Interfaith Service 2018 Programme

A Thanksgiving Interfaith Service to Celebrate the 56th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

A Thanksgiving Interfaith Service

Sunday 2nd September, 2018 at 3pm | St. Peter’s Eaton Square 119 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AL

Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, MP Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Order of Service Congregation stands The Procession of the Celebrants, led by His Excellency Orville London, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The National Flag is placed in its stand at the altar Congregation remains standing for

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Performed by St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our Destiny We solemnly declare; Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea This our Native Land, We pledge our lives to thee Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation

Congregation sits

WELCOME

by The Revd Ralph Williamson, Vicar at St Peter's Eaton Square

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Congregation remains seated

INTRODUCTION OF THE THEME Father Henderson George “Surmounting Our Challenges and Embracing Our Opportunities, Together” Congregation remains seated

'The Power of the Dream' Performed by Ms. Lisa Theodore Congregation remains seated

Reading of the Message from Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of Independence Day 2018 by His Excellency Orville London, High Commissioner Congregation stands

'God Bless Our Nation’ Led by Ms. Lisa Theodore God bless our nation Of many varied races May we possess that common love That binds and makes us One. Let it be known around the World That we can boast of Unity And take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our isles of tropic beauty rare Of flaming Poinciana And shady immortelle 5

The warm and sparkling waters That beat upon our shores Beat out a tune that seem to tell We take a pride in Our Liberty.

God bless our leaders Give them grace to guide Bestow on them thy judgement wise To rule our land aright To keep the flag of freedom high that we may sing most lustily We take a pride in Our Liberty Congregation sits SPIRITUAL READINGS

A contribution on behalf of the Muslim Community Excerpt from the Holy Qur’an by Mr Adem Zein Ghany Holy Qur’an, Chapter 2, verses 255 and 267, Chapter 3:103 – 105, Chapter 9:71 and Chapter 49:13 God is He beside Whom there is no god, the Ever-living, the Selfsubsisting by Whom all subsist; slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep; whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His; who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them and they cannot comprehend anything out of His knowledge except what He pleases; His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth and the preservation of them both tires Him not and He is the Most High, the Great.

O you who believe! Give in charity of the good things that you earn and of what We have brought forth for you out of the earth and do not aim at giving what is bad in charity while you would not take it yourselves unless you connive at it and know that God is Self-sufficient, Praiseworthy.

And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which God stretches out for you, and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the 6

brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you that ye may be guided.

Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.

Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty.

The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay the poor dues and obey God and His Messenger. On them will God pour His mercy: for God is Exalted in power, Wise.

O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other, not that ye may despise each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.

A contribution on behalf of the Spiritual Baptist Community Excerpt from the Holy Bible by Reverend Patricia A.H. Stephens Your Excellency the High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago, Orville London and his family, His staff, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, friends and young people, I greet you all with peace and love.

Experience teaches us that we must react, adapt, act creatively, and at times daringly, if we are to surmount our challenges and embrace our opportunities together. It is important for us to remember that from the time we were born until the moment of death, we have all been through a constant process of birth and rebirth as new beings, with new opportunities for personal growth and advancement. This is a profound spiritual lesson.

Obstacles only become opportunities if we make them by being prepared. Our dear Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, our President Paula-Mae Weekes, Members of Cabinet, The Opposition, Trinidad and Tobago nationals are aware that our country is presently experiencing 7

grave difficulties, hence the reason for a national call to Surmount our Challenges and Embrace our Opportunities Together.

Facing and conquering difficulties will allow us to grow and reflect on our Independence Pledge “I will strive In everything I do To work together with my fellowmen Of every creed and race” once we have learnt to embrace each other.

Embracing our opportunities together will become natural. New opportunities will blossom as God begins to Demonstrate His Faithfulness. Showers of Blessings, not earthquakes, will be poured over Trinidad and Tobago, as God continues to Bless us individually and collectively. As He demonstrates His Faithfulness that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. 2 Corinthians Chapter 12 verse 9.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all.

Congregation remains seated

'Great is Thy Faithfulness' Performed by St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra

Congregation remains seated

SPIRITUAL READINGS A contribution on behalf of the Hindu Community Read by Ms Omadaye Sawh OM GUM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA - Deva with a head of elephant, son of Shiva, known as ruler over heavenly armies of spirits and who brings good fortune, luck and knowledge.

OM AEEM SARASWATIYAI NAMAHA - Mantra of goddess Sarasvati – patroness of arts, knowledge, learning and eloquence, this mantra gives all kinds of creativeness, true knowledge and intelligence, intuition, love, beauty, self-control, and harmony.

OM SHRI CHARAN KAMAL BHYO NAMAH. 8

Namaskar and greetings to the peoples of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on this special occasion of our 56th year of Independence.

There is an ancient saying in India, which many people know. It is also mentioned in the Taittiriya Upanishad as one of the teachings from a master to his students. It says, “If you protect Dharma, Dharma will protect you.”

This is a powerful saying, which is timeless and still applicable in today’s world.

Dharma is a broad term, with multiple meanings. It is not just this law or that law. It encompasses all laws, duties, responsibilities, moral percepts, principles, beliefs, code of conduct and religious practice that are conducive to an orderly life and orderly world. In short, it is the operating system of God's creation, which ensures order and regularity and keeps things in their place.

Karma and Dharma The idea is that if you abide in Dharma, Dharma will abide in you and becomes your armor. If you live righteously, the world will be on your side because the world also depends upon Dharma only for its order and regularity. Dharma and Karma are interrelated. They mutually reinforce each other. If you do good, good will be returned to you. If you indulge in evil actions, you will be responsible for their consequences. Thus, the principle of karma is guided upon earth by the force of Dharma only, and through Karma we practice and preserve the light of Dharma.

BHAJAN Hey Ram Hey Ram| Jag Mein Sachu Tera Naam Tu Hi Mata Tu Hi Pita Hai, Tu Hi To Hai Radha Ka Shyam Tu Antaryami Sab Ka Swami Tere Charno Mein Charo Dham Tu Hi Bigade Tu Hi Saware Is Jaag Ke Sare Kaam Tu Hi Jagra Data Vishv Vidhata Tu Hi Subah Tu Hi Shaam O Ram O Ram, In the whole world, truth is your name, you alone are the Mother, ...Father, you are none other than Radha's Shyam (Krishna), you are the master (swami) and supersoul (antaryami i.e. paramatma). The four 9

dhams (4 most important holy places known as Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri, and Rameshwaram) are at your Lotus feet. You are the one who disturbs and rectifies all deeds of this world, the giver and supporter of this Universe, you alone are the Morning (subaha) and Evening (Shyaam, dark) KAYENA VACA MANASENDRIYAIRVA|BUDDHYAATMANAA VAA PRAKRTEH SVABHAAVAAT|KAROMI YAD-YAT-SAKALAM PARASMAI NAARAAYANNAYETI SAMARPAYAAMI - Whatever I do with my body, speech, mind or with other senses of my body, or with my intellect and soul or with my innate natural tendencies I offer (dedicate) everything to Narayana KARPUR GAURAM KARUNAAVTAARAM|SANSAAR SAARAM BHUJAGENDRAHAARAM|SADAA VASANTAM HRIDYAARVINDE BHAVAM BHAVAANI SAHITAM NAMAAMI – The one who is as pure as camphor, the personification of compassion, the essence of the world, who has as his garland the serpent king, always residing 'in the heart that is as pure as the lotus.

Tvameva Maataa Ca Pitaa Tvameva|Tvameva Bandhush-Ca Sakhaa Tvameva| Tvameva Vidyaa Dravinang Tvameva|Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva - You are my mother and father, relative and friend, knowledge and wealth, you are my all, oh God of all the Gods.

Om Shaanta-Aakaaram Bhujaga-Shayanam Padma-Naabham Sura-Iisham, Vishva-Aadhaaram Gagana-Sadrsham Megha-Varnna Shubha-Anggam| LaksmiKaantam Kamala-Nayanam Yogibhir-Dhyaana-Gamyam, Vande Visnum BhavaBhaya-Haram Sarva-Loka-Eka-Naatham - | Salutations to Sri Vishnu, who has a serene appearance, rests on a serpent (Adisesha), has a Lotus on his navel, the Lord of the Devas, sustainer of the universe, boundless and infinite like the sky, whose colour is like the cloud (bluish who has a beautiful and auspicious body, the husband of Devi Lakshmi, whose eyes are like lotus and who is attainable to the Yogis by meditation, salutations to that Vishnu who removes the fear of worldly existence and who is the Lord of All the Loka

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A contribution on behalf of the Christian Community Excerpt from the Holy Bible by Mr. Elston Baird, Immigration Attaché Romans 12:1 - 21 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Congregation remains seated

'Bring Down The Power' Performed by Ms. Lisa Theodore Congregation remains seated

THE HOMILY Father Henderson George Congregation stands

'Guide Me O’Redeemer' Performed by the St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra Congregation sits

'Patriotic Medlies' Jada Marsh - Violinist Tobago Crusoe Congregation remains seated A collection will be taken at this time.

Congregation stands

CLOSING PRAYER Canon John Metivier Special Prayers for - Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, President; Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister; Members of Parliament; the Judiciary and the People of Trinidad and Tobago 12

Congregation remains standing

'Battle Hymn Of The Republic' Performed by the St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra Congregation remains standing Flag Bearer, leads the Procession of the Celebrants down the aisle.

The Congregation is asked to remain standing while the National Flag bearer proceeds down the aisle, followed by the High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Celebrants.

END OF SERVICE Light refreshments will be served in the courtyard of St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square

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(Participants) The Reverend Ralph Williamson, Vicar at St Peter's Eaton Square Father Henderson George Canon John Metivier His Excellency Orville London, High Commissioner Mr. Elston Baird, Immigration AttachĂŠ The Reverend Patricia. A. H. Stephens Mr Adem Zein Ghany Ms Omadaye Sawh

Special Thanks Flag Bearer: Mr Samuel Niles St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra Ms Lisa Theodore Tobago Crusoe Ms Jada Marsh Ms Janelle Clarke Mr Khriston Ramberansingh Ms Tricia Trotman-Maraj Mr Ludvig Bonin, Director of Video Blogg

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TOGETHER WE ASPIRE, TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065