellation in
a separate function held in the Christ Church Centenary
hall at 6pm on 14 November 2008 as a mark of recognition
for the oldest church in the capital city of Kerala. The
Special cover was received by the Bishop, Rt,Rev. Thomas
Samuel. Two philatelist counters functioned at the venue
giving special cancellation facility to the church
members and the public. |
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Gallery |
Press Coverage |
Special Postmarks and Covers 2008 |
| Almaya
Convention |
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The first program after the inauguration
of our Jubilee was the Convention on 14,15 and 16 November
2008 under the auspices of the Almaya Fellowship. Mr. George
Philip, Director, Transworld Broadcasting gave the message
and a special Choir led the singing. |
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