Arlington Baha’i Activities

Arlington Baha’is Sing for Unity

“We, verily, have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high” ~ Bahá’u’lláh

Three Arlington Bahá’í sing with the Metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Chorale, a group of amateur singers whose youngest and eldest members are separated by more than 70 years of age difference yet united by their love for uplifting songs about peace and unity.

Arlington Baha'is Sing with the Metropolitan Washington Baha'i Chorale

Arlington Baha’is Sing with the Metropolitan Washington Baha’i Chorale

The Metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Chorale is committed to promoting the oneness of religion and unity of mankind. Dorie Arbach has been serving as its Director since 2004. Former Director, Van Gilmer, is now the Director of Music at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois and the Director of the Annual Bahá’í Chorale Festival held there each May. Music sang by the Chorale is based upon Bahá’í Writings but includes also a variety of songs that promotes unity and worship of the Creator.

Founded in the 1970s, the Metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Chorale has performed at interfaith events throughout the Washington area, in Ontario, Canada, and at Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, IL. Some of the Chorale’s recent performances, ranging from intimate venues to 2000-strong audiences include:

The chorale generally rehearses every Sunday at the Washington Bahá’í Center from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

You are cordially invited to the Chorale’s next concert, concluding its 2014/2015 season on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 11:00 am, to be held at the Washington DC Bahá’í Center at 5713 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20011.

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

As Baha’is around the world prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, the Baha’is of Arlington County are getting ready for a celebration which will include a potluck dinner, live music, puppet theater, and a devotional program. The celebration will take place at 6 pm on Monday, November 11th, 2013  at the historic Carlin Hall at 5711 4th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 and is open to all.

Arlington Baha'is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah

Arlington Baha’is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Baha’u’llah – a title that means The Glory of God – was born Mirza Husayn Ali in 1817 in Tehran, Persia.  His son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, said:

“The Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, belonged to the nobility of Persia.  From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His relatives and friends. They said, “This child has extraordinary power.” In wisdom, intelligence and as a source of new knowledge, He was advanced beyond His age and superior to His surroundings.  All who knew Him were astonished at His precocity.”
~‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace

In one His tablets addressing the rulers of the world, Baha’u’llah recounts a story from His childhood in which seeing a puppet show of a grand display of the might and power of the ruling elite made Him reflect on the insignificance of earthly power and might.

Baha’u’llah eschewed a life of privilege, instead dedicating all His efforts to guiding humanity towards the establishment of a spiritual civilization and universal peace. In this — the goal of the Baha’i Faith — the arts have an essential and fascinating role to play. Bahá’ís believe the arts are not at the periphery of our existence but rather are at the very heart of it.

May we all, through community building and the use of the arts celebrate this Holy Day in exaltation!

“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh

Artful Expressions of Faith from Bahai.us on Vimeo.

Arlington Prayer Meeting for the wrongfully imprisoned Iranian Baha’is

“O Lord!  These souls have tasted bitter agony in this earthly life and have, as a sign of their love for the shining beauty of Thy countenance and in their eagerness to attain Thy celestial kingdom, tolerated every gross indignity that the people of tyranny have inflicted upon them.”
~ Baha’u’llah

To mark the five year anniversary of the wrongful imprisonment of the seven Iranian Baha’i leaders, the Baha’i International Community is launching a campaign to call for their immediate release – and to draw attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran.

Five Years Too Many

“On 14 May, the seven innocent Baha’i leaders will have been behind bars for five full years, unjustly imprisoned solely because of their religious beliefs,” said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations.

“We are asking people of good will around the world to raise their voices in an effort to win their freedom and the freedom of other innocent prisoners of conscience in Iran,” she said.

The campaign will run from 5 May through 15 May, under the title “Five Years Too Many.” Around the world, Baha’i communities and other groups are planning public events that focus on the plight of the seven, who face 15 more years in prison, and whose 20-year sentences are the longest of any current prisoners of conscience in Iran.

On Sunday, May 12th, 2013, the Arlington Baha’i community will host an interfaith prayer meeting in support of the 7 wrongly imprisoned Baha’i leaders in the cradle of the Baha’i Faith. The Prayer Station is open to anyone to wishes to raise their voice for the voiceless and pray for the speedy delivery of the Yaran. Please contact the host if you would like to participate and need directions.

 

 

Arlington Mormons Host Interfaith Evening of Sharing with Arlington Baha’is

A wonderful evening on Monday of sharing friendship and views on faith and unity with a terrific group of Mormons at the LDS church in Arlington and members of the Arlington Baha’i community.

LDS_Bahai-2The wonderful hospitality of the youth congregation of the Latter Day Saints church in Arlington created such a warm environment where we had a chance to talk about the history of the Baha’i Faith, its teachings and the way we strive to live Baha’i life. The questions our generous hosts raised were sincere, friendly and truly thought-provoking.  And, we Baha’is learned that we share so many important values with Mormons. It was a great night of interfaith dialogue and true friendship!