It was an amazing time of unconditional love and appreciation from the Church Committee, organisations, institutions and the congregation as a whole when they organised a celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the ordination of Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the Vicar of the CSI Parish, Sharjah, on Sunday, 8th June, towards the end of the worship service. The Church organised a video in which greetings bishop Rt. Rev. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, the presbyters ordained with Rev. Sunil, the Chairman and the Secretary of Sharjah Worship Centrand e, Vicars of CSI Parishes in Abu Dhabi, Bubai and Jebel Ali are featured. Representing the organisations, Mr. Liju Philip (Church Secretary) welcomed the gathering. Rev. Wilson Varghese (Asst. Vicar, Mar Thoma Parish, Sharjah), a special guest in the felicitation meeting, extended greetings. Mr. Varghese P. Sam, the Vice-President of the Parish, gave the presidential address, which is shared here. Mr. Saiju Mathew, the Church Warden, spoke representing the church committee. Mrs Asha Sam (Women’s Fellowship), Mr Biju Ovanalil (Almaya Fellowship), Mr Obin K. Thomas (Youth Fellowship), Mrs Anila Philip (Sunday School), Mr Ashley John Dan (Choir) and representing the congregation Mr Abey Jacob Thazhikayil made felicitation speeches.
The teaser of the podcast, which was a conversation between the eminent Radio Jockey Mr Anoop Keechery and Rev. Sunil, organised by the CSI Parish, Sharjah, was presented.
Rev. Sunil Raj Philip and Mrs Nivi Susan George were presented a memento by Mr Abby Abraham, a gift by Mrs Mercy Anil, a shawl by Mr Geemon M. George, and a portrait of the family of the Vicar drawn by a teenage member of the church, Master Rishon Joy Reji.
In the reply speech, Rev. Sunil said that he took this time for retrospection and rededicated himself along with his family for future ministry.
The extract of the presidential address by Mr. Varghese P. Sam given below:
It is with great joy and heartfelt gratitude that, we gather here today to mark a truly momentous occasion—the 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of our beloved vicar the Rev[Sunil Raj Philip].
A silver jubilee is not merely a marking of years. It is a testimony— the lives touched, prayers offered, sacraments administered, fidelity to the call of God. Today, we do not look back just at a date on a calendar; we look rather back on a journey of faithful service, spiritual leadership, and pastoral love.
Dear friends, especially my youth and teenage friends, priesthood is not a career. It is a calling. And those who answer that call commit to walk with people in their most sacred moments—baptizing infants, teaching the Word, standing at hospital bedsides, presiding over marriages, mourning with the grieving, and lifting high the cross of Christ in all seasons of life.
Over these past 25 years, Rev Sunil Raj Philip has done exactly that—and more. In times of abundance and in times of challenge, he has stood as a faithful shepherd to the flock entrusted to him. He has preached the Gospel without compromise, administered the sacraments with reverence, and offered his life in service to God and to His people.
We give thanks not only for his gifts and talents, but for the character and humility with which he has served. Ministry is not always glamorous, nor is it always appreciated—but it is always sacred. And today we pause to honor the sanctity of a life given to God’s work.
Sunil Achen, thank you for saying “yes” to the call. Thank you for remaining faithful through the seasons. We pray that, like St. Paul, you may one day say, “I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith!!
As an artist, he has captured beauty through the canvas of faith—
As an orator, he has given voice to stories both ancient and new—bringing Scripture alive, weaving faith into culture, and helping us hear the Gospel not just as words on a page, but as living truth.
And, as a communicator, he has bridged gaps between generations and communities, making the message of Christ accessible, relevant, and personal. Whether from the pulpit or in pastoral encounters, Sunil Achen has used words not to elevate himself, but to glorify God and uplift others.
Let me conclude ……
Beloved Sunil Achen… as we celebrate today, may this be a moment of renewal for you—a rekindling of the fire that first called you to the altar of God. And may it also be an inspiration to all of us—to listen for God’s voice, and to follow Him with fresh devotion.
May the Lord who has begun this good work in you bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
Congratulations, and may God richly bless the years yet to come.
