[Ctd] Devine Impact Corporation - Silicon Valley's Iranian Christians Celebrate Persian New Year; Traditional Community ‘No Ruz’ will be Broadcast Live into Iran

[paul.kholer paul.kholer]

Silicon Valley's Iranian Christians Celebrate Persian New Year; Traditional
Community 'No Ruz' will be Broadcast Live into Iran Devine Impact
Corporation <http://www.glennkaweschconcepts.com/> The Iranian Christian
Church, under the auspices of International Antioch Ministries (IAM), will
host a traditional Persian New Year ("No Ruz") celebration on Sunday, March
25th, at The Iranian Christian Church in Sunnyvale, Calif. Open to the
community, media are cordially invited to attend this traditional
celebration with authentic dancing, music, cultural displays and delicious
Persian food. There will be a live feed of the festivities into Iran via
satellite TV.

No Ruz or "New Day" is an ancient holiday that pre-dates Cyrus the
Great<http://www.iranchamber.com/history/cyrus/cyrus.php>, king of
Persia, who reigned from 580-529 BCE and is mentioned in the Bible
as God's anointed (Isaiah 45:1). Cyrus freed the Hebrew captives from exile
in Babylon, allowing them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple,
which is well documented in the Bible as well as in history (Ezra 1; 2
Chronicles 36:22-23). For over 2500 years, on March 21st, Iranians have
commemorated this time of renewal which occurs during the vernal equinox, or
spring solstice, with a variety of rituals. These include a table called the
"Haft Seen" with seven objects that begin with the letter "S," as well as
other objects such as painted eggs, a mirror, goldfish and candles. The
meaning of much of No Ruz's ancient traditions are lost in the mists of
time, but it is a much beloved family and community holiday that has
survived invasion, foreign rule and Iran's Islamic revolution.

Pastor Hormoz Shariat<http://www.cbn.com/700club/guests/bios/Hormoz_Shariat_021104.aspx>,
president of IAM and senior pastor of The Iranian Christian Church
said,
"We are delighted to invite the community to share in our traditional
celebration of Iranian New Year. This No Ruz celebration is our contribution
to the diversity of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. We are
grateful for the freedom that we enjoy to celebrate our ancient holiday.
Thus, we will be broadcasting into Iran live coverage of the festivities, so
that our brothers and sisters in Iran, who celebrate No Ruz under Iranian
Islamic government disapproval, can benefit from our ability to freely enjoy
No Ruz. Viewers in Iran will be able to participate in the morning's
fellowship, which is led equally by female and male pastors, and then share
in our No Ruz festivities from the safety of their homes via our live
broadcast over satellite TV."

On the "Haft Seen" Table at The Iranian Christian Church
1.    Seeb (apple): fragrant and succulent symbol of freshness
2.    Seer (garlic): symbol of physical healing and protection; passing of
calamity
3.    Sairkeh (vinegar) and Sumac: for the spice of life
4.    Sabzeh (wheat grass): symbol of a fresh and pleasant life
5.    Saikeh (coin): prosperity, richness and possessions
6.    Samanou (wheat paste): increase and growth in life
7.    Sainjedd (a kind of dry fruit): symbol of love and kindness

There will also be colored eggs to represent new beginning; candles, for
light (and goodness); blossomed branches and flowers (tulips and hyacinths)
for life and freshness, as well as goldfish and a mirror – probably
symbolizing blessings, fertility and prosperity.

Event Information: Sunday, March 25
Location: The Iranian Christian Church/IAM <http://301url.com/986> , 740 E.
Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94085. Tel: + 1 408 732 5050. Events will be
held in the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 25th. Time:
Fellowship at 10:00 am. No Ruz festivities, including traditional costumes,
musical instruments, singing and displays, will occur from 10:30 am to 12:30
pm. Traditional No Ruz pastries and refreshments will be served after 12:30
pm. Child care available. No charge, but donations are welcome.

Media RSVP: Maxine or Ron Bingham of Agora Marketing: email
maxine-at-agorapr.com, ron-at-gorapr.com or call 408-962-4914.

http://www.divineimpact.com/


<http://www.24hourchurch.com/>
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