On November 9, 2024, at the CSI LITE Auditorium in Chennai, an ecumenical gathering for children marked the official inauguration of the AISSA Chennai Chapter. A total of 820 participants, including Sunday School children and teachers from various denominations such as CSI, TELC, ALC, IELC, ECI, Marthoma, Jacobite, Orthodox, TNCC, Gurukul, and others, attended the event.
Rev. C. Samuel Jebakumar, Secretary of AISSA – Chennai, gave the welcome address, followed by an introduction to AISSA by Rev. Dr. T. I. James, AISSA’s General Secretary. Representatives from each denomination participated in the unveiling of the banner and lighting of the lamp ceremony. Greetings were shared by Rev. C. Jayaseelan Gnanathickam, Vice President of the CSI Diocese of Madras, Rev S Augustine Premraj, Secretary of Madras Diocese; Ms. Esther Kathiroli, Executive Secretary of TNCC; and Rev. Stanley Devakumar, Vice President of TELC. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. David Onesimu, Bishop President of ECI, delivered the Word of God. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Dr. Aaron Martin, AISSA Governing Body Member, and a closing prayer led by Rev. Joseph Dowson, also a Governing Body Member of AISSA. The AISSA children’s ecumenical choir led the singing.
The event featured a puppet show and a flash mob that added vibrancy to the celebration. Church leaders and representatives from different denominations offered their greetings and encouragement to the children. In conjunction with the inauguration, Ecumenical World Sunday School Day was also celebrated. Children showcased various performances, expressing their God-given talents, and special children contributed with a dance performance, adding a meaningful touch to the event.
