MORE than two thousand (2000) people gathered at Buma Village on Saturday 19th July 2014 to witness the colorful welcome ceremony staged by the host region, Buma Parish of Central Region – Diocese of Malaita.
Children, youths, men, women, young and old all alike came together well prepared for this remarkable day for the Anglican members of the Central region of the diocese.
Activities at the welcome ceremony includes: warriors, marching band, panpipes, youth and Sunday school parade, flag raising, followed by colorful African like contemporary performances and cultural entertainments.
The day’s program begun with a procession of around 165 clergy and laities throughout the six regions in the diocese, institutions, religious orders and other Ministries within the Church. They were followed by the Assistant Bishop of Malaita The Right Reverend Alfred Hou and wife, Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita The Right Reverend Sam Sahu and wife and the Guest of honor, the Archbishop of Melanesia The Most Reverend David Vunagi and wife who took the stage along with the Premier of Malaita Province Hon. Edwin Suibaea and members of the Provincial Government and representatives from the sister churches in Malaita.
The colorful uniforms worn by Sunday school children, youths and Mothers Union contributed enormously to the beautiful sandy beaches and decorations at the entertainment arena.
The welcome ceremony caught many by surprise adding the night activities lined up for the week.
The Famous EM children’s choir drew together a huge crowd the following night as they put on their African like choir.
“It was just awesome watching these young children staging their worship songs” a synod delegates said.
The synod was officially opened on Sunday 20th August 2014.
The Guest of Honor to the DOM 19th Diocesan Synod The Most Revd David Vunagi in his key note address reminded the synod members to take their responsibility seriously.
“To participate in the mission of the church is no joke. Very often we abuse the time we are entrusted with to attend important meetings like synods to indulge in leisure and pleasure activities” archbishop said.
Archbishop David made the statement as he reiterated a memo from the General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia reminding all dioceses that when they elect their representatives for General Synod they must select people who are well behaved and who are committed to attending and contributing to synod deliberations.
“We must not mix leisure and pleasure with the mission of the church” Archbishop David said.
The Diocesan Bishop of Malaita, The Rt Revd Sam Sahu thanked Archbishop David and his Wife Marry who preached at the opening of the synod as well as presenting the key note address for the event.
The Synod business closes on Thursday 24th August followed by closing Eucharist on Friday morning and farewell dinner organized by the host Parish in the evening.
The Closing program includes handing over of flag to the eastern region who will host the DOM 20th diocesan synod in 2017.