Shinyoung C. Simonds
February 12, 2014
Hak Ja Han proclaims the 2014 Cosmic Blessing
Last night, 20,000 couples from 194 countries said, “I do” in a wedding ceremony that spanned the globe. 2,500 couples, including 50 from the United States, made the pilgrimage to South Korea on Feb. 12, to take part in the 2014 Cosmic Blessing officiated by True Mother. The word, “Yes!” echoed in the stadium, as the brides and grooms enthusiastically affirmed their vows.
True Mother conducts the Holy Water Ceremony with representative couples
Thousands of miles away, the enthusiasm reverberated across the United States, where couples took part via satellite in local ceremonies, from Seattle to New York. With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance was in the air as many of the local communities made extra effort to put together special events for the couples.
Hak Ja Han makes her way from the stage after the blessing
Unificationists in San Diego, CA stayed up all night to prepare an elegant reception in the church garden, followed by a catered dinner. Many young adults and teenagers were enlisted to help as ushers and servers. Even the elementary school children helped serve chocolates, to everyone’s delight, and acted as ring bearers and flower girls during the ceremony. The whole community came together to witness the bride and groom walk down the aisle to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”
True Mother watches the entertainment - the second chair is for True Father in spirit world
Though the crowds and celebrations in Korea were exciting, some preferred a more intimate ceremony. Aaron and Lucia were thrilled to be able to receive the Holy Marriage Blessing at their local church, together with friends and family. The community put on a beautiful reception and ceremony for the couple, even inviting local community leaders. One of the guests remarked, “It was the first time I ever attended a truly spiritual wedding. I felt God at this wedding.”
A young couple from North America at the main event in Korea
Not to be outdone, Pasadena CA, was filled with pink and white bells, balloons, and bows to welcome four couples and 70 attendees. Brides and grooms beamed as they were toasted at a banquet in Westchester, NY, and Chicago was moved as they cut a wedding cake and enjoyed the performances from Korea.
About 20,000 Unificationists are present for the main event in Korea
Perhaps the largest gathering took place at the historic Unification Theological Seminary, in Barrytown, New York, where 20 couples had their first kiss, greeted with thunderous applause from more than 200 attendees. In ceremonies large and small, romantic, or festive, the atmosphere was alive with hope, excitement, and of course, true love. As the cheers of “Eok Mansei” rang out to end the ceremony in Korea, couples all around the country rejoiced, and savored their first moments as husband and wife.
The bride and groom of the San Diego Family Church march into the ceremony
20 couples from all over America were blessed at the Main Chapel of UTS
The brides and grooms of Westrock Family Church enjoy dinner with their families at Belvedere
Westrock Family Church toasts the brides and grooms
Young brides and grooms from the Chicago Family Church Cosmic Blessing cut the cake
The Chicago Family Church celebrates the 2014 Cosmic Blessing
Unificationists worked to create a beautiful environment for the marriage blessing in Mobile, AL