SUBHAVNA Diocese of Calcutta (CNI) Diocese of Calcutta (CNI) For private circulation only Website: cnicalcutta.org Diocesan Newsletter Issue: 47 November - December 2016 Dalit Liberation Sunday Observed in the Diocese of Calcutta, CNI CNI Day Celebrations at the Diocesan Office On 20th November, 2016 the Diocese of Calcutta, CNI organised a seminar on Dalit Liberation at St. Thomas' Church, Howrah from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Members of various Pastorates in the Diocese attended the seminar. The programme began with a Eucharist Service. Rev Philip Peacock preached the Word of God. Rev Paritosh Canning, Presbyter-in-Charge was the celebrant. From 14th November, 2016 to 16th November, 2016 the Synod of the Church of North India organised the Third Zonal Pastors' Consultation on the theme Stewardship in God's Kingdom at Shantigriaha, Diocese of Durgapur, CNI. Delegates from the Diocese of Barrackpore, Durgapur, Patna, Chhotanagpur, Eastern Himalayas and Calcutta attended the programme. The first day commenced with a Inaugural Worship Service led by the Diocese of Durgapur. The Rt. Revd. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta, Bishop of Durgapur and Chairman, Stewardship Committee delivered an inspiring sermon based on the Theme After the Worship Service and breakfast the session began with Praise and Worship followed by opening Prayer by Rev Edward John Wood. Rev. Phillip Peacock, Lecturer, Bishop's College and a supplementary Presbyter in the Diocese of Calcutta conducted the session. In the beginning he presented visuals about Dalits in the society and Continued on : Pg.3 Third Zonal Pastors' Consultation on the theme Stewardship in God's Kingdom at Shantigriaha, Diocese Durgapur, CNI Serve the Lord with your whole heart, soul and mind, reflecting on the book of Acts 4 32-37. This was followed by a welcome address by Mrs. Prabhjot Primrose Masih, Hony. Director and Secretary, Stewardship Committee. The first session was conducted by Mr. Prem Masih, Hony. Treasurer, CNI Synod on the theme What we need to do to be a good Steward? This was followed by group discussions on the theme and presentations of the group. The proceedings of the day concluded with the closing prayer and fellowship dinner. Continued on : Pg.3 On 29th November, 1970 in a great event of Church Union in North India, at a decorated tent in All Saint' Cathedral Campus, Nagpur, more than 5000 people gathered together representing the six erstwhile denominations namely the Church of I n d i a, P a k i s t a n, B u r m a a n d Ceylon(Anglican), the United Church of Northern India(Congregationalist and Presbyterian), the Council of Baptist Churches of Northern Continued on : Pg.3 Continued on : Pg.3 1 November - December 2016
EDITORIAL Not Post-truth but Eternal Truth 2016 has been the year when we heard a lot about the reality of a 'post truth' society. But while facing this culture or trend the faithful need to make a reality check as we move in the road, the years and days ahead. 'Post-truth' was named Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year. Send in your contributory articles along with photographs to: SUBHAVNA, Bishop s House, 51, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata - 700 071 or mail to: subhavna.cni@gmail.com The Editorial Board has the full discretion of editing contributory articles Published by: The. Rt. Rev. Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta (CNI), from Bishop s House, 51, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata - 700 071. Rev Swarup Bar completes his PhD studies in Systematic Theology at the School of Divinity of the University of Edinburgh, U.K. Rev Swarup Bar, a full-time presbyter of the Diocese of Calcutta is awaiting his v i v a v o c e b e f o r e completing his PhD studies in Systematic Theology at the School of Divinity of the University of Ed i n b u rg h, U. K. f r o m 2013 to 2016. The PhD study has been possible through the generous support of the Scholarship from the Edinburgh University, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A (PCUSA), the support from the Church of Scotland, the Church of North India, Diocese of Calcutta, and kind contributions from friends and families in Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal The phrase is defined as "circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion, sentiment, passion, hype and personal belief". In the wider world scenario, in cases of referendum and election, vigorous campaigns displayed the h a l l m a r k s o f p o s t - t r u t h campaigning. But the reaction to some world changing events has also been a manifestation of the post-truth society we live in. The prevailing opinions in a section of the mainstream media and mass leaders have been held as absolute truth while dissenting voices even when they are in the majority, have been mocked quite often much to the discomfort and unease of right-thinking and conscious citizens. In the wider societal arena (and Church. He is the first candidate who was supported for a doctoral programme with the efforts of CNI, PCUSA and Church of Scotland together. The Most Revd David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and well-wishers like Rev Margaret Macgregor and others have also come together to support Swarup in all possible ways. At the same time Rev Bar too did whatever possible to meet his living expenses, to meet his basic needs and worked as visiting minister, conducting Sunday Eucharist Services at St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church, Alloa, U.K. from 2014 to 2016. He participated as a CNI delegate at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for three consecutive years, 2014, 2015 and 2016. As a member of the British Student's Christian Movement (SCM), he contributed to their magazine, took part in seminars and attended various the media s reporting of it), posttruth has been the reality for a long time. We have seen how many a sides used fear over facts and personal attacks over policy. As Isaiah witnessed it, so it is a reality in our days. Truth has stumbled in the street and lacking ( Isaiah 59:14, 15) When Jesus, the embodiment of truth or the truth incarnate stood before Pilate and said, He had come to testify to the truth, Pilate s response was, "what is truth?" ( John 18:37-38) Interestingly and quite understandably, Jesus was silent as He was claiming to usher in the truth. It was not as if He was explaining about a truth or His truth, but the truth itself. Pilate s response was an invariable rejection to this claim of absolute truth... to be continued in the next issue of Subhavna. programmes in Scotland and England. He Spent a month (June, 2015), in Israel and Palestine as part of Continuing Education Programme of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Israel with the generous support of the Society of Friends of St. Andrews, Jerusalem, Church of Scotland and spent a month in Paris (August, 2015) at the Catholique Institut de Paris as an exchange student through the University of Edinburgh. He had the opportunity to spend a weekend with the Taize community in Eastern France for ecumenical exposure. He also participated in theological-cultural exchanges in various parts of Europe.. Rev Bar is now attached to St. Andrew's Church, Diocese of Calcutta as a Presbyter and to Bishop's College as a lecturer. The Almighty God has been gracious to Rev Swarup Bar towards his endeavours and may we continue to support him, through prayers and good wishes. 2 November - December 2016
Continued from : Pg.1 Third Zonal Pastors' Consultation on the theme Stewardship in God's Kingdom at Shantigriaha, Diocese Durgapur, CNI On 15th November, 2016 the Morning Devotion was conducted by the Diocese of Durgapur and the Bible Study was conducted by Rev Dr. Sunil Caleb, Principal, Bishop's College, Kolkata on the Theme Stewardship Management based on John 6:1-14. He shared on 'Why Stewardship, the Responsibility, Accountability and Compassion and concluded by saying we should use our talents and be a good steward in order to fulfil God's Commands. The Rt Rev Dr. P. C. Singh, Deputy Moderator, CNI Synod and Bishop, Diocese of Jabalpur, CNI conducted a session on the theme Stewardship is a Mission of God based on Luke 6:38. He shared his view on the Three 'Ts' - Time, Talent, Treasure and said Stewardship is a way of life as well as the purpose of our life further reflecting on Genesis 2:15. Before the fellowship lunch the Dioceses Continued from : Pg.1 CNI Day Celebrations at the Diocesan Office India(British Baptist), the Church of the Brethren in India, the Methodist Church (British and Australian Conferences) and the Disciples of Christ came together in union to be one church(church of North India) through a novel liturgy for unification. In the words of The Most Rev. Dr. D.C. Gorai, Bishop of Calcutta 1982 1999, The unification of ministry was a glorious one to experience the living presence of our Lord so that all may be one. Mission representatives, World Media persons, Visitors from far and near witnessed the event. Late Cannon Subir Biswas, Vicar of St. Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata, preached the message based on Mark 10:45. On 29th November, 2016 the Diocese of Calcutta, CNI celebrated the 46th year of the foundation of the Church of North India at Bishop's House, 51, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata 700 071. presented reports of their Stewardship Committee. After lunch the host Diocese organised an excursion to Shantiniketan, the place identified with 'Rabindranath Tagore'. On 16th November, 2016 the morning devotion was conducted by the Diocese of Calcutta, CNI. Rev Sebastian Zeeba Hansda reflected on the Word of God. The first session was conducted by Rev Sanjay Malviya on the theme 'Integrity of Stewardship. Rev Dr. P. C. Gine shared the theological implication of stewardship on Practical life based on the theme 'Stewardship in God's Kingdom'. The Seminar came to a close with the vote of thanks proposed by The Rt Rev Prabal Kanto Dutta, Bishop of Durgapur and Chairman, Stewardship Committee followed by blessing and thereafter it was a time of fellowship. The celebrations began with a word of welcome by Rev Abir Adhikari, Diocesan Coordinator followed by the opening prayer by Rev Paritosh Canning, Vice-President and Mr. John A. K. Ghosh, Hony. Secretary, Diocese of Calcutta, CNI, who read from scripture. The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, CNI based his message on John 17:20-26 reflecting on the formation and the unification of the Church of North India and its uniqueness. The celebration came to a close with the closing prayer by Rev Biswasjit Biswas giving thanks to God for the life and work of the Office Bearers of the CNI Synod, all Bishops, Clergy and lay people working hand in hand upholding the moto of the CNI- Unity, Witness and Service. The celebrations came to a close with fellowship tea and snacks for all. Continued from : Pg.1 Dalit Liberation Sunday Observed in the Diocese of Calcutta, CNI encouraged the participants to discuss in groups and express their views which evoked several interesting views. Rev Peacock briefed the gathering about the Caste System with definitions, facts and statistics. Further, he talked about particle theory, characteristics of caste, the origins of the caste system, experiences of the Dalits in the society, who are the Dalits, the invisibleness of caste and caste discrimination. He quoted from the Bible making reference to the Book of Acts 10 and Isaiah 65:15. Finally he summed up with an appropriate conclusion by emphasising on unity in Christ manifested in the sharing of one bread and one cup. The programme came to a close by vote of thanks proposed by Rev. Edward John Wood followed by the closing by the Rev. Jacob Amirthasingh. Fellowship lunch was arranged for all present. DEM Fete 2016 On 3rd December, 2016 the Diocesan Education Mission Fete, an annual event of the Diocese of Calcutta, was held at St. Paul's Cathedral grounds. Schools and Institutions of the Diocese participated by putting up a variety of stalls for games, food, artefacts, household goods and clothes. Items were also displayed and sold in stalls for various Christian organisations. The proceeds from the sales are utilised solely for education of the needy and deserving children of our Diocese and even for the other Dioceses. The Rt. Rev. Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, inaugurated the mega fair in the Continued on : Pg.4 3 November - December 2016
Continued from : Pg.3 DEM Fete 2016 presence of Principals and Vice Principals of CNI schools, Clergy and Office Bearers of the Diocese. The stall helpers were kept on their toes busy serving the large number of people who had turned up for the event. Meanwhile the children attending were also well catered for in the children's corner. Mr. Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner for Kolkata joined in the fund raising event and encouraged us with his presence. At 7:00 p.m. in spite of the fete being declared over, there were still a large number of people around visiting the food stalls besides others. The fete was something like a curtain raiser for the ensuing festivities. The Calcutta Diocesan Festival and Nabanna Utsav 2016 On 4th December, 2016 the Calcutta Diocesan Festival and the Nabanna Utsav, the Annual Day of Thanksgiving was held at St. Paul's Cathedral, commencing with the Thanksgiving Worship Service at 2:00 p.m. Clergy, Heads of Institutions, members of the Pastorates in the Diocese attended in large numbers. Choir groups from various CNI churches and schools presented songs at the service. The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, CNI preached the word of God. Bishop based his message on the Gospel reading for the day, John 6: 1-15- Reflecting on the text, outlining the need for partnership, using our resources, he said,as evening falls the disciples are alarmed that the crowd show no signs of leaving even though the place is desolate and there is no food. Their impulse is to ask Jesus to send the crowds away. Jesus however is not content for people to remain in need. He has compassion for the crowds and wants to see them fed. And it would have been easier for Jesus to turn mere stones into bread and fish. However His way of acting is in partnership with the disciples. They play a key role in finding the food which will be multiplied (identifying resources), in distributing that food to the people - Jesus wants us to identify the resources God has already given us and others, no matter how inadequate they seem, and to deploy them towards the meeting of Continued on : Pg.5 4 November - December 2016
Continued from : Pg.4 The Calcutta Diocesan Festival and Nabanna Utsav 2016 needs. If we would lay ourselves at the altar of His service, there is no saying what He could do with us and through us beyond what we ask for or imagine. After the service in the Church the festivities continued in the grounds with book releases by the Bishop, prize distribution to winners of the Annual Sunday School Competition Rally and a cultural programme by Churches and Organisations in the Diocese of Calcutta. Stalls given by all the Pastorates and organisations sold food items, hand works, books, mementos which were visited by many. The programme came to a close with love feast in the Parish hall. Mrs. Carolyn Lionel, Principal, St. John's Diocesan Girls' H.S. School along with her team of teachers with the help of the Office Bearers organised the love feast in a manner that encouraged fellowship among each other and contributed to the Festival being a big success. The Global Leadership Summit is a twoday event telecast LIVE in HD from Willow Creek Association's campus near Chicago every August to 550+ locations in the United States. Throughout the fall, the Summit takes place via videocast at an additional 675+ sites in 125 countries and 59 languages. In 2016, more than 305,000 leaders attended worldwide. More than an event, the Summit is a resource to be leveraged for c o m m u n i t y transformation. Each year, this event features experts in the a r e n a o f l e a d e r s h i p i n l e c t u r e a n d i n t e r v i e w formats. On 18th a n d 1 9 t h November, 2016 the viewing of the recording was made possible in Calcutta at the Assembly of God Church in a packed auditorium. Members of the Clergy and lay people in the Diocese of Calcutta among the others attended the two day Summit. Rev Abir Adhikari, Coordinator, Diocese of Calcutta, inaugurated the summit with a word of prayer. Summit Speakers this year were Bill Hybels, Founder and Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church; Melinda Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Ford Motor Company (2006-2014); Bishop T. D. Jakes, Founder and Senior Pastor, The Potter's House; Wilfredo De Jesús, Senior Pastor, New Life Covenant Church; Community Leader and Author; Patrick Lencioni, Bestselling Author; Founder of The Table Group; Danielle Strickland, Officer in The Salvation Army; Advocate and Author; Jossy Chacko, Founder and President, Empart Inc.; John C. Maxwell, Leadership Expert; Bestselling Author and Coach. The speakers had us glued to our seats and the eagerness to hear the following speaker did not allow us to take advantage of the occasional breaks in between the speakers. It was an awesome learning experience for all of us who attended from our Diocese and we left inspired and definitely plan to attend in bigger numbers in 2017. 5 November - December 2016
Diocesan Family Get Together 2016 On 16th December, 2016 the Clergy, Heads of Institutions, Executive Committee members, related Organisations, Office Staff and Friends of the Diocese in Kolkata gathered together with their families before the close of 2016 to socialize, singing well-loved carols and to rejoice in catching up with friends and the Diocesan Family. Mr. Philips Daniels as the Emcee set the tone for the festivities for the evening with a sense of warmth, anticipation, bubble and fun. Mr. Aniket Debroy, Mr. Denzel John and Mr. Stephen John kept the men and women busy with games, while Mrs. Meribah Suresh and Mrs. Baisakhi Routh insured that the children had a fun time. Time of Sharing and Giving at Bishop's House The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta welcomed all to the fellowship and share in each other's joy and conveyed his good wishes and offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for the good health and well being of all. The events of the evening concluded with handing over gifts to the invitees followed by a fellowship dinner. The Christmas season, a time of celebration and sharing, is filled with joy, laughter, light and music. It is a celebration of the birth of Christ and for many associated with the Diocese as a time of giving and sharing for all. On 16th December, 2016 Mamraj Agarwal Foundation shared in our joy and distributed gifts to the people associated with various wings of the Diocese. The Foundation in the past have partnered with the Diocese in its outreach work and supplied educational grants to the needy in the Diocese. On 19th December, 2016 Union Chapel disturbed Christmas rations (household provisions) to the Clergy and the staff of Bishop's House. This has been their tradition for many years now to bless the Clergy and staff to make Christmas a special one. Calcutta Diocesan Tuberculosis Relief Trust Annual Christmas Porgramme a meaningful Christmas message and gave away the Christmas gifts to the Staff and patients of the TB Outdoor Clinic. Mrs. Soma Mondal, MDR Co-ordinator, Government of West Bengal was present to encourage the Clinic staff in their outreach work. On 16th December, 2016 the Calcutta Diocesan Tuberculosis Relief Trust had its Annual Christmas Programme at St. James' Church, AJC Bose Road, grounds. Rev Shreeraj Mohanty, Secretary of the Trust and Presbyter-in-Charge of St. James' Church addressed the gathering in The Trust also organised a puppet and a magic show that enthralled all present. The programme came to a close with fellowship and light refreshments for all present. Dr. Ali Chowdhury Medical Officer TB Outdoor Clinic On 21st December, 2016 the Diocese distributed Christmas gifts to the Office Bearers and staff of Bishop's House to usher in the holiday spirit and to spread cheer among the staff and in appreciation during the season of giving. Congratulations! Mrs. Bijoya Das, President, DWFCS, D i o c e s e o f Calcutta, CNI, was u n a n i m o u s l y e l e c t e d a s Secretary of CNI- SWFCS for the period 2016-2019. The Most Rev. Pradip Kumar Samantaroy, Moderator, CNI, Synod was the election officer. The election was held during the Triennial Council of CNI-SWFCS at Baring Christian College, Batala, Diocese of Amritsar on 17th November, 2016. 6 November - December 2016
Christiyo Ananda Mela St. Paul's Church, Keorapukur, Diocese of Barrackpore, CNI is located in the busy market area of South Kolkata and its members have been Christian witnesses of Christianity in this part of Kolkata. On 23rd December, 2016 The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, CNI and Moderator's Episcopal Commissary for the Diocese of Barrackpore inaugurated the 53rd Christiyo Ananda Mela, the annual event of St. Paul's Church, Keorapukur, Diocese of Barrackpore, CNI in a ceremony in the Church ground. Children are among the most excited group of people to visit Mela for various toys and to enjoy rides. The Christian community and other people in this area and even those who have moved elsewhere in the city make sure to visit the Mela at least once to have a time of joy, festivity and fellowship in a unique urban-rural interface. St. Stephen's School, Budge Budge over Diocese of Barrackpore, CNI Inauguration and Dedication of the newly constructed Annex II Building the years has gained a reputation for providing excellent education in the area and is growing from strength to strength. The popularity of the school has encouraged the management to extend its infrastructure to accommodate the increasing numbers of applicants. On 17th December, 2016 The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, CNI and Moderator's Episcopal Commissary for the Diocese of Barrackpore inaugurated and dedicated the newly constructed Annex II Building in the presence of Rev Arabinda Mandal, Secretary, G.B.F.B. and BDES; Mr. Manoj Mandal, Secretary, Managing Committee, STSS. BDG; Mr. Ashok Dolui, Principal, STSS. BDG; Diocesan Office Bearers and Eminent Guests. St. Paul's Cathedral - Christmas Lunch on Jesus the City Organisation. Serve the City encourages people to serve the city in which they live by volunteering to use their skills to help others. In Derby, the elderly, single parent families and other less fortunate people are given a Christmas Hamper containing all the things needed to make a good Christmas Lunch. For most people, the Christmas season means time with family and friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive meal together. However, for some people, Christmas is not a joyful experience as it is meant to be. Many people do not have the financial resources to meet day-to-day needs, so a festive meal is beyond their imagination. Christmas Lunch on Jesus changes that. Christmas Lunch on Jesus was started in Derby, UK, four years ago in partnership with other Churches in Derby and Serve On 20 December, 2016 for the fifth year in succession Derby Cathedral sponsored a similar project for underprivileged families in Kolkata. Revd. Anita Matthews of St. Peter's Church, UK helped us in the preparation and planning for the annual event and is always eager to work towards strengthening the ties between St. Paul's Cathedral and her Church. Apart from the hampers, the families were served with lunch at the Cathedral. Volunteers helped pack the hampers and distribute the Lunch boxes. 168th Anniversary Celebration of Duff Church On 6th November, 2016 Duff Church celebrated 168th years of its foundation in a Thanksgiving Service which began with a time for fellowship and a cake cutting ceremony in the Church lawn, conducted by Rev Biswajit Biswas, Presbyter-in-Charge and well attended by Clergy of the Diocese, members and invited guests. During this time the Church Calendar 2017 was unveiled. The design was a tribute to the recent sainthood of St. Teresa of Kolkata. During the worship service special songs were presented by the Sunday school, Youth Work Committee, Church Choir and by students of St. Ninian's Girl's High School. Rev Paritosh Canning, Vice- President, Diocese of Calcutta, CNI was present on the occasion and shared the Word of God. Mr. Anindya Sen, Assistant Treasurer proposed the vote of thanks. After the service, dinner packets were arranged for all the guests. Rev Biswajit Biswas, Presbyter-in-Charge The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta was present during the distribution of the hampers, to bless the people with his Christmas message and took this opportunity to spend time to be with them in fellowship. 7 November - December 2016
St. Paul s Cathedral Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Christmas, the biggest celebration is not only celebrated among Christians but at this time people of other faiths too are found feasting, gift-giving along with prayers and good wishes. On 24th December mid night 2016 St. Paul's Cathedral was the venue for many such visitors including the faithful who came to celebrate God's faithfulness in coming to the earth in search for us. The Midnight Mass Celebrations was divided into three parts- The traditional blessing of the crib by the Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta in the presence of Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal; Shri Surajit Kar Purkayastha IPS, Director General of Police; Mr Derek O'Brien, MP among other ministers of State and dignitaries. In the worship service, the Cathedral Choir led in well-loved carols, with scripture reading by the youth, elder and by Mr Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata. The Rt. Rev. Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta preached the message of peace and hope. In the concluding part of the service visitors queued up to the altar to receive blessings and prayers for Christmas and the new year from the Presbyters present. 190th Anniversary Celebration of Holy Trinity Church On 13th November, 2016 Holy Trinity Church Celebrated its 190th Anniversary in a Thanksgiving Service. Mrs. Sanchita Biswas, Hony. Secretary, welcomed all present and the children felicitated the Bishop, Clergy and guests. The Sunday School, Women's Fellowship and the Church Choir presented special songs that were appreciated by all. The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, CNI dedicated the new Lectern in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Rev Paritosh Canning, Vice President and Bishop's chaplain along with Rev Biswajit Biswas, Presbyter of Duff Church, blessed the Lectern. During this time Bishop released a book to be used during the ceremony of Baptism and unveiled the 2017 Church calendar. The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta preached the word of God. He gave thanks to God for all the gifts He has given us. He said Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship to the Giver of all good gifts. Giving thanks also reminds us of how much we do have. Giving thanks to God keeps our hearts in right relationship with Him and saves us from a host of harmful emotions and attitudes that will rob us of the peace God wants us to experience. The Celebrations came to a close with a fellowship dinner for all present. A Visit to The Most Rev Dr. Dinesh Chandra Gorai (Bishop of Calcutta, CNI 1982 1999) On 23rd December, 2016 The Rt Rev Ashoke Biswas, Bishop of Calcutta, visited The Most Rev Dr. Dinesh Chandra Gorai (Bishop of Calcutta, CNI 1982 1999) to spread the Christmas cheer to our beloved Bishop, for a time of fellowship, friendly exchange and catching up on the latest in the Diocese. It was a blessed time for all present. 8 November - December 2016