Cathedral Chimes Sep 2026

Letter from the Pastor’s Desk

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we enter this new month of September, let us pause to thank God for His mercies that are new every morning. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Truly, His guiding hand has been evident in all that has taken place in our Cathedral during the past month.

On 15th August, we joined together in gratitude for our nation’s 80th Independence Day. After the 7:00 a.m. service, the flag was hoisted in the Cathedral campus, followed by a fellowship breakfast. As we remember the sacrifices that won us freedom, we also lift our prayers for India that God may bless our land with peace, unity, and harmony, and guide our leaders to work with wisdom and justice for the good of all people.

That same day, we were blessed to celebrate the first anniversary of the Episcopal Consecration of our beloved Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran. Nearly 3,000 members of the Madras Diocesan family gathered to thank God for his ministry and leadership. The day began with a grand procession from the Diocesan Office, followed by the Consecration Divine Eucharist Service led by the Bishop in Madras. The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Jeyasingh Prince Prabhakaran, Bishop of the Madurai-Ramnad Diocese, delivered the Word of God, while Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasahayam served as Celebrant. After the service, a grand lunch was hosted in the Cathedral campus for all the participants.

We also rejoice with our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran on being conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity by the Inter Christian International Institute, New Jersey, USA in special recognition of his distinguished service to humanity for its spiritual health and contributions to the advancement of the church and Christian faith by promoting Spiritual Healthcare Education. This honour is not only a personal milestone but also a source of joy and pride for our entire Diocese. We thank God for raising him as a shepherd who leads with wisdom, compassion, and courage, and we pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen him with grace to guide the church into greater spheres of service and witness.

On 16th August, our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran led the induction of the newly elected Pastorate Committee members. I congratulate them and pray that they may serve faithfully, remembering the words of Scripture: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 4:2). May the Lord grant them wisdom, humility, and strength to carry out their responsibilities with diligence. Let us, as a congregation, uphold them in prayer and extend our wholehearted cooperation, so that together we may build up the body of Christ and glorify His name through our shared ministry.

On 23rd August, we observed Women’s Sunday with joy and thanksgiving. Our Bishop Amma, Rev. Indira Paul, delivered a powerful message, and the members of the Women’s Fellowship enriched the service with songs and the presentation of their annual report. We thank God for their ministry, which continues to inspire and strengthen the life of our Cathedral through prayer, service, and witness.

Looking ahead, we prepare our hearts for the Ingathering Festival 2026, one of the most significant events in our Cathedral calendar, to be held on Sunday, 4th October 2026. The Pastorate Committee has appointed Dr. Noveen Davidson as Convenor. The various sub-committee heads have been appointed and I urge every member to participate actively and join the committees where your gifts can be used, so that together we may offer our thanksgiving to God in abundance.

As we journey into September, let us remain steadfast in prayer, service, and fellowship. “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Yours in Christ
Rev. Dr. A. Ruben Jayakumar
Presbyter & Chairman