The Church of South India (CSI) Parish in Abu Dhabi celebrated the opening of its new facility with an inaugural public service on May 5. The emotional event welcomed 750 members of the congregation, as well as people of various faiths from the local community. This milestone marked a significant moment for the members, who recalled the humble beginnings of the CSI parish in Abu Dhabi over 45 years ago.
The first CSI congregation service in Abu Dhabi was held in 1979, led by Rt Rev T S Joseph and attended by only a few members at St Andrew’s Church. Over the years, the parish grew and formed various groups, including a choir, Sunday School, and women’s fellowship. With the relocation of St Andrew’s Church and the establishment of a resident vicar in 1990, the parish continued to thrive and expand.
The opening of the new church building in Abu Dhabi was a dream come true for the parishioners, who expressed gratitude to former vicars, members, and well-wishers for their efforts in realizing this goal. The current Vicar, Lalji M Philip, led the prayer ceremony and emphasized the church’s commitment to being a place of worship open to everyone, regardless of their religious background.
The new facility was inaugurated on April 28 in a soft-opening ceremony led by Rt Rev Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, the Bishop of Madhya Kerala Diocese of the CSI. The church aims to promote inter-faith dialogue and create a welcoming environment for congregations from different Christian traditions. Bishop Cherian expressed appreciation for the support of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and generous donors like M A Yusuffali and Susheela George.
Yusuffali, chairman of the LuLu Group, donated Dh500,000 towards the construction of the church, while Susheela George, founder of Merryland International School, contributed Dh1.5 million. The church also recognized Saji Thomas for his instrumental role in the project. The congregation expressed gratitude towards their donors and supporters, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to the church’s establishment.
The new church building, situated opposite the BAPS Hindu temple, is open to visitors of all faiths seven days a week. Services for CSI followers will be held every weekend in the morning hours. The congregation eagerly anticipates the opportunity to gather and worship in their own facility, reflecting on the long journey and collective efforts that led to the realization of their cherished dream. The church serves as a symbol of unity, peace, and harmony for the community in Abu Dhabi, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation among diverse faiths.
