Friday, September 21, 2012 will mark the 31st anniversary of the International Day of Peace (IDP). The UN General Assembly declared in 1981 that the Day shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
All are invited to an annual International Day of Peace event to be held this year at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church (ELPC), 116 South Highland Ave. This celebration is part of a worldwide effort to bring a day of Peace, Peaceful Dialogue and Ceasefire to the entire world.
We hope you can highlight Peace Day in your parish and plan a peace related activity on or near September 21st.
A Prayer Vigil will commence at 12:01 a.m., September 21st and continue through midnight on the 21st at the ELPC Sanctuary and Chapel. We invite you and your community to join us sometime during this period. The ELPC labyrinth will also be available during this period.
Our Committee is also planning the following Peace Day activities:
- “Rally Against Violence” at the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard, 436 Grant Street, featuring readings of victims’ names and messages from anti-violence activists, Noon to 12:45 p.m. Nate Harper, Chief-of-Police will make remarks.
- Evening Program at ELPC beginning at 7:00 through approximately 8:15 p.m. to include:
- International Flag Ceremony at ELPC involving 195 flags – all are invited to participate by carrying a flag. Come early.
- Blessing of the Peace Pole at ELPC.
- Rev Heather Schoenewolf, Associate Pastor for ELPC, will give a short homily on the international theme for Peace Day 2012, “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future”.
- Intrafaith Peace Service: Participatory Ceremony.
We also invite you to organize your own celebration of peace with your friends, family and supportive organizations. Have a peace party; organize a dialogue, invite a speaker. Plant a peace pole. Have a peace workshop. Conduct a vigil. Observe a minute of silence at noon on Peace Day. We will assist you and help promote your event in any way possible.
In Peace,
The IDP Planning Committee