Year for Elders & the Extended Family
The Ceylon Bible Society Dedicated this year for the “Elders and Extended Family”. The Service began with an opening prayer by Rt. Rev.Dhiloraj R. Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo. Welcome address was given by the President of the CBS Mr. Eraj Wijesinghe. Bible was read from the book of Sirach 3:1-16. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponnaiah, Bishop of Batticaloa and one of the 1st Vice President of the CBS shared the message on the theme “Year for Elders & the Extended Family members.” He spoke about the early Jewish family and how they promoted goodwill and harmony amongst each other and how it helped in the development of civilization. He also emphasized on the responsibility of children towards their parents and also the elderly and how they should show their care and concern. He further went on to say that Marriage was God ordained and husband and wife must respect and care for each other in building a holistic society.
Rev. David Beling, Life Governor of CBS dedicated its’ Staff for 2020. Offertory prayer was done by Lt. Colonel Suresh Pawar Territorial Commander- Salvation Army. Dr. Simon Wong representing the United Bible Society shared greetings on behalf of the UBS. The NRSV 3rd Edition- Copy Edited Sinhala Bible 2019 was introduced by Very Rev. Dr. Daya Shelton Welikadarachi, Episcopal of the Colombo Region, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Dehiwala and the Chairman of the NRSV Bible Translation Committee. He thanked all those who supported in this worthy cause of translation work.
His Lordship Grace Archbishop Oswald Gomis, Emeritus Bishop dedicated and prayed for the NRSV 3rd Edition- Copy Edited Sinhala Bible 2019. Rev. Priyantha Wijegoonewardena, the General Secretary of CBS gave the vote of thanks. The final prayer and blessing was given by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponnaiah. A copy of the new NRSV Sinhala Bible 2019 was distributed to the Heads of Churches and clergies who attended the service. We thank and praise God for all His blessings upon us.
