Blessing Beyond Borders
“He’s got the world in his hands!” declared Pastor Sage Chee from Hawaii, as more than 130 couples from all corners of the globe participated in a Marriage Blessing held virtually November 21.
The international ceremony — including some 50 couples in Pakistan and 70 couples in Senegal — involved a range of government officials and faith leaders who rededicated their marriages.
“We want to recognize all the leaders of different religions who are part of this event, especially people from Pakistan, the Philippines, the U.S., Japan, South America, Senegal, Portugal — all over the world” said program co-host Rev. Mario Salinas, who led the program with his wife and daughter. “We also have a congressman and his wife from my country, Honduras.”
Broadcasted live, the online program organized by Pastor Sage and Darnell Chee; Bishop Ki Hoon and Tamme Kim; and Rev. Dr. Michael and Zena Sykes featured interfaith prayers and messages from key leaders.
Guruji H.H. Duleepkumar Thankappan, a spiritual leader from India, led the opening prayer, saying, “Let us enlighten our hearts and minds — this is a divine way to unite man and woman as creators, to create a beautiful life and future for the next generation. Be happy, healthy, prosperous and ready.”
An imam from Senegal also offered words of encouragement in Arabic and French, while Unificationist couples shared their testimonies about the powerful impact of the Marriage Blessing on their lives. Dr. Robert and Theresia Kittel detailed how the ceremony expanded their horizons as a couple.
“We went to Pakistan as newlyweds and I had such a good experience that I’ll never forget,” said Mrs. Kittel. “There was so much hospitality and love from the Pakistani people.”
Several single people participated in the program as well, pledging their commitment to God and their future partner.
“As young people we want to strive to live up to this commitment and expectation of God,” said Minister Shogo Nakaza, who led a true love pledge.
Bishop Amanat and his wife served as a representative couple from Pakistan as the Sykes couple officiated the Marriage Blessing.
“Through this ceremony, we are cleansing the past and purifying ourselves to come before God to rededicate our marital commitment as a couple, and to receive the blessings of God in making a new beginning not only for ourselves, but for the sake of others — our family, lineage, society, nation, and for the world,” said Rev. Dr. Sykes.
The ceremony included a holy wine toast, cake cutting, music from Heavenly USA, and congratulatory remarks celebrating all the couples. “This is truly a glorious moment of transformation and renewal,” said Rev. Dr. Sykes.
You can watch the full Marriage Blessing ceremony online here.