The CSI Parish (Malayalam) choir in Dubai, which began with just 12 members in 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a spectacular Christmas carol service at the Holy Trinity Church in Oud Metha earlier this month. The milestone event featured over 170 singers, including the current choir and a junior group of 55 children, performing beloved carols to an audience of more than 600 attendees.
A Legacy of Music and Faith
The choir’s journey began with a humble Christmas carol service on December 17, 1975, at the Women's Society Hall in Deira, which was among the first of its kind in Dubai. Mathew Varghese, one of the original 12 members, reflected on the early days:
“We practised for over six months in a church member’s home,” he recalled. “It was a time of limited communication, yet over 100 people attended that first service. To see how far we’ve come in 50 years is truly heartwarming.”
From those modest beginnings, the choir has grown to 115 members today, led by Juby Abraham and Jino Joy, with an unwavering dedication to preserving the tradition of carol singing.
Memorable Performances and Community Bonding
During the anniversary celebration, the choir delighted the audience with classic carols such as Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, and the enduring Silent Night. Former choir members joined the current ensemble, blending past and present in a moving tribute to the choir’s legacy.
Rev. Raju Jacob, the parish vicar, praised the choir members' commitment:
“Every Sunday, they arrive early to rehearse for the 11am service, often staying back to practice even longer. Their dedication is truly inspiring.”
Beyond Music: A Spirit of Giving
Charity has always been at the heart of the church’s mission. This year, the parish initiated a special holiday project where young members distributed 130 shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts to underprivileged families in Andhra Pradesh, India.
“Each family in our church was paired with a family from the community in Andhra,” explained Rev. Raju. “Three young members—Saji, Jithin, and Abin—traveled to the village to personally distribute the gifts. These are the values we hope to instill in our younger generation.”
Looking to the Future
As the choir celebrates its golden jubilee, the parish looks forward to the next chapter of its journey. After decades of operating from borrowed spaces, the church is now working to establish a place of its own.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of our past but a promise for the future,” Rev. Raju said. “I am confident we will soon achieve the dream of having a church we can call our own.”
The anniversary celebration not only marked a significant milestone for the choir but also reaffirmed its role in fostering community, preserving tradition, and spreading the joy and spirit of Christmas.
