The establishment of the St. Paul’s CSI Congregation took place on October 6th, 1995. For over half a century preceding this date, a majority of Indian Christians in and around Ahmadi attended services as part of the Malayalee Christian Congregation (MCC). The worship services were led by leaders from both the CSI and Marthoma denominations. Subsequently, the congregation introduced monthly Communion services, overseen by the Vicar of the CSI Kuwait City Church, on alternate months. In 1983, the Marthoma members branched off from the MCC to establish their independent Parish.
After this division, Communion services continued, with the aforementioned priest conducting them regularly on the first Friday of each month. While the Kuwait City CSI Congregation maintained regular services during this period, members residing in Ahmadi, Fahaheel, Abu Halifa, and nearby areas faced challenges participating due to the considerable distance and inadequate transportation.
As a result, member participation in Holy Communion Services remained confined to once a month. Moreover, securing the services of the priest from the Kuwait City CSI Church also posed difficulties. In April 1995, Reverend T. I. George assumed leadership of the CSI Congregation in Kuwait. Recognizing the obstacles faced by the CSI community in South Kuwait, he expressed a desire to establish a separate Congregation in Ahmadi under the CSI banner, rather than the MCC.
Initially, there was uncertainty among the local members about proceeding with this idea, but divine providence paved the way. On September 23rd, 1995, a formal request was sent to the Bishop of the Central Kerala Diocese, expressing the earnest wish to establish an independent CSI Congregation at St. Paul’s Church in Ahmadi. The letter was accompanied by signatures of members from the area. Our request was granted, and on October 6th, 1995, The Right Reverend Sam Mathew, Bishop of the Central Kerala Diocese, inaugurated the St. Paul’s CSI Congregation.
Through the grace and blessings of the Almighty, another Christian fellowship in Kuwait emerged under the banner of the CSI, officially affiliated with the CSI Central Kerala Diocese. In the initial General Assembly on November 3rd, 1995, it was decided to formulate a Constitution for the congregation. Following several months of deliberation, the Constitution Committee drafted and finalized the Constitution, receiving official approval from the Diocese on July 2nd, 1996.
From then on, Holy Communion Services have been conducted regularly on the first and third Fridays of each month, with regular worship services held on other Fridays. The Congregation has flourished spiritually and grown in strength.
