Baha'is
in Stittsville to mark 200th anniversary of birth of founder of Baha'i
faith
by John Curry
October 2, 2017
 Baha’is in Stittsville are
preparing to mark the 200th anniversary of
the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith.
To celebrate this occasion, the Baha’is of Stittsville are holding a
celebration on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Hall A at the
Goulbourn Recreation Complex on Shea Road in Stittsville. The program
will be opened by City of Ottawa Stittsville Ward Coun. Shad Qadri and
will include artistic performances, a slide presentation, creative
activities and refreshments.
This event will be a celebration of the transformative impact of
Baha’u’llah teachings on the lives of families, neighbourhoods and
communities. Baha’u’llah’s vision of the oneness of humanity is an
antidote to the challenges facing society today such as prejudice and
inequality.
“Now more than ever we need positive models of social change that bring
people together rather than divide them,” says Rhona Scoffield, a
Stittsville resident since 1992. “This is what we will be celebrating.”
Everyone in the community is welcome to attend this celebration and get
to know their neighbours and to strengthen the bonds of friendship in
Stittsville.
Baha’u’llah (1817-1892) declared his motion in 1863. His teachings have
spread around the world, forming a basis for social transformation and
community building which is unique in its global reach and the
diversity of participants.
Baha’u’llah, whose name means “The Glory of God,” is considered by
millions around the world as the divine educator for this age. In his
writings, Baha’u’llah outlines a framework for the development of a
global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and
material dimensions of human life. His teachings, centred around the
recognition of the oneness of humanity, offer a vision of a future
world united in justice, peace and prosperity.
The Baha’i faith, which originated in Iran in the mid-19th century, has
become a faith present in every country in the world in less than 200
years.
The international Baha’i community numbers more than five million
people.
Baha’is consider work done in the spirit of service to humanity as the
highest form of worship. Prayer, offered both in private and in the
company of others, is regarded as essential spiritual nourishment,
providing inspiration for positive personal and social change.
Individuals pray daily and observe an annual period of fasting.
The Baha’i faith has no clergy or sacraments and has very simple
practices for life transitions such as marriage and funerals.
For more information about the upcoming 200th anniversary celebration
of the birth of Baha’u’llah or about the Baha’i faith, please call
Shiva Yan at 613-700-7882 or visit bahai.org.
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