St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church Celebrates 20 Years of International Festival and Welcomes New Rector to Lead the Next Chapter
This November marks a season of celebration and transition for St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church in West Houston. On Saturday, November 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the church will host its 20th Annual International Festival, a vibrant, family-friendly event that honors the rich cultural diversity of both its congregation and the surrounding community.
First launched in 2005, the International Festival has become a signature event in the Cy-Fair area, offering a global experience of music, food, and art in one welcoming space. Visitors to this year’s event, which will be held at St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church located at 17020 West Rd, Houston, TX 77095, can expect interactive cultural displays, live performances, and a variety of lovingly prepared international cuisine. A special children’s area will provide age-appropriate fun with games and crafts, encouraging families to explore and celebrate different traditions together.
“The festival is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the beauty of our cultural diversity,” said The Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ellis, Interim Rector of St. Cuthbert. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our community.”
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While the festival honors a longstanding tradition of inclusion and fellowship, this year’s celebration also marks a new beginning for St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church as it welcomes The Reverend Canon Sunil Chandy as the congregation’s new Rector beginning November 1, 2025.
Canon Chandy brings with him over three decades of ministry experience that spans continents and communities. Originally ordained in India under the Church of South India in 1992, he was received into the Episcopal Church in the United States in 1998. Most recently, he served as Diocesan Canon for the Central Collaborative and Digital Community in the Diocese of the Great Lakes, where he guided congregations through leadership transitions and digital ministry expansion.
His innovative approach to ministry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, included launching an international daily video podcast, Food for Thought, now reaching audiences in 16 countries and translated into 38 languages. His former congregation was also featured in the Episcopal Church’s web series A Year in the Life as a model for resilience and adaptation.
The Reverend Canon Sunil Chandy, newly appointed Rector of St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church, begins his ministry “I am humbled and excited to step into ministry at St. Cuthbert,” Canon Chandy shared. “Your commitment to openness, diversity, and Christ’s radical love aligns deeply with my calling. Together, I believe we can expand digital presence, deepen discipleship, and increase outreach within West Houston and beyond.”
Canon Chandy holds degrees from Rutgers School of Pharmacy, General Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree jointly through General and Virginia Theological Seminaries. He and his wife, Simi, have three adult sons and enjoy time with family, dancing, writing, and serving the community.
His first service at St. Cuthbert will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with a formal installation ceremony to be announced in the coming weeks.
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St. Cuthbert’s dual celebration of its International Festival milestone and the arrival of a new spiritual leader reflects the church’s ongoing commitment to faith, diversity, and community engagement. As a multicultural and family-friendly congregation, St. Cuthbert continues to be a welcoming space for all who seek connection, worship, and service in the West Houston area.
To learn more about St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church or upcoming events, visit stcuthbert.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
