The First National CSI Choir Festival

Hosted by the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania

Choir Festival Photo Gallery 
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The first National level Choir Festival organized by the Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations and hosted by the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania was held on November 1st 2003. The Registration started at 8.00 AM in the morning and breakfast was served before the program began at 10.00 AM.

The Festival was officially inaugurated after a short service, by the Vice President of the UCMC, Rev. Zachariah Eipe who is also the Vicar of the CSI Christ Church of Pennsylvania. The Congregation observed a one minute silent prayer in remembrance of the mother of Mr. M. G. Wesley and wife of Late Very Rev. M. K. George Malayil.

UCMC General Secretary Mr. John Zachariah in his welcome speech read the message from the President of the UCMC, the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel. "Let this be a time to strengthen the fellowship and unity among our members and Congregations..", the message continued to read. Also the Secretary informed that the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Executive committee met on September 16th 2003 unanimously approved the UCMC as a fellowship in North America that was welcomed by the crowd with great applause. The General Convenor of the event Mr. Sunil Philip presented the Theme "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing." and introduced the program to the audience.

There were Nine Congregations participated in the festival and Churches from Huston and Canada could not attend. The following are the Congregations represented.

  1. CSI Malayalam Congregation of Greater New York
  2. CSI Jubilee Memorial Church, Williston Park, New York
  3. CSI Congregation of Hudson Valley
  4. CSI Christ Church of Pennsylvania
  5. CSI Congregation of Dallas
  6. Emmanuel CSI Congregation of Atlanta
  7. CSI Congregation of Greater Lakes Detroit
  8. CSI Christ Church of Chicago
  9. CSI Congregation of Florida

The festival was blessed by the presence of the Vicars, the choir, the Choir Masters and the Organists from each of the above Congregations.

The following were the Bishop, Vicars and their Families who were present for the function.

  1. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa-Bishop of the Marthoma Diocese of North America and Europe
  2. Rev. Dr. John Joseph-Marthoma Church Diocesan Secretary of North America and Europe
  3. Rev. Alexander Thomas-Ascension Marthoma Church-PA
  4. Rev. Issac Johnson-Youth Chaplain Mathoma Diocese
  5. Rev. John Mathai-Bethel Marthoma Church-PA
  6. Rev. Cherian Thomas-Sea Ford
  7. Rev. George Cherian-Jubilee Church
  8. Rev. P.U. Paulose-Hudson Valley
  9. Rev. Alex P Oommen-Dallas
  10. Rev. Zachariah Eipe-Vice President of UCMC and Vicar Christ Church-PA
  11. Mrs. Rev. Oommen George
  12. Mrs. Rev. M. P.Joseph

The competitions continued till 4.00 PM and the CSI Christ church in Pennsylvania became the over all Champion and the winner of the UCMC Ever Rolling Trophy, which was sponsored by the CSI Congregation of Dallas. The "Festival of Praise" worship program started at 6.00 PM with a short service in front of a larger audience including invited guests from in and around Philadelphia. The entire Choir members from the participating congregations together presented a wonderful musical night that the main speaker of the event the Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, Bishop of the Marthoma Church Diocese of North America and Europe praised the melodious choir and the coordinator and said "the UCMC fellowship is a blessing to the CSI". The Marthomite Diocesan Secretary Rev. Dr. John Joseph also mentioned in his message that he felt that he was in the heaven for some time, he also appreciated  the unity and fellowship among the UCMC congregations. The trophies for the winners were distributed by the Coorilos Thirumeni, that was also sponsored by the CSI Congregation of Dallas. Special thanks to Mr. Mathew Joshua for procuring the trophies for the event.   Mr. Bobi Chandy, Detroit coordinated this event nationally. Mr. Jacob Varghese, treasurer of the UCMC and the General Convenor of the 18th CSI Family and Youth Conference invited the crowd for the Conference to be held on July 1st to 4th under the auspicious of the CSI Congregation of Dallas.

Mr. Sunil Philip, Juby, Julie, Aji and Lynn worked as leaders and M.C’s for the competitions. The UCMC representatives from the hosting church Mr. Jacob Korah and Mr. Benny Korah were also instrumental to the success of this festival. Mr. M.G. Wesley’s song and the message were touching. Alex Achen from Dallas helped change the crowd to a singing mood. The M.C. for the "Festival of Praise" Mr. Koshy Thalakkal recognized the leadership given by Mr. Babu Philip, who organized the "Festival of Praise" worship so beautifully. All the participants applauded Mr. Babu Philip. UCMC proudly acknowledge the talent and commitment shown by the following Choir masters and organists. Mr. Jacob John, Mr. Varghese Paul, Mr. Ipe Kurian, Mr. Itty Ipe, Mr. Aji Sam Mathew, Mr.Jimmy John, Mr. Bobi Chandy and Mr. M. G. Wesley. The program was over by 10.00 PM with the vote of thanks by Mr. Sunil Philip and benediction by Rev. Zachariah Eipe.

The Vicar, Church and the organizing Committees and all the members of the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania deserves a lot of credit in organizing and hosting the First National Choir Festival. This First time event in the history of CSINA was very well planned and executed throughout and the hospitality shown was commendable. Breakfast, Lunch, evening snacks and Dinner was appreciated by all the participants. The General Convenor Mr. Sunil Philip has done a marvelous job in making this Festival a grand success. Thank you.

John Zachariah

General Secretary

Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations of North America

 

http://ucmc.csichurch.com