1,800 Couples Celebrate 46th Blessing Anniversary

FFWPU-USA

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the 1,800 Couples’ Blessing Ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. Forty-eight couples in the U.S. enjoyed a fun-filled virtual reunion on Zoom celebrating their anniversary together on Sunday, February 7.

The late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon officiated the historic blessing ceremony on February 8, 1975, where couples were given a special mission to serve the world. Ninety American Unificationists served with distinction as missionaries to countries worldwide, totaling 300 members who went to 123 nations.

At the time, Rev. Moon called the blessing ‘a most unforgettable day.’ He stayed up all night, spending nine hours matching all of the couples until an hour before the 10:00 a.m. ceremony.

“All Unificationists should become known throughout the world,” said Rev. Moon. “Since this is God’s Will, we must become living monuments that represent and testify to this victory on the family level… This blessing has entered its global era; hence, restoration within the sphere of the family must be resolved.”

Steering Committee Chair of the World Christian Leadership Conference (WCLC) Dr. Ki Hoon and Mrs. Tamme Kim, along with Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) President Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Alexa Ward, were among the couples celebrating during the virtual event.

1800 couples celebrate 46 years on Zoom (FFWPU-USA)

“We prepared a nice rice and bulgogi dinner for each one of you,” joked Dr. Kim. “I really wish you were all here at my house eating together and watching the Super Bowl, but I am very honored to be with you all tonight celebrating. We are so grateful to have so many brothers and sisters who are so dedicated around the world.”

The program featured music by Dan and Susan Fefferman, including an original song written after their blessing. Congratulatory messages were also shared by Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) North America Regional President Dr. Chung Sik Yong and FFWPU-USA National President Naokimi Ushiroda.

“The 1,800 Couples’ Blessing is the seventh blessing that was conducted,” said Dr. Yong. “You are now among the elders of our movement, and especially in America you have been at the forefront of the providence for many years. We are very proud of your accomplishments and contributions… You are part of the foundation that allows us to continue to move forward.”

“Everything that you have done is a stepping-stone and foundation,” added Rev. Naokimi. “I want to reassure you that there is a strong network among the younger generation, and I want to encourage you to continue to stay centered and love your children. They will look back and see what kind of life you led.”

Several couples shared personal stories and reflections with the group, including missionary couple Justin and Patricia Fleischman, who raised their five sons in Senegal and Northern California.

“I’m grateful for the blessing in 1975,” said Patricia. “But I’m especially grateful that I could go out as a missionary to Africa. I really felt like my life began at that point in a way. It was a very difficult thing the whole time, but it was the most meaningful experience because it was so deep and challenging and God’s presence felt so close.”

“All of our missionary couples are really a source of pride for our blessing,” added Dr. Ward. “Thank you for the incredible things you did to really resurrect America in your own way, and resurrect the world. It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with all of you.”

The 1,800 Couples’ Blessing (technically, 1,801) was recorded as the largest group wedding ceremony at the time by Guinness Book of World Records. More than 10,000 guests watched the ceremony, conducted in Seoul’s Jangchung Gymnasium, where couples from 25 nations spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S. participated. Couples then boarded 94 sightseeing buses for a parade through the streets of Seoul afterward.

Happy anniversary to all 1,800 couples!

You can see more photos and global media coverage of the 1,800 Couples’ Blessing here.