A Joyous Blessing Echoes Across the Globe

A young couple from North America at the main event in Korea celebrates with thousands of others as the Foundation Anniversary celebrations and the 2014 Cosmic Blessing is held.

Last night, 20,000 couples from 194 countries said, “I do” in a wedding ceremony that spanned the globe. 2,500 couples, including 50 from the United States, made the pilgrimage to South Korea on Feb. 12, to take part in the 2014 Cosmic Blessing officiated by True Mother. The word “Yes!” echoed in the stadium, as the brides and grooms enthusiastically affirmed their vows.

Thousands of miles away, the enthusiasm reverberated across the United States from Seattle to New York, where couples took part via satellite in local ceremonies. With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance was in the air as many of the local communities made extra effort to put together special events for the couples.

Unificationists in San Diego, CA stayed up all night to prepare an elegant reception in the church garden, followed by a catered dinner. Many young adults and teenagers were enlisted to help as ushers and servers. Even the elementary school children helped serve chocolates, to everyone’s delight, and acted as ring bearers and flower girls during the ceremony. The whole community came together to witness the bride and groom walk down the aisle to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”

Though the crowds and celebrations in Korea were exciting, some preferred a more intimate ceremony. Aaron and Lucia were thrilled to be able to receive the Holy Marriage Blessing at their local church, together with friends and family. The community put on a beautiful reception and ceremony for the couple, even inviting local community leaders. One of the guests remarked, “It was the first time I ever attended a truly spiritual wedding. I felt God at this wedding.”

Not to be outdone, Pasadena, CA was filled with pink and white bells, balloons and bows to welcome four couples and 70 attendees. Brides and grooms beamed as they were toasted at a banquet in Westchester, NY, and Chicago was moved as they cut a wedding cake and enjoyed the performances from Korea.

Perhaps the largest gathering took place at the historic Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York where 20 couples had their first kiss, greeted with thunderous applause from more than 200 attendees. In ceremonies large and small, romantic or festive, the atmosphere was alive with hope, excitement, and of course, true love. As the cheers of “Eok Mansei” rang out to end the ceremony in Korea, couples all around the country rejoiced, and savored their first moments as husband and wife.

True Mother proclaims the 2014 Cosmic Blessing Ceremony.

True Mother conducts the Holy Water Ceremony with representative couples from the main blessing event.

True Mother makes her way from the stage to her seat to enjoy the day’s entertainment.

True Mother takes her seat in the audience to enjoy the day’s entertainment. Two chairs are set out, one to represent the presence of True Father in spirit at this event.

About 20,000 Unificationists are present for the main event in Korea.

Families from around the States gathered at the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, NY, to celebrate the marriage blessing of 20 couples from communities as far away as Seattle.

The Main Chapel at the Unification Theological Seminary was simply decorated and filled with Unificationists from all over America, celebrating the first anniversary of Foundation Day and the 2014 Cosmic Blessing.

Young brides and grooms from the Chicago Family Church Cosmic Blessing Ceremony cut the celebratory cake.

Unificationists from the Chicago Family Church gather to celebrate the first anniversary of Foundation Day and the 2014 Cosmic Blessing.

Unificationists worked together to create a beautiful environment for one of their own to receive the marriage blessing in Mobile, AL.

The bride and groom of the San Deigo Family Church proceeded into the room accompanied by a live piano performance of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”

More photos can be viewed on the familyfed.org Facebook page