Melissa Christopher Green of Vienna performs at the Vienna Green Stage. Photo by Robert Healy/The Connection
With John Lennon’s song “Imagine” serenading the crowd, Baha’i members joined together to celebrate the bicentennial of the Birth of their founder Baha’u’llah with a “Light of Unity Festival.” The Vienna Town Green was the site for a beautiful fall day that was matched by the crowd’s enthusiasm and spirit.
Melissa Christopher Green rallied the crowd with singing and dance. “Funga Alafia, ashe ashe” was repeated as a chorus, while her son Christopher and Alphonce Nicholaus accompanied her on drums and guitar. Parents and kids alike partook in the jubilation by raising their hands to the sky and touching their heads. The singing was meant to signify the togetherness and oneness of the faith.
Oct. 23 is celebrated as the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of their founder by many Baha’i followers all over the world. Vera Breton of Colombia shared how her country alone has over 7,000 followers. In the world, there are an estimated 7 million Baha’i members, with the largest population coming from Iran.
Inclusion is a major aspect of the faith which is why all ethnicities, genders and faiths were welcome. The Committee for Helping Others or CHO, a Christian-based organization was present at the festivities. Holly Dooley of CHO from Vienna, discussed how the organization offered food, clothing and assistance to neighbors in need, including meals on wheels. They also offer ethnically based food for their diverse clientele.
At the Town Green the various booths represented different aspects of the Baha’i faith. From Oneness of God, to Oneness of Religion, to Oneness of Mankind all ideas were present and shared. There was information and fun for all ages and ethnicities.
Melissa Thurston of Vienna guided the children through decoration of ornaments to celebrate the New Year. Children could tie ribbons, sprinkle glitter, or glue stars to their ornaments. Some ornaments contained sentences like “powerful is the light of unity” to remind members of the unity and oneness of all mankind.
When the faith began 200 years ago, one of the most progressive ideas was the equality of men and women. Justin Greene and Darren Liston shared how “the development of both men and women is necessary for humanity to unite and achieve world peace” and how gender equality and finding happiness in your own life is something that people from all walks of life can relate to, not just members of the Baha’i faith.