Author Archive for Alissa Vancour

The U.S. House of Representatives passed resolution 1008 condemning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. It passed with a vote of 408 for to 3 against on Friday August 1, 2008. For a breakdown in votes as well as the complete text of the resolution please click here. There were 56 co-sponsors of this bipartisan resolution including our Congressman, Jim Moran of VA-8. Representative Wolf, from Virginia’s 10th district stated the following concerning H Res. 1008:

“I am pleased to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues as a cosponsor of this important resolution, and I hope its passage will send a strong message to the Iranian government that the United States Congress will always stand in solidarity with the persecuted people of the world.”

His full statement can be accessed here.

It is so important that at a time when attacks against the Bahá’ís in Iran have increased, when the entire national leadership is being held incommunicado, homes, cars and individuals are being targeted in arson attacks, here in the US we are able to shed a light on the situation, to stand up for human rights and speak out for those who are unable to have their voices heard in their own homeland. To all those who voted in favor of this resolution~ Thank you!

To read more about the background of this resolution please click here.

On July 9 every year, Bahá’ís commemorate the day when the Báb was martyred. The Báb, which is Arabic for the “Gate,” was the title taken by Muhammad-’Alí, who announced in Shiraz in 1844 that He was the promised one whom the Holy Books of the past had foretold. The Báb had a twofold purpose. His primary mission was to prepare the world for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Yet He also brought His own independent, distinctive religion, the Bábi Faith. In carrying out this mission He called for the spiritual and moral reformation of Persian society, as well as championed improved treatment of women and the poor. The Báb’s ministry lasted 6 years. On July 9, 1850 at 12:00 noon He was executed by firing squad. You can read more about the stunning events of this day here.

The Arlington Baha’i Community will commemorate the Martyrdom of The Báb on Wednesday, July 9, at Bon Air Park located at 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington, VA 22205. Bon Air Park is located off Wilson Blvd. heading west towards Seven corners. Everyone is welcome to join us in commemorating this Holy day. We will meet in the rose garden or the covered pavilion in the event of rain. We will begin with prayers at 11:00am. Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to just show up, but if you need a ride or have any questions please contact us.

Early in the morning of May 29, 1892, Bahá’u’lláh passed away in Bahji, just north of Acre in what is today Israel. Bahá’u’lláh was laid to rest on this same property, which now is the holiest place in the world for all Bahá’ís.

He was 74 years old and was still a prisoner of the Turkish government. He was exiled and imprisoned for His teachings of love and unity towards all mankind. In His own words He stated:

“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.”

In Israel hundreds will gather at 3:00am on May 29th at His burial site to commemorate the Anniversary of His passing. Elsewhere in the world Bahá’ís will also gather in the early hours of the morning to say prayers. If you are interested in joining us in Arlington please email the administrator.

On May 22, 1844 two hours after sunset, Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad announced that He was the bearer of a new Divine Revelation and the imminent appearance of the Promised One of all religions. Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad took the title “the Báb” which means “the Gate”. The Báb stated that His purpose was to prepare mankind for this next Divine Messenger who would usher in a time where peace and harmony would be established on earth and humankind will live in prosperity.

Bahá’u'lláh, one of the Báb’s leading advocates, announced in April 1863 that He was the Divine Messenger the Báb had promised. Today Bahá’ís all over the world celebrate the anniversary of the Báb declaration of His mission on the evening of May 22 and during the day of May 23. May 23 is one of the nine holy days Bahá’ís suspend work or school.

Here in Arlington, we will be commemorating this very important date with the Bahá’ís of Alexandria with a picnic potluck on Friday May 23rd at Fort Ward Park at 3:00pm. The park is located next to St. Stepehen’s & Agnes school which is located at 4401 W Braddock Road. You are invited to come and join us!

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has stated that it “is gravely concerned by the arrest of seven prominent leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran and appeals to the U.S. government and international community strongly to condemn this flagrant abuse of religious freedom” Click here to read the USCIRF press release

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has issued an alert about these arrests and is “calling upon members of the international community, the United Nations, and the European Union to protest these unjustified detentions” Click here to read the press release

The following is an article from the Baha’i World News Service on recent disturbing events that have transpired in Iran. Yesterday six Baha’i leaders were arrested in Iran, in a coordinated effort reminiscent of the deadly sweeps of 1980s in which hundreds of Baha’is were killed. For the entire article please … Continued

Bahá’ís in Arlington, Virginia, gathered together on April 20 to elect their local governing body.

The new members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Arlington are: Kit Bigelow, Nancy Clifton, Trey Clifton, Barbara Craig, John Craig, Alissa Emmel, Art McMahon, Ciara Rhodes and Baher Seioshansian.

For more information about Bahá’í elections please see this post.

As many individuals in the United States gear up for the November elections, Bahá’ís all over the world are preparing for a different kind of election. Every year on the 20th of April, Bahá’ís in every country elect their local governing bodies. These local governing bodies, called Local Spiritual Assemblies, are composed of nine adult members (age 21 and older) who reside in that locality. All Bahá’ís who vote are also eligible to be elected to serve on the Local Spiritual Assembly (LSA). Continued

Junior youth groups facilitated by trained youth “animators” help youth to develop their latent capabilities and contribute to meaningful service in the community. The groups engage in learning, socializing, arts, sports and service activities. Attention is given to enhancing their powers of expression, recognizing the moral issues underlying everyday decisions and the moral implications of their speech and actions, developing friendships, withstanding negative peer pressure, and building unity and enhancing global citizenship.

If you are interested in participating in a junior youth group your area, please contact us.

Study circles are regular gatherings of people who come together to read and discuss the Bahá’í Writings. The goal of the study circle is to develop knowledge and skills that can lead to spiritual transformation and service. Each study circles applies members’ insights from the Holy Word to service in their communities.

Study circles are open to anyone who wishes to participate. The pacing and schedule of each study circle are up to the participants. Facilitators help to guide the discussions.

If you wish to join a study circle in your area, please contact us.