International Day of Prayer for Peace Event is Sept. 25 in Catlett

by Cindy
(Manassas, VA)

Unity in the Community is celebrating our fourth annual International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sat., Sept. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington, D.C., a Buddhist Temple located at 3043 Catlett Road off Route 28 in Catlett, Virginia. The theme is “A Place to Call Home,” emphasizing that our community is home to many peoples, cultures, races and religions. Each offering of songs, skits, dances, readings or stories of service from many participating faith organizations will focus on youth leadership and participation. The event includes a shared meal. Guests are asked to dress modestly and remove shoes when entering the Temple. Parents/caregivers are asked to supervise their children at all times. Admission is free, but donations of canned food for SERVE and ACTS is encouraged. All are welcome to attend this interfaith gathering.

In 2007, Unity in the Community celebrated at the Peace Pole on the corner of Grant and Lee Ave in Manassas. In 2008, the celebration gathered at Dar Al Noor, one to two masjids in our area. Last year, we were hosted by Congregation Ner Shalom, our community’s only synagogue. The International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) began as a vision of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Here in the United States we share resources with On Earth Peace (OEP), a peace initiative of the Church of the Brethren.

Unity in the Community is grateful for the hospitality of Wat Lao Buddhavong’s Abbot, Venerable Phra Maha Bounmy Kittithammavanno; Vice Abbot, Venerable Phra Maha Chandaphone Chakkavarro, and Bounheng Inversin, who is facilitating the event.

For more information, contact Illana Naylor at 703-975-3737 or naylorbarrett5@gmail.com.