About Us

About Us

East Parade is a diaspora church whose members migrated to Bangalore from Kerala over the last couple of generations. The services are conducted in Malayalam, with an English service once a month.At East Parade, you will find people from all the six dioceses of CSI in Kerala, some who were born and brought up in Bangalore while some others have just moved in.Our goal at East Parade is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life.When you come to East Parade on a weekend our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here!
The Lotus and the Cross used in the Logo possess a rich cultural history and heritage which will help us in the understanding of the significance of the unification and our call and mission as members of this great and unique church.

The Lotus, a typical Indian flower, in Mythology is supposed to be not only a temple flower but also the seat of the creator. “Pankajam” one of the Indian names given to the Lotus has a very significant meaning that “it is born in mud”. The Lotus blooms at sunrise and withers at sunset, in other words it lives as long as it can receive the sunrays hence it is also called ‘Thammipuvu’ meaning flower of the sun. Whether it means “born in the mud” or “flower of the sun” to the Indian Church, it stands to be interpreted as symbolizing the composition, nature and role of the members of the Church of South India in the bond of the union and in the context of being indigenous and also being dependent on the grace of God.

The petals of the Lotus and the arms of the Cross are beautifully intertwined together with the fiery tongues of the Holy Spirit. This again is an authentic Indian expression of people’s communion with God. The colors being red (for life), purple (for piety and ecclesiastical) and the white backdrop (for purity) implicitly communicate the nature of the mystical union, where, an inseparable companionship is established which, again is a typical Indian thought form.

The words THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE, CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA are embossed in a circle round the Lotus and the Cross. The words, as we know, are taken from the high priestly prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed not only for the ‘Church’ but also for the whole world. This universality is expressed by placing the words in a form of a circle symbolizing not only the universe but also the inclusive nature of the Church.

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) is an inclusive affirmation showing explicitly that Christ is the Head and the Church, His body. It also symbolizes the prayer of the Church that not only Churches need to be united but all people of this country which can be interpreted as a meaningful prayer for national integration.

The imposing central position of the cross in the Logo conveys the idea that the indefatigable, self less supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the basis of the Church and its faith. The cross runs through the Lotus depicting its cleansing act working in the hearts of the members of the Church and restoring them to the pristine purity of heaven.

The four ends of the cross made of equal size symbolizes the equality and also the contextual peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. The Church of South India gratefully acknowledges the initiative taken by the Officers and the Executive Committee Members coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the CSI in 1972.

OUR MISSION
The Church of South India affirms that the Church is the Servant of God to carry on the mission rooted in

  • Jesus Christ, and
  • Based on the Scriptures.

The Church through her mission expresses solidarity with the broken communities for a new hope to face the challenges of life.

The Cross continuous to be the sign of hope for the witnessing Church, which strives towards Unity, Peace and Reconciliation as a vibrant Channel of God.

OUR VISION
The Church of South India (CSI) affirms that the purpose of the union is to fulfill the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church

“That they all may be one, and that the world may believe that you have sent me”

And the Church of South India would become an effective instrument of God’s mission so there will be

  • Greater peace
  • Closer fellowship
  • Fuller life in the Church
  • Renewed commitment for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed.

CHURCH LEADERS

REV. DR. PRASANA KUMAR SAMUEL
REV. DR. PRASANA KUMAR SAMUEL

BISHOP, KARNATAKA CENTRAL DIOCESE

Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar Samuel was consecrated and installed as Bishop of CSI in Karnataka Central Diocese on the 26th of March 2015

REV. Jijo Abraham

REV. Jijo Abraham

PRESBYTER-IN-CHARGE

Rev. Jijo Abraham hails from Kottayam and after his B. Com and M. Com studies from CMS College Kottayam, he completed his theological studies from Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur. He was ordained as a Presbyter in May 2015.

Rev. Biju Kunjummen

Rev. Biju Kunjummen

ASST. PRESBYTER

Rev. Biju Kunjummen hails from Konni, Kerala and is a member of St. Thomas CSI Church, Kallely, Konni. Achen has finished his B.D. studies from Kerala United Theological Seminary, Kannammoola, Thiruvananthapuram. He was ordained as a presbyter of Madhya Kerala Diocese in 2015