The year-long Golden jubilee celebrations of the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian (Bishop, CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese) on 28th September 2024 at the meeting held at 6.30 pm, at the Dubai Gem Private School auditorium in Oud Metha. The Bishop, in his inaugural address, mentioned that the golden jubilee year is a time of caring, sharing and thanksgiving. He recollected the humble beginning of the parish with 32 members in 1975 and the vision and commitment of late Rev. M. T. Tharian, the first vicar, which paved the way for the growth of the parish and its various ministries.
Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan (Consul General of India to Dubai) was the chief guest, who joined the Bishop and other guests in the lighting of the lamp to inaugurate the celebrations. In his keynote address, Mr. Satish mentioned that the UAE is the epitome of tolerance and coexistence. He also enumerated the achievements of India as a trendsetter in various fields, and reflected on how the expatriate Indians contribute to the growth of both UAE and India.
Rev. Raju Jacob, Vicar of the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai, presided over the meeting. In his presidential address, Achen explained the historic importance of "jubilee" in the context of the Bible (Lev. 25), where it mentions release of slaves, forgiveness of economic debts and repatriation of property signifying the message of giving and caring. The jubilee year is a time for the parish to rededicate themselves to continue its mission of compassion and generosity to the needy.
Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan released the jubilee logo. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian presented the prize to Ms. Anayia George, the winner of the golden jubilee logo design competition. The Bishop also honoured the founding and senior members of the parish with a ponnada and by presenting mementos.
Rev. Jiji John Jacob (Treasurer of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese and our 12th vicar) conveyed the wishes of all former vicars, and the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese. He reminded that the parish should become the light of the world and salt of the earth as mentioned in Mat. 5:13-16, referring to Jesus's sermon on the mount.
Mr. Mathew Varughese (one of the founding members) shared his experiences over the last 49 years in the journey of the parish. A short video documentary of the history of the parish was also presented. The CSI Parish Dubai was founded on 12th January 1975, by a group of 6 members, with an earnest desire of having a CSI order of worship in Dubai. On 2nd March 1975, the first Holy Communion Service was conducted at Holy Trinity Church for the CSI Parish Dubai members, by the Chaplain late Rev. Phillip Sturdy, with the approval of the CSI Madhya Kerala (MKD) Bishop late Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph. The CSI Parish Dubai was formally inaugurated on 13th April 1975, followed by the late Rev. V . E. Mathai (Vicar, CSI Parish Kuwait) conducting the Holy Communion Service, as directed by the CSI MKD Bishop. The first Vicar, late Very Rev. M. T. Tharian was appointed on 2nd August 1978 by the CSI MKD Bishop. The parish celebrated its silver jubilee on 13th April 2000. Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen (Moderator of the Church of South India and the Bishop of the CSI MKD) consecrated the Fujairah Church on 4th February 2017. The parish will be completing 50 years on 13th April 2025.
The meeting started with the opening prayer by Rev. Charles M. Jeril (Vicar- CSI All Saints Parish Jebel Ali), followed by the welcome address by Mr. John Kurien (Convener, Golden Jubilee). Rev. Linu George (Vicar – Dubai Trinity Mar Thoma Church), Rev. Aju Abraham (St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Dubai), Rev. Bright B Mohan (Vicar – CSI SKD Dubai), Rev. Eldo Paul (Evangelical Church – Dubai) and Mr. Libini Eason George (Church Warden) felicitated the parish on its golden jubilee celebration. Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan (St. Marys Catholic Church, Dubai) also attended the meeting.
The choir rendered a special song "The Church in the Wildwood", followed by the Sunday School singing the song "Thankful", conveying the message of hope and gratitude during the jubilee year. The choreography by the Women’s Fellowship was another attraction of the evening. The choir and the congregation later joined in singing the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness".
Mr. A. P. John (Vice President) delivered the vote of thanks. Rev. Biju Kunjumman (Vicar, CSI Parish Malayalam, Abu Dhabi) conducted the closing prayer, followed by the benediction by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian. Around 500 parishioners and wellwishers attended the meeting, which ended on a note looking forward to a future of hope and trusting in God's providence. The attendees also joined the dinner, following the meeting.
Mr. Joy Vijaykumar George and Mrs. Anjana Achamma John were the MCs for the meeting.
The parish history documentary video is available here : https://youtu.be/Ll0TiGeCBSU?si=mmA4JVI7SCkrcb70
Photo gallery of the event highlights can be viewed here : https://www.csidubai.com/gallery/69/golden-jubilee-inauguration