The city celebrated election of Bishop Devakadasham as Moderator of Church of South India (CSI) here on Monday. The former system of archbishop was abolished and having a Moderator for the CSI churches began some years ago.
The newly elected members of Synod, the highest administrative body of the CSI, were felicitated at a grand function organised on sprawling grounds of CSI St. Paul's East Parish here.
Krishna Godavari Diocese Bishop Govada Dyvasirvadam (newly elected Synod Deputy Moderator), M. M. Philip (General Secretary) and Bennet (Treasurer) and others were felicitated at the function.
Addressing a press conference on its sidelines, Mr. Dyvasirvadam said some 400 Bishops and priests from 22 dioceses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Sri Lanka besides special invitees took part in the Synod meeting, conducted every two years, and elected new members. The moderator's term is for two years. Mr. Devakadasham replaced S. Vasanthakumar as Moderator, he said. Mr. Dyvasirvadam said the CSI parted its valuable lands and properties for the development of the city. In response to a request from the CSI, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Special Officer and the Commissioner agreed to name State Guest House Junction Bishop Azaraiah Junction and Court Centre as Bishop Ananda Rao Samuel Junction. Mr. Devakadasham presided over the functions organised in this regard.
Earlier, an impressive rally was taken out from the CSI complex to Bishop Azaraiah School. Secondary Education Minister K. Parthasarathy, bishops and priests from Krishna, West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram districts took part.
