The 80th Formation Day of the Church of South India (CSI) coincided with Sunday, 27 September 2026, and was commemorated during the Worship Service on that day.
Rev. Arun G. George delivered the sermon based on the theme “United in Service” and led the Holy Communion Service. In his message, Achen reminded the congregation that unity for witness is God’s will (Nehemiah 1:3). He reflected on how God’s people had failed through sin, wickedness and disobedience (Nehemiah 1:6), and emphasised that, just as in the days of Nehemiah, we too are called to “rise up and build,” strengthening and supporting one another. He further reminded the congregation of the need to come into God’s presence, confess our sins and return to Him (Nehemiah 9:1–3). Unity in witnessing requires commitment and sacrificial effort. As we celebrate the Formation Day of our Church, we are reminded of our calling to remain united and to be perfected in unity as we bear witness to Christ. The full audio recording of the sermon is available here : http://www.csidubai.com/sermons
The Church of South India is a United and Uniting Church, formed on 27 September 1947 through the union of churches representing diverse traditions, including Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian and Reformed. The formation of the CSI marked a significant milestone in the Church Union movement, bringing churches of different traditions and ministries together into a united Episcopal Church. The Church of South India affirms that the Church is the servant of God, called to carry forward the mission rooted in Jesus Christ and founded on the Scriptures. True to its motto, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us…” (John 17:21), the Church of South India continues to stand “United in Service” as it celebrates its 80th Formation Day. The History of the CSI can be found on : https://www.csidubai.com/church-of-south-india
The Worship Service provided an opportunity for the parishioners to thank and praise God for His abundant grace, guidance and faithfulness in leading the Church of South India through eight decades of witness and service.