The establishment of St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation, Ahmadi, on 6 October 1995, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Church of South India (CSI) in Kuwait. It became the second CSI congregation in Kuwait, fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of CSI believers residing in Ahmadi and the surrounding areas. As we celebrate the 30th Parish Day, we gratefully acknowledge the abundant grace of Almighty God, whose unfailing guidance, together with the sincere dedication and cooperation of generations of faithful members, has enabled the congregation to grow spiritually, numerically, and institutionally.
The Early Years
The history of St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation is deeply rooted in the early Christian fellowship established in Ahmadi. During the formative years of the Indian Christian community in Kuwait, CSI members living in Ahmadi, along with believers from other denominations, faced considerable challenges in finding regular opportunities for worship.
To meet this need, CSI members joined the Malayalee Christian Congregation (MCC), Ahmadi, an interdenominational fellowship organized primarily by members of the Mar Thoma Church. This congregation served as a common place of worship where Christians from various denominations gathered for prayer and fellowship.
Meanwhile, the CSI members residing in Kuwait City gradually established their own fellowship, known as the Kuwait Town Malayalee Christian Congregation (KTMCC), in 1952, enabling them to conduct worship services independently.
For several decades thereafter, the majority of Indian Christians in Ahmadi continued worshipping under the banner of the Malayalee Christian Congregation. Although the congregation largely comprised members of the Mar Thoma Church, a small but committed group of CSI members actively participated in its ministries and worship.
Challenges and the Need for a Separate CSI Congregation
A turning point came in 1983, when the Mar Thoma members decided to establish their own independent congregation in Ahmadi. This development naturally created uncertainty among the CSI members, who were concerned about the continuity of their worship and pastoral care.
By the grace of God, several broad-minded and supportive members of the Mar Thoma Church extended their wholehearted cooperation, enabling the Malayalee Christian Congregation to continue functioning. During this period, Holy Communion was celebrated once every month with the assistance of priests from St. Peter’s CSI Church, Kuwait City.
Although the Kuwait City CSI Church conducted Holy Communion services every Friday, members residing in Ahmadi, Fahaheel, Mangaf, Abu Halifa, and nearby areas found it increasingly difficult to attend regularly due to the limited transportation facilities available at the time. Likewise, arranging for priests to travel from Kuwait City to Ahmadi every week also presented practical challenges.
These circumstances highlighted the growing need for an independent CSI congregation in Ahmadi that could serve the spiritual needs of believers living in the southern region of Kuwait.
The Birth of St. Paul’s CSI Congregation
A decisive chapter in this history began in 1995, when Very Rev. T. I. George assumed charge as the Vicar of St. Peter’s CSI Church, Kuwait City.
Recognizing the difficulties faced by CSI families attending worship in Ahmadi, he clearly understood the necessity of establishing an independent CSI congregation in the area rather than continuing under the Malayalee Christian Congregation.
On 23 September 1995, a formal petition, signed by the majority of CSI members residing in Ahmadi and its neighbouring areas, was submitted to the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, requesting permission to establish a separate CSI congregation.
By God’s abundant grace, the Diocese approved the request without delay.
Accordingly, Rt. Rev. Sam Mathew, Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, officially inaugurated St. Paul’s CSI Congregation, Ahmadi, on 6 October 1995. This historic occasion fulfilled the long-standing desire of the CSI faithful in Ahmadi and became a landmark event in the history of the CSI Church in Kuwait.
Growth Under the Leadership of Visiting Clergy
Following its inauguration, Holy Communion services were conducted on the first and third Fridays of every month with the dedicated support of the clergy from St. Peter’s CSI Church, Kuwait City. Worship services on the remaining Fridays were led by committed lay leaders of the congregation.
During this formative period, the congregation received invaluable pastoral guidance and leadership from the following Vicars of St. Peter’s CSI Church:
- Very Rev. T. I. George (1995–1998)
- Rev. Abraham C. Prakash (1998–2001)
- Rev. Sam Samuel (2001–2004)
- Rev. Jiji Joseph (2004–2007)
- Rev. Jacob T. Abraham (2007–2010)
Their dedicated ministry played a vital role in strengthening the congregation and preparing it for future growth.
Appointment of the First Resident Priest
As the congregation continued to grow, the Pastorate Committee recognized that the increasing pastoral responsibilities required the appointment of a full-time priest exclusively for St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation.
In 2010, the Pastorate Committee formally proposed the appointment of an independent priest. While a few members expressed concern regarding the congregation’s limited financial resources and its ability to meet the additional monthly expenses, the committee prayerfully entrusted the matter to God and submitted its request to the Madhya Kerala Diocese.
The Diocese graciously approved the request, and the then Bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, appointed Rev. Johny Andrews as the first resident priest of St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation, Ahmadi.
This marked another significant milestone in the congregation’s journey, ushering in a new era of pastoral care, regular ministry, and organizational development.
Successive Priests
Since the appointment of the first resident priest, God has continued to bless the congregation through the faithful ministry of dedicated clergy:
- Rev. Johny Andrews (2010–2014)
- Rev. C. C. Sabu (2014–2017)
- Rev. Levin Koshy (2017–2020)
- Rev. Mathews P. David (2020–2021)
- Rev. Binoy P. Joseph (2021–2025)
- Rev. Koshy Koshy (2025–Present)
Each priest has contributed uniquely to the spiritual growth, pastoral care, and overall development of the congregation.
Thirty Years of God’s Faithfulness
Over the past three decades, St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation has experienced remarkable spiritual and organizational growth. What began as a small fellowship of believers has, by God’s grace, developed into a vibrant congregation dedicated to worship, fellowship, witness, and service.
This growth has been made possible through the unwavering commitment and sacrificial service of its members, together with the dedicated efforts of its various organizations, including:
- The Pastorate Committee
- The Church Choir
- The Youth Movement
- The Women’s Fellowship
- The Sunday School
- The Almaya Fellowship
Each of these ministries has played a significant role in nurturing the faith of the congregation, strengthening fellowship, encouraging Christian service, and passing on the Gospel to future generations.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation, Ahmadi, we humbly offer all praise, honour, and glory to Almighty God for His abundant blessings throughout these thirty years. We remember with gratitude the vision, sacrifices, and faithful service of our founding members, clergy, and all those who have contributed to the life and ministry of this congregation.
May God continue to guide and bless St. Paul’s CSI Malayalam Congregation, Ahmadi, enabling it to remain a faithful witness to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for generations to come.
“To God be all the glory.”