Cheon Bok Festival advertisements on major newspapers in South Korea.

Unificationists around the world will convene in South Korea from January 20-29, 2012 not only to kick off the lunar New Year but to participate in momentous celebrations such as Mother Moon’s 70th birthday, the Anniversary of the Coronation of God’s Kingship and the 29th Day of Victory of Love.

“The entire, event-packed period is called the ‘Cheon Bok (Heavenly Blessings) Festival for True Peace and Unity,’” said Rev. David Rendel, Chief of Operations at HSA-UWC (Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity) USA. “On the morning of January 23, 2012, we will launch the new year by observing True God’s Day, as well as celebrate Mother Moon’s 70th birthday and Father Moon’s 93rd birthday, known in Korea as ‘True Parents’ Gohui.’ A symbolic holy wedding, called the ‘Holy Wedding of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind’ will take place as the Anniversary of the Coronation of God’s Kingship. It will be followed by the ‘True Parents’ Holy Birth and Gohui Celebration Luncheon.’

“These main celebrations will take place in the Cheon Jeong Gung, or the Heavenly Peace Palace. On the morning of January 24, 2012, the Day of Victory of Love will be observed, also at the Cheon Jeong Gung, and will be followed by a parade.”

Multiple-day events include a Universal Peace Federation-sponsored International Leadership Conference in Seoul from January 22-25 and the National Leader’s World Assembly 2012 from January 20-25, which will host continental and national leaders at the Cheong-a Camp.

On January 26, representatives of CARP (the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles) and young adults will convene for the CARP Festival in the main hall of the Cheon Bok Gung, the Unification Peace Temple in South Korea. The president of CARP USA, Victoria Roomet, is expected to attend. Special events include a lecture by Tongil Foundation Chairman Kook Jin Moon titled “Strong Korea?” and an international debate pitching atheism against theism, at which Philip Takhar from California will represent the USA. A World Talent Tournament, at which Misha Green from New Hampshire will lead a break-dancing performance, will take place at the Cheon Jeong Gung later in the evening.

On January 27, the musically-inclined will participate in the Second Annual Unification Church Choir Competition at the Cheon Jeong Gung, drawing competitors such as the Generation Peace Academy (GPA) choir representing the USA, and youth- and young-adult choirs featured in the Annual Japan Youth Concerts for World Peace and Ideal Families. Sonic Cult from Lovin’ Life Ministries will also perform.

The program will conclude on the January 28, 2012 with a multi-cultural festival at the Cheon Bok Gung and various musical performances celebrating True Parents’ Holy Birth and Gohui in the main hall of the Cheong Pyeong Heaven and Earth Training Center.

“There will be award presentations in which two nations will be recognized for their membership-growth results of 2011,” said Rendel. “The first is Nepal for 500 new members. The second is the USA, which is developing an educational track for new members. One couple in particular, Jhon and Marina Acevedo from Chicago, Illinois will be honored for bringing 12 new members this year.

“Another award is a special True Parents’ Award, which is based on points achieved though certain criteria. America has 121 recipients of the general award and 11 recipients of the Pregnant Wife award. Each recipient of the True Parents’ Award will receive a special gift from Father and Mother Moon and a family plaque, which will be presented in the recipients’ nation after the events.”

Event Schedule according to USA Eastern Daylight Time:

• 45th True God’s Day Midnight Prayer: 10:00 a.m. January 22, 2012 (EDT)
• Celebration of True Parents’ Holy Birth and Gohui Pledge Service: 6:00 p.m. Jan. 22, 2012.
• The Holy Wedding of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind: 8:00 p.m., Jan. 22.
• True Parents’ Holy Birth and Gohui Celebration and Luncheon: 10:00 p.m., Jan 22, 2012
• 29th Day of Victory of Love: 6:00 p.m., Jan. 23, 2012.
• World CARP Assembly: 8:00 p.m., Jan. 25, 2012.
• Theism/Atheism Debate: 2:00 a.m. Jan. 24, 2012.
• Choir Competition and Celebration of True Parents’ Birth and Gohui: 2:00 a.m., Jan. 26, 2012.
• Musical Celebration of True Parents’ Birth and Gohui: 2:00 a.m., Jan 27, 2012.

Contributed by Yoshie Manaka and Ariana Moon.