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Emmanuel CSI Church, Philadelphia is a congregation under the denomination of Church of South India (CSI). The Church is affiliated to the Madha Kerala Diocese. The congregation follows the liturgy, music and spiritual tradition of a CSI congregation in Kerala, India. Sunday Worship service and Holy Sacrament are conducted according to the faith and procedures of the Church of South India in Malayalam and English. The Church activities include Worship Session, Choir, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship and Mission Services. 

History

In the 1st week of October 1981, 9 CSI families from Philadelphia assembled at Mr. George Matthew’s residence and formally decided to start a CSI congregation in Philadelphia. The church was named CSI Church in Philadelphia. The 9 families consisted of:  Late Mr. T. C. John & family, Mr. George Thomas & family, Mr. Cherian Abraham & family, Mr. Thomas K Thomas & family, Mr. George Mathew & family, Mr. Samuel Varkey & family, Mr. Varghese Mathew & family, Late Mr. K. M Thomas & family, and Late Mr. C.S Abraham & family.  On October 18, 1981, the 1st official CSI service was held in Philadelphia at Zion Lutheran Church on Front and Fisher Streets, with blessing of Rt. Rev. Dr. M.C. Mani.  The Rev. Michael John, who later became the Bishop of East Kerala Diocese, assisted by the Very Rev. K.K. Chandy, conducted the Divine service.  During the first year, 4 or 5 more families joined our congregation.  In September 1992 CSI Church in Philadelphia was dissolved and two new congregations were formed, namely The CSI Christ Church in PA and The Holy Trinity CSI Church, Philadelphia.

In January of 2000, 13 families from CSI Christ Church in PA & the majority of the families from Holy Trinity Church joined together to form a new church. We selected the name Emmanuel CSI Church which means “ God is with us”. God has definitely been with this church over the last 14 years.  In that time, due to strong commitment and prayers of our members, we were able to successfully host: 3 joint carol services for Region 1 and 2,  2 Sunday school Competitions,  2 family & youth conferences,  and many other regional women’s and youth conferences & retreats

Over the last 31 years, we were blessed with the services of the

• Very Rev. K.K Chandy, Rev. Johny Joseph, Rev. K.J Abraham, Rev. Thomas Shine, Rev. George Simon, Rev. Thomas Ninan, Rev. T.S. Ninan, Rev. Dr. L.E Sahanam, Rev. Joseph Thomas and Rev. Shajan V. Daniel, Rev.Bejoy Mathew Scaria.

At times, we also received pastoral services from

• Rev. Dr. Chandra Soans, Rev. Kamlesh Stephen, Rev. Dr. Veeraraj,Rev. Dr. Vijay Kumar,Rev. Dr. Kiran Sebastian

We celebrated many birthdays, weddings anniversaries and experienced the passing of loved ones.  Many churches measure its success in the number of members they have. However, we choose to measure it in the amount of love and prayers we experience with one another on a daily basis.  Thank you and God Bless.

Founders 

Rev. Thomas Ninan & Family, Mr. T.C.John and Family, Mr. George Thomas & Family, Mr. Cherian Abraham & family, Mr. Samuel Varkey & family, Mr. Russal Samuel & Family, Mr. Maxwell P. Gifford & Family, Mr. Mathew Thomas & Family,  Mr. Mathew Mangalath & Family, Mr. Mathew Abraham & Family, Mr. Joy P Samuel & Fmaily, Mr. Gigo George& Family, Dr. Koshy Itty Ipe & Family, Dr. Thomas Colacot & Family, Mr. Philip Kurian & Family, Mr. Paul K Joseph & Family, Mrs. Sarama Abraham & Family,  Mr. Joseph Koshy & Family, Dr. John C. Koshy & Family, Mr. John Varghese & Family, Mrs. Elizabeth Johnny & Family, Mr. & Mrs. John Moolakalthil, Dr. Benjamin George & Family, Mr. Issac Thomas & Family, Mr. John T Thomas & Family, Mr. Joseph Cherian, and Mr. & Mrs. Shane Koshy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 © Emmanuel CSI Church 2020