The Christmas Celebration 2006 of the Federation of All Churches was hosted by the St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church of Brickfields on Christmas Day. What a glorious day it was, with the sun shining brightly and a breeze blowing gently over specially erected canopies in the church compound.
It was truly a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-national and multi-cultural group that graced the occasion, with distinguished guests including many dignitaries, ambassadors and foreign guests.
True to the inter-faith theme of the day, the celebrations started with presentations by the Bangsar Sai Baba Chinese Choir. A quartet presentation by Mr & Mrs See Kim Boon and Mr & Mrs Tan Kar Swee, followed by a duet ‘Holy City’ sung by Bro See KB and Bro Wong KB, got the audience enthralled. A medley of Christmas carols by the Choir followed suit, and got everyone enraptured and tapping to the upbeat tune of the numbers.
The Very Rev Bishop Cor Episcopa Philip Thomas, head of the Hosting Church, in his welcome speech, noted the diversity of faiths in the gathering, and expressed appreciation to the audience who had taken the time to attend the celebration in the spirit of peace, love and understanding. He also updated the group about the work of the Inter-Faith Council and their efforts to foster better understanding and encourage dialogue between the various groups co-existing peacefully in Malaysia.
The YAB Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, Deputy Finance Minister, in her address, also echoed Rev Thomas’ sentiments about the freedom of the individual to practise his/her own religion. While expressing delight in the rendition of the Sai Chinese Choir, which she nicknamed ‘The Sunshine Choir’, YAB Dato reiterated that diversity is our strength, and a population built on harmony, peace and love is the basis of our success as a nation.
The Choir of the St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, the Hosts, with another beautiful presentation of Christmas carols, got the audience clapping and swaying with their infectious enthusiasm. The hosts brought the proceedings to an end, with the choir members coming down the stage to personally greet the members of the audience and invite them to refreshments.
The spirit of the occasion was felt by all.
~~ Irene Yong K.C.~~
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