The Church of South India holds first service - in pictures

A new Protestant church in Abu Dhabi holds its first service. The Church of South India is the second place of worship to open near the Baps Hindu Temple in the capital’s Cultural District. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
A new Protestant church in Abu Dhabi holds its first service. The Church of South India is the second place of worship to open near the Baps Hindu Temple in the capital’s Cultural District. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The church was hailed as a "dream" for parishioners, who have grown steadily in number from 50 people in 1979 to more than 5,000 nationwide today.
The church was hailed as a "dream" for parishioners, who have grown steadily in number from 50 people in 1979 to more than 5,000 nationwide today.
Large crowds turn out for the opening service on the outskirts of the capital.
Large crowds turn out for the opening service on the outskirts of the capital.
The expansive winged exterior of the church welcomed a 750-strong congregation at the weekend before sharing its vision for tolerance and harmony with people of all faiths.
The expansive winged exterior of the church welcomed a 750-strong congregation at the weekend before sharing its vision for tolerance and harmony with people of all faiths.
A soft opening took place on Sunday with a three-hour dedication ceremony and service in which vicars of several sister churches anrticipated.
A soft opening took place on Sunday with a three-hour dedication ceremony and service in which vicars of several sister churches anrticipated.
All the work on the interior beech wood and stained glass were done in workshops in Abu Dhabi.
All the work on the interior beech wood and stained glass were done in workshops in Abu Dhabi.
Prior to having a dedicated place of worship, worshippers have for years met at St Andrew’s Church where they book weekly prayer sessions.
Prior to having a dedicated place of worship, worshippers have for years met at St Andrew’s Church where they book weekly prayer sessions.
The Church of South India parishioners are mainly from southern India’s Kerala state and the church has worshippers drawn from other states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Church of South India parishioners are mainly from southern India’s Kerala state and the church has worshippers drawn from other states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
“We are like one big family and we participate in all activities together,” said Joseph Jebu, a founding member who took part in the first 1979 service when people gathered at St Andrew’s Church that was then located in the Corniche.
“We are like one big family and we participate in all activities together,” said Joseph Jebu, a founding member who took part in the first 1979 service when people gathered at St Andrew’s Church that was then located in the Corniche.