History of CSI Parish Abu Dhabi
History of CSI Parish Abu Dhabi
The history of Abu Dhabi CSI (Malayalam) Parish dates back to the year 1979 and ever since it has experienced abundant guidance, providence and blessings in terms of both spiritual and physical growth from the Almighty God.
We would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to the benevolent rulers, Late H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation and H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the freedom and places of worship they have kindly provided to all congregations including us.
CSI Malayalam congregation, Abu Dhabi, held its first service on 19th April 1979 at St. Andrews Church in Corniche Road. Thirteen CSI members and around 80 members from other denominations attended this service. This occasion was graced by Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph, Bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese, who led the Holy Communion service in the presence of Rev. M. T. Tharian (first resident CSI Vicar of the UAE parishes) and Late Rev. M. I. Alexander (Vicar, Abu Dhabi Marthoma Parish).
We remember with great gratitude the authorities of St. Andrews Church for their whole-hearted support and guidance towards the growth of this church, especially Rev J.H Henderson, who granted us permission to conduct worship every Thursday in those initial years. The first church choir was formed in August 1981 followed by Sunday school in November 1982 and Women’s Fellowship in March 1983. Our Church service was shifted to the new St Andrews Anglican church premises near Al Khubairath School in January 1984. We were blessed with our first resident Vicar, Rev K.G. Thomson in June 1990.
The sacrifices and dedication of our former vicars and members have enabled this church to grow to its’ current status since its’ humble beginning. We always remember them, who had served the Lord with commitment and contributed towards the progress of this church with great gratitude and praise God for their meaningful life. We thank God for bringing in more and more members who have a heart to contribute to the growth of this church with their fervent prayers and selfless services.
God has blessed this church with a Choir that leads the services with great dedication using their God given talents, a Sunday School that cares and nurtures the little ones for God’s glory, a Women’s fellowship and a Youth Movement that cares for the spiritual growth of the women and the young of the church respectively and contributes effectively to the needy who are in pain and suffering. The harmonious hand in hand approach of these organizations is enhancing the growth of this church as One Body in Christ on a daily basis.
The Church is looking forward with much hope and enthusiasm, as we pray that God will enable us to have a church of our own, which will also be a place of renewal, solace and blessing to many people living in this blessed country.