A Joyous Day for 24,000 Couples Worldwide
3,800 couples said, “I do” on March 3, 2015 at the CheongShim Peace World Center in Gapyeong, Gyewngii-do, Korea. Eight hundred newly married and 3,000 previously married couples gathered from more than 80 different nations to attend the International Marriage Blessing Ceremony. In addition to the thousands gathered in Korea, over 20,000 couples from 194 countries around the world participated via live internet broadcast.
The occasion came in conjunction with the second anniversary of Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day (January 13th according to the lunar calendar), and was a beautiful celebration for all. In addition to the significance of this day as a holy wedding day, for many couples it was also an opportunity to reunite from long distances as they were about to begin their journeys in marriage.
The event in Korea opened with the Japanese band “Four Arrows,” followed by the Sun-Hak Children’s Choir with a rendition of, “Hallelujah.” A congratulatory performance titled, “New Heaven and New Land” from the Foundation Day Organizing Committee stirred up excitement in the hearts of the participants and guests. The beautiful performances, the breathtaking room and celebrating alongside thousands created an overall experience in Korea which allowed couples to feel the immense love of True Parents and connect with the deep significance of their commitment.
In honor of Foundation Day, Chairman of the Compilation Committee, Rev. Young-Whi Kim, and Vice Chairman Rev. Jae-Suck Lee, presented Chambumo Gyeong, one of the three Holy Scriptures of the collected speeches from Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, previously unpublished.
True Mother addressed the participants and guests saying, “All Blessed Families around the world should establish the ideal of Tribal Messiahship and practice true love in order to realize world peace.”
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Korea President Rev. Kyeong-Seuk Ryu gave the opening declaration for the Marriage Blessing Ceremony, and True Mother officiated the Holy Water Ceremony, Affirmation of Vows, Benediction, Exchange of Gifts (wedding rings) and the proclamation of the Holy Marriage Blessing.
The 3,800 couples enthusiastically responded, “Yes!” in response to the vows, and representative brides and grooms offered beautiful bouquets to True Mother after the proclamation.
Dan Burton, Former Member of the United States Congress, delivered a congratulatory address to the couples after the ceremony. The entire stadium erupted in cheers of well wishes and blessing as the participants took their first steps as couples ready to carry on the tradition of True Parents.
We can all celebrate the achievements of True Parents and the efforts of our Unificationist blessed families by actively participating in the second anniversary of Foundation Day with all of our hearts. It is an opportunity for us to offer something beautiful to God and to the world. You can still support this global celebration by making an offering online or through your local church bookkeeper through March 31, 2015. Let’s do our best in welcoming this heavenly occasion as we begin the third year of Cheon Il Guk!