Baha’is of Mount Vernon and Alexandria mark the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah, Founder of the Baha’i Faith

Mount Vernon, VA, September 21, 2017 — Baha’is of Mount Vernon and Alexandria are preparing to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, on October 21-22, 2017.

Plans underway include widespread individual conversations, home gatherings; presentations; governmental proclamations; and invitations to officials, dignitaries, interfaith groups, community organizations, friends, family and coworkers to a public gathering:

Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah (the Glory of God, 1817-1892):
“Unity in Diversity”
October 21, 2017
3:00-6:00 p.m. – free and open to the public
Madison Auditorium of the Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Free parking available in West Parking Garage (accessible via Elizabeth Lane); metro accessible via King Street and Eisenhower Avenue stations.

Performance by award-winning Native American singer-dancer, Roman Orona, on bringing unity, peace and equality to life. Reflections on the unifying message of Baha'u'llah.

Baha’u’llah (1817-1892) was a spiritual teacher who announced in 1863 that he was the bearer of a new revelation from God. His teachings have spread around the world, forming the basis of a process of social transformation and community building which is unique in its global scope and the diversity of participants.

The Light of Unity Festival is a celebration of the transformative impact of Baha’u’llah’s teachings on the lives of families, neighborhoods and communities around the country and the world. Baha’u’llah’s vision of the oneness of humanity is an antidote to the racial prejudice and materialism that are corroding American society.

“Baha’u’llah's life is an example of spiritual leadership and service to humanity. He created new social models to foster individual and community transformation,” said local Baha’i William Collins. “Leading up to the commemoration of Baha’u’llah’s birth in October, we will be celebrating both His example and the principles He brought.”

The Light of Unity Festival is a series of activities generated at the grassroots level all around the country to reinforce Baha’u’llah’s vision of the oneness of humanity and empower participants to contribute. Activities will include the arts, storytelling, service projects, prayer and devotional programs. At the national level, the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL will host a nine-week series of programs beginning in early September on themes applying the principle of the oneness of humanity to contemporary challenges, including environmental justice, race relations, indigenous peoples, human rights, and the harmony of science and religion.

To learn more go to https://alexandriavabahais.org/bicentennial/.