UK COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Marking the millennium with the Ridván Tablet in Derby Cathedral

 

The Bahá'í community of Derby, with other World Faiths, participated in a Celebration of Creation at Derby Cathedral Church of All Saints on Sunday 24th September to mark the millennium. The service was multi-faith and multi-cultural.

 

The words of Bahá'u'lláh echoed in the beautiful cathedral with a reading from the Ridván Tablet, as follows: "Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise. We have chosen thee to be Our most mighty trumpet, whose blast is to signalize the resurrection of all mankind...

 

Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and of mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our grace encompassed the earth and the heavens.

 

This is the Day whereon the true servants of God partake of the life-giving waters of reunion, the Day whereon those that are nigh unto Him are able to drink of the soft-flowing river of immortality, and they who believe in His unity the wine of His Presence..."

 

Holding a lighted candle the reader then said: "May our minds and hearts be illumninated by these words."

 

Then the "Hoverla" Ukrainian dance ensemble performed a series of dances. It was delighful to see the skills of the very young children.

 

A Jazz Quartet then led us into Beethoven's Ode to Joy and as the organ sounded all sang, each holding a lighted candle. The Bishop of Derby then led the congregation in the Millennium Resolution: "Let there be respect for the earth, peace for its people, love in our lives, delight in the good, forgiveness for past wrongs and from now on a new start".