Symphony of Peace Prayers May 2011
GALLERY: Symphony of Peace Prayers May 2011
Symphony of Peace Prayers
The Chapel at Croton Falls, Westchester, NY - May 22, 2011
The Chapel at Croton Falls was honored to host a Symphony of Peace Prayers on May 22, 2011 in keeping with our monthly Interfaith Sundays, as well as our deep compassion for the Japanese people for what they have undergone this year.
The Symphony of Peace Prayers (SOPP) is an inter-religious, interspiritual annual peace prayer event, first held in 2005 at Fuji Sanctuary in Japan. At the core of this event is its unique prayer ceremony, in which representatives from various world faiths and spiritual traditions lead participants in their own prayers for peace. People can join in any of the prayers offered, as well they are invited to actively take part in the World Peace Prayer Ceremony, honoring each country on earth with a prayer for peace and happiness and with a beautiful display of the world nations' flags. Each year, the SOPP continues to expand to more and more corners of the globe, sending waves of peace, harmony, and light throughout humanity.
The 2-hour program featured wisdom from the following interfaith presenters, who each led those gathered in reciting a brief peace prayer from their tradition:
· Bear Walker, Anishinabe Medicine Man (Native American)
· Candace Downing (Baha’i)
· Rabbi Roger Ross, The New Seminary, New York (Jewish)
· Renuka Kumar (Hindu)
· Rabbi Roger Ross, The New Seminary, New York (Jewish)
· Renuka Kumar (Hindu)
· Pastor Hans Hallundbaek, Pastor of Croton Falls Presbyterian Church (Christian)
· Sunera Rahman, American Muslim Women's Association the Upper Westchester Muslim Society (Muslim)
· Peace Prayers from Japan: The Divinity “IN”
Yuji Hiraiwa, Akiko Imaizumi, Mitzi Marume
Yuji Hiraiwa, Akiko Imaizumi, Mitzi Marume
The music for the program was organized by Rev. Melanie Gambino, Interfaith Minister and teacher of Performing Arts and Health & Wellness at the Harvey School in Katonah, NY. Featured were ten members of the Harvey Middle School Chorus under the direction of Choral Director/Music Teacher Kathy Cushman, and six members of the Harvey String Ensemble under the direction of Concert Master/Music Teacher Michael Alas. There was also a lovely dance performed by Middle School Chorus members under the direction of Choreographer Melanie Gambino.
The finale was a World Peace Prayer Ceremony with the flags of all nations conducted by Rev. Deborah Moldow, who also served as host for the event. Eighty people filling the small chapel held the flags and rose in turn as each country’s name was called. The prayer sent out around the world with love was “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Afterwards, a light luncheon was enjoyed by all.
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