Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the Vicar of CSI Parish Sharjah, and Kochamma Mrs. Nivi Sunil Raj Philip were given an official welcome by our Parish on the 16th of July, during the Sunday Holy Communion service.
Rev. Sunil Raj Philip hails from Ernakulam, and his mother parish is St. Andrews CSI Church, Vilayamcode. Achen obtained his BD & M.Th. degrees from the United Theological College, Bangalore and was ordained as a presbyter in 2001. Beginning as a missionary in Chittar mission field, Achen has served in Neerattukavu, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kunnamthanam, Coimbatore, Arpookara and Payyappadi Parishes. He has held positions as Executive Secretary - NCCI, Director - CSI Synod Communications, Director - Communications Department of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese and Manager - CMS Press Kottayam. Also, Achen holds a diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication and is a renowned speaker, writer and painter.
Mr. Aby John (Church Secretary) delivered the welcome address and extended best wishes and prayers to Sunil Achen, on behalf of the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai, for his ministry in Sharjah. Rev. Raju Jacob, our vicar, in his message, recollected his association with Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, especially in relation to publishing the Church Liturgy in English.
Sunil Achen delivered the sermon and joined Raju Achen in leading the Holy communion service. In his sermon, Sunil Achen reflected on the theme "Ambassadors of Christ-A new nomenclature for the people of God". All believers carry an element of priesthood, assigned with a duty to witness Christ. In Hebrew, "Malach" means "messenger" which is used in the Bible to denote "ambassadors". (Prov. 13:17, Jer. 51:23. Ezek. 23:6,12. Dan. 3) The greek word "presbue" is used (2 Cor. 5:20) in the new testament in a similar context, which later evolved to "Presbyter". We were made the people of God, called from darkness to light, to be the ambassadors of his virtues (1 Pet. 2:9). In Josh. 1:1-9 and Amos 9:7 we are reminded of a God who stands with the oppressed people and encourages them to be strong and courageous. We are called as ambassadors of Christ, to fight the evils of the society, while being a presence of love, compassion and healing.