Re-Dedication Service of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Vavuniya

"Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them (John 14:23)."

The Church of the Holy Spirit, Vavuniya dedicated in 1901, held its re-dedication service on Thursday, 30th of June, 2022, at 4.00 pm. The service was presided over by Rt. Revd. Dushantha Rodrigo, the 15th Bishop of Colombo. The service commenced with a procession of the Bishop and the clergy entering from the Eastern gate of the Horowpathana Road. They were welcomed with the traditional flower garlands followed by a dance “வாருங்கள், வாருங்கள் (Varungal Varungal Come, Come) …” of the Sunday school children. The traditional “boiling the milk” was held. The elders representing the different areas of the parish contributed the milk. In the event of the lighting of the Oil lamp, Revd. P. Thayalan, the former Vicar who initiated the extension and renovation project lit the first light. 

The Revd. Sathies Joshua Crispus, Vicar read the introduction and led the confession. The blessing of the baptismal pond, altar, pulpit and choir were followed after the opening of the main door by the Bishop. The Bishop preached the sermon and invited the parishioners to remember Revd. Arulpragasam Matthias who began the ministry in Vavuniya. After the intercession by the parish members the Holy Eucharist commenced. At the end of the service the plaque was opened by the Bishop. Further, memorial trees were planted by the Bishop, the Archdeacon of Jaffna (North), Revds. S K Daniel, N J Gnanakaruniyan, P Thayalan, S S Jebachelvan in the church yard.

After the fellowship tea a public meeting was held. The Vicar welcomed all. Thereafter, Mrs J Roy Jeyakumar read a special poem. The Bishop and the clergy shared their greetings. A video clip was shown for everyone to see the history of this Church.

The clergy who served in the Church of the Holy Spirit (Ven. S D P Selvan, Revds. S K Daniel, N J Gnanakaruniyan, S S Jebachelvan & P Thayalan) shared their views along with greetings. A magazine and a Mug (portraying the views of the old and present church) was presented to mark the event. The historical event concluded with a fellowship dinner.

Article : Ven. S.D.P.Selvan

Photographs : Chaminda Soysa

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