Christian Service Invokes Blessings on Forthcoming Army Anniversary

A special Christian service, one more segment of the series of multi-religious ceremonies, organized in connection with the forthcoming 68th Army Day (October 10), blessed the forward-march of the Sri Lanka Army in a solemn ceremony, held this afternoon (3) at All Saints’ Church, Borella.

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest for the occasion along with Mrs Chandrika Senanayake, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit and a large gathering of Army Officers and their family members joined the prayer session and the service, led by Rev Dr Emmanuel Fernando.

Major General Dampath Fernando, Chairman, Army Christian Association welcomed the day’s Chief Guest on arrival. Brigadier Manjula Karunaratne, Secretary to the Army Christian Fellowship afterwards delivered a brief welcome speech and spelt out the theme of the day’s service. The Army Christian Fellowship organized special thanks-giving ceremony, was officiated after an introduction that spoke of the greatness of Lord Jesus.

Rev Benedict Joseph, Chaplain of the Army Christian Fellowship delivered introductory comments, highlighting the importance of the occasion and inviting everyone to join hymns.

Blessings were then symbolically invoked on the Commander of the Army and all serving members, Army Flag and all Regimental Flags after the soldiers respectfully brought them in and placed them at the foot of the altar.

Around the same time, the Holy Service prayed for the souls of all fallen War Heroes in the battlefields and elsewhere while simultaneously invoking blessings on all injured Army personnel, still recovering, those who are serving as well as members of the families of all Army personnel.

Members of the clergy from All Saints Church, Borella, Baptist Church, Methodist Church and Anglican Church as reverent members officiated the Service and offered due recognition to the services of the Army.

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayke, Commander of the Army after culmination of the special service made a financial donation towards the development of the holy premises. General Lionel Balagalle and General Daya Ratnayake, former Commanders of the Army were also present at the occasion.

Major General Dampath Fernando, Chairman, Army Christian Fellowship, together with a large gathering of Army personnel attended the special service. Some spouses and family members of Army personnel also joined the prayers.