Concordia Theological Seminary celebrated its ninety fourth commencement service at the Seminary quadrangle on the 24 March 2019 at 3:30 pm. Twenty Students who had successfully completed their Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) program received their college diploma during this service. More than eight hundred people, including graduates’ immediate family, friends, well-wishers and congregation members, came to celebrate and praise God for the students’ achievements. The presidents of the respective IELC synods, IELC office bears, pastors and leaders of other denominations were also in present for this auspicious occasion.
The ceremony started with a graduation tea followed by the commencement procession. The chief guest for the occasion was Rev. Dr. Larry E. Myers (Former Theological Consultant, LCMS International Missions). Due to some unanticipated circumstance Dr. Myers could not join the commencement service and in his absence Rev. Suvisesha Muthu (President and BPLT Chairman of India Evangelical Lutheran church) and Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das (Principal, CTSN) led the commencement service.
In his commencement message, Rev. Dr. Larry Myers reminded the graduates about the gift of partnerships God has given us with each other and the importance of guarding it fervently in carrying out the ministry in this world. Dr. Myers expressed his joy towards the growing and positive partnership between LCMS and the Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil in the recent years. In his absentia, the commencement message was read by Rev. Dr. Sam Thompson (Faculty Secretary). The Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das presented the principal’s report for the academic year 2018-2019. 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. The Principal while congratulating the graduates reminded the audience about the financial struggles various students are undergoing during their studies. He made an appeal to the local congregations to help the students in need by providing prayerful financial support.
The Academic Dean, Rev. P.R Selvaraj presented the graduating students and Rev. Suvisesha Muthu, President of Chairman, Board for Pastoral and Lay Training awarded the diplomas. After all the graduates received their diplomas, the principal led the graduates in a prayer of commitment.
The seminary celebrated the book release of Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das’s recent book, Lutherans in Kerala: Mission Perspective towards Subalterns and their Socio-Religious and Secular Context. The seminary also released the college magazine, Symphony during this occasion. The theme for this year was “Peace in midst of Violence.” Rev. Dr. John Vijayaraj, the chief editor, introduced the magazine to the audience. The students and faculty at the CTSN contributed articles to this magazine.
The commencement service concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by the faculty secretary, Rev. Dr. Sam Thompson followed by a closing prayer and Benediction by the Principal, Rev. Dr. D. Christu Das.
The Concordia Theological Seminary is grateful to LCMS and IELC leadership for their great support towards the smooth functioning of the seminary during the academic year 2018-2019. We acknowledge the invaluable leadership extended to us by Mr. Darin Storkson (Senior Director, LCMS International Missions), Rev. Charles Ferry (Area Director, South Asia, LCMS), Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann (Theological Educator, LCMS South Asia), Rev. Dr. Daniel Jastram (Theological Educator, LCMS), Rev. Dr. Ross E. Johnson (Director, LCMS Disaster Response), Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink (Director, Concordia Historical Institute), Mr. Ravi Jesupatham (LCMS- India coordinator), Rev. Suvisesha Muthu (President, IELC), Rev. R. Vijayakumar (General Treasurer), Mr. P.N Gopinathan (Secretary, IELC), Rev. Victor (President, Ambur Synod), Rev. Mohan Raj (President, Trivandrum Synod), all the Church Council Members , BPLT members, Circle Presidents from the respective synods for standing with us during the past year.
All glory and honour be to God alone! Amen.