FIACONA’s Silver Jubilee Christmas Celebration in New York Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Freedom and Solidarity with Persecuted Christians in India

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Silver Jubilee Christmas celebration of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), a unified body representing Christian churches across the United States and Canada, was held on Saturday, December 13th, in New York. The event served not only as a Christmas celebration but also as a reaffirmation of FIACONA’s steadfast advocacy for religious freedom and its solidarity with persecuted Christians, particularly in India.

The program began at 10:00 a.m. at the Gateway Christian Center in Valley Stream, New York. The celebration was formally inaugurated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Ayub Mar Silvanos, Regional Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Knanaya Church in North America. The Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Johnson Thekkadayil, Bishop Commissary of the Evangelical Church of Malabar, a respected Christian apologist and speaker, who emphasized faith, resilience, and unity in the face of persecution.

Believers and clergy representing various Christian denominations, leaders of the Indian Christian community in the United States, and FIACONA members from multiple states participated in the event, reflecting the organization’s broad ecumenical character and growing national presence.

As part of FIACONA’s Silver Jubilee year observances, awards were presented to senior leaders who have played a pivotal role in guiding and strengthening the organization over the past twenty-five years. The honorees included Koshy George, George Abraham, Pastor Itty Jacob, Rev. V. K. Macwana, Rev. Jatwinder Gill, Thomas Mottakkal, David Babu, Pastor Wilson Jose, Rev. Sunny Philip, and Rev. Sam Joshua. The awards were presented by Bishop Dr. Ayub Mar Silvanos in recognition of their faithful service and enduring contributions.

Worship services during the celebration were led by the choirs of Gateway Christian Church and Bethlehem Punjabi Church, New York. Addresses were delivered by FIACONA President Bimal John, Advocacy Director Stanley George, and Executive Committee members Dr. Alvin Joseph, George Chacko, Paul Varkey, and Pastor Mark Haokip. Speakers highlighted FIACONA’s long-standing advocacy efforts on behalf of persecuted Christians in India, including engagement with policymakers, human rights organizations, and faith-based institutions to amplify the voices of suffering communities.

A central theme of the Silver Jubilee Christmas celebration was solidarity with persecuted Christians in India. Leaders underscored FIACONA’s commitment to stand with its suffering brothers and sisters through prayer, advocacy, awareness, and constructive engagement with governments, international organizations, and civil society. The program emphasized the importance of presenting a united voice for religious freedom and human dignity.

Looking ahead, FIACONA leadership outlined a renewed vision for the organization, promising a new phase of growth marked by deeper collaboration with churches, increased involvement of younger leaders, and expanded dialogue with trusted governments, organizations, and global partners. A new direction was articulated—one focused on building bridges, fostering meaningful conversations, and strengthening cooperation across denominations to ensure that Indian American churches speak as one voice for religious freedom in India.

The welcome address was delivered by Varghese Abraham, Executive Committee Member of FIACONA, and the vote of thanks was given by Operations Director Sam Thomas. The event concluded with a fellowship lunch, providing an opportunity for participants to strengthen relationships and renew their collective commitment to FIACONA’s mission.

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