This was the motto of the Family Day at the Slavic Church of Honolulu on May 15. The event took place outside in a regional park of Kapiʻolani. For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the church was able to have such a massive event which emphasized the importance of the family as the union of one man and one woman created by God in His likeness and image and for His purpose. About 140 people joined this joyful celebration including families of guests from Ukraine, Belarus, as well as attendees from Washington, California, and New Jersey.
The day began with the church service in a large tent. Prior to all of the planned activities, Pastor Pavel Marchenko blessed the families while standing under the banner which read: “Family is a Circle of Power grounded in faith, united in love, and protected by God”. This phrase became the motto of the celebration.
After the church service, everyone was welcomed at the wonderful reception, followed by fun games, crafts, sports activities for both children and adults, and friendly competitions. There were also great prizes for the winners. At the end of the celebration, in the evening, the families gathered again for prayer, to thank God for the wonderful opportunity of fellowshipping outside, and to rejoice in everything He blesses with.
It is also interesting to note that this event fell on the International Family Day which was established by the Organization of the United Nations in 1994. It is celebrated annually on May 15 with the goal of getting attention and strengthening the institute of marriage around the world.
Anton Kovalev,
Information Ministry at the Slavic Church in Honolulu
