Contributed by Rev. David Rendel
On August 22, 2017, which is 7.1 by the lunar calendar of the 5th year of Cheon Il Guk, the nationwide Unificationist community commemorated two of the eight major Holy Days: the 27th Declaration Day of God’s Eternal Blessing (Chil Il Jeol), and the 21st Declaration Day of the Realm of the Cosmic Sabbath for the Parents of Heaven and Earth (Chil Pal Jeol).
It was a beautiful Tuesday morning as Unificationists of the Chicago Family Church gathered for the 7:00 AM pledge service to celebrate the 27th Declaration Day of God’s Eternal Blessing (Chil Il Jeol) and 21st Declaration Day of the Realm of the Cosmic Sabbath for the Parents of Heaven and Earth (Chil Pal Jeol). The small group represented a wonderful cross-section of ages and nationalities within the overall community. It was a special blessing to have the attendance of Continental Chairman of FFWPU North America Dr. Ki Hoon Kim and his wife who enjoyed their time sharing this important Holy Day with their hometown community.
The pledge service was directed by newly-appointed Pastor Kunihiro Sagisaka. Several young Unificationists read an extensive portion of True Father’s speech from the original Chil Il Jeol declaration which expressed the providential significance of this historic day.
In 1993, on the 3rd Declaration Day of God’s Eternal Blessing, True Father said:
Due to the Fall, humankind lost God’s three great blessings. In this course of restoration, before God’s substance appeared, I had to proclaim that these were begun again. That is what Chil Il Jeol is for. Hence, as we ended the year 1991 and entered 1992, I had to proclaim this. Foreseeing that this transitional point in history was upon us, I settled all the accounts in biblical history. I have definitively settled all accounts. The first words that God gave to human beings were the “three great blessings.” Therefore, everything had to be cleared up in order to set the standard for God’s Word to be given, and I had to stand in the position that was beyond the standard of everyone’s past investments. Only on that foundation could I announce the Completed Testament Age along with the declaration about the True Parents. In other words, God’s purpose in leading the providence with all kinds of programs thus far was only to see this time. (Cheon Seong Gyeong, Book 11, Chapter 5, Section 1, Number 48)
Pastor Sagisaka explained further insights into both declarations, including the great blessing of Tribal Messiahship bequeathed by True Parents at that time.
Dr. Kim shared meaningful guidance at the end of the program. He explained the importance of personal commitment and action as the foundation for advancing success of the providence. The extent to which we offer our best in living for the sake of others, and “going the extra mile,” Dr. Kim said, determines the amount of joy received by Heavenly Parent and True Parents. Rather than doing the bare minimum or maintaining a stagnant routine, he encouraged us to invest wholeheartedly in every day and strive for great miracles in our work.
After the program, a delicious meal with Korean dishes was enjoyed by all. The time of fellowship was wonderful and everyone felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for our Heavenly Parent, True Parents and one another in celebrating this historic day.
Share your local story about how your community celebrated these amazing holy days!
Gloria Frothingham
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I have celebrated celebrated both these Holy days many years and it is till now that I understand the meaning. Wow our True Father restored the Three Blessings lost after the fall.
Most grateful for all our True Parents sacrifice. I must be more grateful and joyful and not complain and I must do more to bring in God’s Kingdom uniting with Heavenly Parents and True Parents absolutely. We brothers and sisters are so lucky to be pioneering the building of the Heavenly Kingdom with with our True Parents. Let us let the rest of the world know about this. Success in fulfilling 430 Blessings.
Gloria Frothingham-Goldstein
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