Thu Sep 18 18:34:09 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text:**

The Church of South India’s (CSI) Malabar Diocese has ordained two women, Saju Mary Abraham and Nimshi David, as deaconesses, marking a historic first for the diocese. This ordination is the first step towards full priesthood, expected after a year. Saju Mary Abraham is a scholar with multiple degrees and experience teaching in seminaries. Nimshi David, at 25, represents a younger generation entering ministry. While the CSI has ordained women in other dioceses, this is the first time it has occurred in the Malabar Diocese.

**News Article:**

**Historic Ordination: Two Women Break Barrier in Church of South India’s Malabar Diocese**

**Kozhikode, India – September 19, 2025** – In a landmark moment for religious equality, the Church of South India’s (CSI) Malabar Diocese has ordained two women, Saju Mary Abraham, 52, and Nimshi David, 25, as deaconesses. The ceremony, held at Mananchira Cathedral in Kozhikode, marks the first time women have been consecrated on the path to priesthood within the Malabar Diocese, an area spanning from Palakkad to Kasaragod.

The ordination is considered the initial step toward full priesthood, which Abraham and David are expected to achieve after a year of service. The momentous occasion, witnessed by rows of male clergy, carries significant symbolism for the Church.

“This is not just about two individuals – it is about the whole Church taking a step forward,” said Joyprasad Pulickal, an executive committee member of the Church, to PTI.

Saju Mary Abraham brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role, holding postgraduate degrees in physics, sociology, and theology. She has taught in seminaries and speaks six languages, including Greek, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. Her husband is also a priest.

Nimshi David represents a new generation of women entering the ministry. A gold medalist in philosophy and a graduate with distinction in theology, she is the daughter of a vicar, Fr. David Stephen.

While the CSI has previously ordained women in other dioceses, this ordination marks a significant turning point for the Malabar Diocese, signaling a move towards greater gender inclusivity within the church. The CSI Malabar diocese has 132 churches and more than one lakh followers.

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