COMMENCEMENT SERVICE 2018 CELEBRATES 19 GRADUATES
The ninety third commencement service of Concordia Theological Seminary was held on the Seminary campus at Naether Hall on Sunday, the 18th March 2018 at 3:30 pm. This year out of 19 students, 18 students received BD diplomas and 1 student received college diploma for theological studies. As Concordia Theological Seminary celebrated the accomplishment of its graduates, more than 700 hundred people which includes graduate’s immediate family members, friends, and congregation members joined the seminary community with prayers and festivity.
The chief guest for the occasion was Rev. Dr. David Rajenderan, the Principal of Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai. Dr. Rajenderan spoke from Mark 10: 35-45 and reminded the graduates that the intense training they received during the past years was to shape them to become servant leaders. He said, “The call now is to follow the footsteps of your master, to serve the people who are broken and despised. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The commencement service started with a procession led by the Principal, Rev. Dr. D. Christudas, members of the faculty, dignitaries and the graduation students. The procession was accompanied by a grand musical band accompaniment, played by some youths from one of our Lutheran congregation. The seminary chaplain, Rev. P.H.S Nanda Kumar opened the ceremony with a word of prayer and Rev. Dr. C. Thankappan, Vice principal of CTSN formally welcomed the chief guest and the audience. The scripture portions for the day was read by Rev. C. Justin Raj (Bursar) and Rev. Dr. John Vijayaraj respectively. The Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das presented the principal’s report for the academic year 2017-2018. Dr. Christu Das highlighted various activities conducted during the academic year and thanked the LCMS, IELC Administration, the BPLT, Faculty, Students, Parents and sponsors for their support towards the Seminary. He also gratefully recounted how the seminary was able to recover after the OCKHI disaster with the diligent efforts from the seminary community and a generous grant from LCMS Disaster Response Department.
The main part of the function to which everyone looked forward was the award of the diplomas. The Academic Dean, Rev. P.R Selvaraj presented the graduating students and the principal awarded the diplomas. After all the graduates received their diplomas, the principal led the graduates in a prayer of commitment.
The seminary was also pleased to release an annual magazine called Symphony during this occasion. The theme for this year was reformation. Rev. Dr. John Vijayaraj, the chief editor, introduced the magazine to the audience. The chief guest, Rev. Dr. David Rajenderan released the magazine and the principal received the first copy of the magazine from him.
The faculty secretary, Rev. Dr. Sam Thompson proposed a formal vote of thanks and the commencement service concluded with a closing prayer and Benediction by the Principal, Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das.
The Concordia Theological Seminary wishes to thank the LCMS and IELC leadership for their great support towards the smooth function of the seminary during the past year. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Darin Storkson (Senior Director, LCMS International Missions), Rev. Roger B. James (Area Director, South Asia, LCMS), Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann (Theological Educator, LCMS South Asia), Rev. Dr. Ross E. Johnson (Director, LCMS Disaster Response), Mr. Ravi Jesupatham (LCMS India coordinator), Rev. Suvisesha Muthu (President, IELC), Rev Sasi Paulose (Vice President, IELC), Rev. R. Vijayakumar (General Treasurer), Mr. P.N Gopinathan (Secretary, IELC), Rev. Victor (President, Ambur Synod), Rev. C. Chrispus (President, Trivandrum Synod), Rev. M Wilson (President, Nagercoil Synod), all the Church Council Members , BPLT members, Circle Presidents from the respective synods for standing with during the past year.
All glory and honour be to God alone! Amen.
Graduates, faculty, and guest speaker
