Love Is In the Air: Couples Blessed in Marriage in Virtual Valentine’s Day Ceremony
FFWPU-USA
Over the holiday weekend, numerous couples from across the U.S. pledged their love to each other and God as they participated in the Valentine’s Day Blessing 2021, broadcasted live from Hawaii on February 14.
“The Marriage Blessing tradition began more than 60 years ago,” said American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) National Executive Committee Member Bishop Michael Sykes, who officiated the ceremony virtually on Zoom with his wife Rev. Zena Sykes. “Today is a victory for God and the Kingdom of God. This is a process of spiritual renewal; the beginning as we celebrate life.”
From California, to Georgia and New York, 190 couples virtually participated in the blessing ceremony–a dedication of marriage and family to God–hosted by ACLC. Pastor Sage Chee of the Ohana Family of the Living God Ministry conducted the live Hawaiian-themed ceremony where local couples received a colorful lei, exchanged blessing rings, and cut a special blessing cake together.
“These leis represent the unending love of God’s blessing,” said Pastor Sage. “We can give God glory and go forth and celebrate.”
For more than six decades, millions of couples worldwide have received the Marriage Blessing from the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founders of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU).
“We are standing here today in victory, blessing these couples on the foundation of Rev. and Dr. Moon,” said Bishop Sykes. “The blessing is a symbol of their eternal commitment to you and your commitment to each other. Let these blessing rings be a cover for each couple… That they will build each other up, exalt each other, and go forth in building the Kingdom of Heaven together.”
The couples also received a heartfelt message from Dr. Sun Jin Moon, international senior vice president of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), who congratulated them on behalf of Dr. Moon.
“We congratulate you all on this on this glorious day,” said Dr. Sun Jin Moon. “I have two pieces of wisdom to share with you given to me by my mother: ‘I love you’ and ‘Thank you.’ Those are the only two things you need to know to have a happy life… I hope this becomes your mantra in life and in your blessing.”
“We hope this blessing can strengthen your relationship and your families,” added Bishop Sykes. “This is the time to heal and sanctify marriages and this begins with all of you.”
The ceremony was also streamed live on Facebook and already has over 1,000 views.
The couples pledged 40 days of purity following the blessing ceremony.
You can watch the full Valentine’s Day Blessing 2021 ceremony here.
