1706
Ziegenbalg and Plütschau arrive at Tharangambadi
Church of South India · Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur DioceseThe Householdof God
“That they all may be one.” From the shore at Tharangambadi in 1706 to 8 District Church Councils today — one flock, gathered in many windows.
Eight District Church Councils · 98 pastoratesChoose your council
Our Heritage
The Story of a Living Legacy
On 9 July 1706 the Lutheran missionaries Ziegenbalg and Plütschau landed at Tharangambadi — the first stirring of a story that became the Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese of the Church of South India in 1947.
Read our story1706The Gospel reached Tharangambadi
8District Church Councils
98Pastorates across the Diocese
115Educational institutions, hostels and hospitals
13Ministry committees
The Word for today
Find your church
Where do you worship?
Type a pastorate, a minister or a council. Among 98 pastorates, the matching windows light up as you write.
The Household of God · The Flock of Christ
One flock, in eight councils
98 pastorates across 8 District Church Councils, from Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur to Dharapuram and the Anamalai hills.
Our Journey
Three centuries of faith and service
From the first missionaries at Tharangambadi to a united Diocese — every date the History records.
13 ministries
Serving in the name of Christ
Schools and hospitals, hostels and homes, gatherings and camps — a few of the ministries, each in the Diocese's own figures.
Institutions
Learning, healing and care
115 institutions on the Church of South India Trust Association's list, carrying the Diocese's ministry into every community it serves.
Our Bishop
Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Samuel Rajadurai
The seventh Bishop · consecrated 6 December 2025, St. Luke's Church, Tiruchirappalli
Balancing Scripture and the Constitution to connect faith with social justice.
- 1Revival of Christian faith and works rooted in faith.
- 2In managing the providence for the people, to do mercy and justice to the marginalised.
- 3To conduct the financial affairs of God’s household with integrity and faithfulness.
1947 · 2026
The Church of South India at eighty
In India the miracle happened and the fragmented Christian communities united to form the united church CSI.
From the Bishop’s paper for the eightieth anniversary
One ring for every year since 27 September 1947. Choose a phase.
A letter from the Bishop · 25 September 2026
A letter from the Bishop
“These eighty years of journeying with God disclose that God hitherto remains faithful to his covenant made with our forefathers.”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Hebrews 12:1–2