Christmas and Fellowship Dinner: Acting President and wife attended the event

A Christmas (Christ’s Birthday) thanksgiving, praise, and fellowship dinner ceremony, organized by the federations of Christian churches in Myanmar, was held on the morning of December 23 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Catholic Church in Botahtaung Township, Yangon Region. The event was attended and honored by the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

First, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman, together with his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and members, arrived at St. Mary’s Cathedral Catholic Church, where they were warmly welcomed by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal Charles Bo. Christian youth greeted them with performances of hymns, music, and dances.

Afterwards, the Acting President, his wife, and members viewed the vehicles used by Pope Francis during his visit to Myanmar, as well as documentary videos of Pope Francis’s activities during his visit to Myanmar in November 2017.

They also watched documentary videos of Christmas prayer services and fellowship events previously held by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Cardinal Charles Bo. Subsequently, the Acting President, his wife, and members proceeded into the church where the second part of the ceremony was held. They were welcomed by officials, and the program began with an opening prayer delivered by Pastor U Pho Pho Hla of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (Myanmar Mission).

After that, the Acting President, his wife, and all attendees jointly sang the hymn “O Pleasant Myanmar Land.” Next, the Chairman of the Myanmar Council of Churches, Presiding Bishop Steven Than Myint Oo, delivered welcoming remarks, followed by a praise song performed by singer Pan Yaung Chal.

The Acting President SSPC Chairman then delivered a Christmas message, stating that on the occasion of Christmas, which arrives in harmony with the season and the festive time, he extended heartfelt wishes for love, peace, and harmony to Christians, the people of Myanmar, and all people around the world under the compassion of religion.

He noted that Christmas not only spreads love among humanity but also reflects a noble essence of the Christian faith. He further stated that the world is home to many religions, with Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam recognized as the four major religions, and that religion represents ultimate truth, founded upon love, compassion, and empathy. Regarding freedom of religion in Myanmar, he pointed out that Section 34 of the 2008 Constitution clearly stipulates equal right and freedom to believe in and practice any religion.

He also noted that followers of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other religions in Myanmar have lived together harmoniously for many generations. Despite differences in faith, there has been no intention of insult, discrimination, or harm among religious communities; instead, mutual respect, a strong Union spirit, and a sense of kinship have guided collective efforts for the good of the nation.

He urged everyone to preserve these long-standing traditions of warmth and harmony among religious communities and called for unity and cooperation, in a family spirit, to counter any attempts to sow division or undermine mutual trust. Following this, the Chairman of the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance, Reverend Dr. U Aye Min, offered special prayers for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The Methodist English Church Choir (Lower Myanmar) then performed Christmas choral hymns. Subsequently, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Myo Myint Oo, Chairman of the Myanmar Christian Missionary Cooperation Association, attendees participated in responsive Christmas readings. Sister Ruby read passages from the Bible, and Cardinal Charles Bo delivered the Christmas sermon.

Afterwards, Cardinal Charles Bo, Presiding Bishop Steven Than Myint Oo, and Reverend Dr. Aye Min presented Christmas commemorative gifts, Christmas greeting cards, and a mosaic painting to the Acting President and his wife.

In return, the Acting President and his wife presented Christmas commemorative gifts. Later, Reverend Mann Par Mar Stan delivered words of thanks, and Reverend Dr. Maurice Lian Na led a thanksgiving prayer for the successful holding of the Christmas fellowship dinner and for all participants.

The audience then joined together in singing the hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Cardinal Charles Bo subsequently delivered Christmas blessings, wishing that not only Christians but all people around the world be filled with the blessings of Christmas that the Republic of the Union of Myanmar enjoy peace and prosperity in the coming New Year and that blessings be bestowed upon the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, his wife and family, and all the people of Myanmar.

Afterwards, the Acting President and his wife warmly greeted the attendees. Finally, the Acting President, his wife, members and invited guests shared a fellowship dinner hosted by the federations of Christian churches in Myanmar, it’s reported.