About Our Church

The CSI Diaspora Diocese

As members of the Church of South India (CSI) migrated to the West to pursue education and better opportunities, they sought to preserve their spiritual identity and cultural heritage by forming their congregations. In response to this growing need, the CSI Synod approved the formation of the Council of CSI Congregations in North America in 1994 to unite and support these communities across the United States. In 2019, Holy Trinity CSI Church, Washington DC, was established as the first fully constituted Malayalam CSI congregation in the capital region. The church operates under the Council and, since 2023, under the newly formed CSI Diaspora Diocese.

At the 33rd Family and Youth Conference held on July 9, 2022, in Philadelphia, the Open Forum—chaired by the CSI Moderator and attended by key leaders including the Deputy Moderator, the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Bishop, and the General Secretary—unanimously resolved to request the formation of a CSI Diaspora Diocese. Subsequently, an 11-member committee was appointed to explore this initiative. The 37th session of the Synod, held in Hubli on January 15, 2023, formally approved the establishment of the CSI Diaspora Diocese. Today, over 32 CSI congregations in North America thrive under this new diocesan structure, under six different regions, continuing to grow in faith and fellowship. Holy Trinity CSI Church in Washington DC is part of region 2, along with the CSI Churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Almighty God wonderfully leading us for more than 6 years.

Holy Trinity CSI Church Washington DC: A Brief note

The Holy Trinity CSI Church in Washington, DC, traces its origins to a milestone Holy Communion service held on Saturday, November 16, 2019. During a visit to the DC area in 2018, Rev. Joby Joy initiated conversations with his childhood friends, Mr. Varughese Mathew and Mr. Sony Thomas, about forming a CSI congregation to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Malayalee community in the region. This led to the first worship service, officiated by Rev. Joby Joy, at the residence of Mr. Varughese Mathew. During this service, the church was officially named Holy Trinity CSI Church, Washington DC—making it the first CSI church in the United States to bear the name “Holy Trinity.” This historic event was witnessed by Rev. Reny Philip Achen, along with Mr. Sony Thomas and family, Mr. Rony Rajan and family, Mr. Richie Varghese, and several friends from sister CSI churches.

Since then, Holy Trinity CSI Church has grown into a vibrant and active faith community. As the first fully constituted Malayalam CSI congregation in the capital region, the church operates under the Council of CSI Congregations in North America and, since 2023, under the CSI Diaspora Diocese. We remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and uplift our community through worship, fellowship, and service. Our congregation is committed to spiritual growth, community engagement, and preserving the rich liturgical and cultural heritage of the Church of South India. We also actively participate in Indian Embassy cultural programs and ecumenical activities such as the ECKC, fostering unity and dialogue among Christian communities in the region. Holy Trinity CSI Church continues to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all who seek faith, fellowship, and a connection to their spiritual roots.