An enhanced ‘service’ on Palm Sunday

At Risen Christ Church on April 13, this observance marking the beginning of the Holy Week will accommodate a blood donation camp. This church has a culture of organising organ donation awareness sessions and similar exercises during this time of year. And the Perambur branch of the All India Anglo Indian Association is working round the clock to honour a homegrown Eastertide tradition marked by the spirit of giving

For the past 15 years, at Risen Christ Church on Paper Mills Road in Peravallur (near Perambur), the Holy Week services (beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Sunday) have been long-drawn-out processes, the extended hours providing congregants with an opportunity to put into action what they heard preached from the pulpit. It is about making a donation to the needy — someone up against a nervously ticking clock, chewing their nails off waiting for a donor. It is not donation straight out of a cheque book. The donor and their donation are organically linked.

This year, on Palm Sunday (April 13), Risen Christ Church (Which comes under the Arch Diocese of Madras Mylapore) is partnering with ESI Hospital to host its annual blood donation camp, and church expects a turnout of 250 to 300 donors. The blood donation camp is scheduled between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The main eligibility criterion: healthy individuals aged between 18 and 60. Meeting this criterion, anyone can participate in the camp.

The church has created a benchmark in terms of social outreach by promoting organ donation among congregants. In 2017, when an organ donation awareness talk by Mohan Foundation was squeezed into an extended Good Friday service. Reportedly, the initiative sparked interest among parishioners, causing many of them to step forward and sign up for it. It ushered in a culture of openness to organ donation, and successive parish priests have kept this interest alive.

Father M. Arulraj, who took over as parish priest of the church in June, 2024, has taken a personal interest in eye donation, often reminding his congregation: “The eyes are the lamp of the body. What better way to let your light shine than by giving someone the gift of sight?” Outside the church, a board proudly displays the names of those who have pledged their eyes — a quiet yet powerful reminder of selflessness.

Why host these events during Holy Week?

Ronald Victor, vice president of Risen Christ Youth, explains why. “Easter is about hope, sacrifice, and renewal. It is a reminder that we are here not just to receive but to give. This is our way of honouring that message.” Ronald has been associated with Risen Christ Youth since he finished school, and every year, he has been watching the community reach newer heights of generosity.

Over the years, the church has accommodated newer forms of generosity as well: besides the annual blood donation camp, it has been organising general health camps, eye screenings, dental checkups and awareness sessions — all rooted in the belief that faith is best expressed through service.