Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada

A Great Success on Sunday Afternoon

AMPower January 20, 2008

Being Messengers of Peace

HALIFAX, NS - Approximately 300 people attended this years World Religion Day Celebrations despite the snowfall Saturday evening.

In thundering fasion Samba Nova opened the occaision with over a dozen drums and percussion instruments making their way to the front of St. Matthews's Church with thier unique Brazillian sound.

A diverse gathering of faiths participated this year with many new faces joining the celebration of religious unity, signifying the message of universal peace is reaching more and more people each year.

World Religion Day Celebrations in Halifax have always exhibited an ubundance of art; whether it is inerpretive dance, drama, sculpture or painting, not to mention the exquisite musical talents of the area. One unique trademark is having an artist in attendance interpret the day through their art form, and have a finished piece created by the end of the event. It is then showcased at the social portion concluding the celebration.
This year's artist was Sharon Hodgson. The image above is her rendered piece that is a figurative work that captures elements of each group that performed, and it was completed in 90 minutes.

Sharon was delighted to take part and had this to say about World Religion Day:

"It left me with a feeling that perhaps one day people could learn to see the commonalities between us all, rather than fixating too readily on the differences that might separate us.".


More details of the day's events will be posted as we hear more from those that attended. Please feel free to drop a line via the contact form or send one of your photos to have it included .





Halifax World Religion Day
Celebration Schedule

by AMPower 06 January 2008

2008 Halifax - Schedule

HALIFAX, NS - There are a number of activities surrounding this year's celebration. All activities will be at Saint Matthew's United Church (1479 Barrington St.)

On Saturday January 19th

Rehearsals from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
At the rehearsal, a seating plan will be developed and a plan for movement to and from the "stage"; the program will be reviewed; there will be housekeeping information; and there will be a rehearsal of the massed choir piece.

Social & Snacks from 2:00 - 2:30 PM
A time to Socialize after the rehearsal is planned with Snacks & Please feel free to offer a sampling of your favorite recipe or make a voluntary contribution.

WorkShop from 2:30 - 4:30 PM

The Artistic Expressions of Faith Workshop will be creating a new World Religion Day Banner and invite Children & Youth to participate (parents and the young at heart are encouraged and welcome to join in. It shall be an exciting artistic time to learn while having fun.
Craft Material such as: fabric, yarn, sparkles, ribbons, paint, fabric paint, markers, glue, etc... always enhance a project so, if anyone would like to bring along craft items from home the instructors would truly appreciate any extra supplies.

As the Day quickly approaches the organizers would appreciate now As Soon As Possible how many will be attending from you group. A reminder that chldren attending the workshop must be accompanied by a chaperone. If a large number register the workshop may be split into two groups.
Please Register Your Children Early.



In Case of Storm! Cancellation Message.

2008 Halifax - Storm Warning

If the weather prevents safe conditions to attend the World Religion Day Celebration Notices will be announced by mid-morning.

If the organizers decide to cancel the event notices will be placed immediately with:

  • local Radio Stations;
  • the Baha'i Line 902-425-8188
  • Halifax World Religion Day web site http://www.worldreligiondayhalifax.com/.
  • As well as the main page of this site: worldreligionday.ca

Should the rehearsal be cancelled, we will carry on with the celebration, doing what we can to prepare between 2 and 3 pm on Sunday.

Lets Pray for Good Weather



Fifth Annual Halifax Celebration
of World Religion Day

MEDIA RELEASE December 12, 2007

Children's Art for Unity

HALIFAX, NS - In January, members of diverse spiritual communities will come together for the fifth annual celebration of World Religion Day with a program of music, dance, prayers and readings from Sacred Writings.

The public is invited to attend the celebration which will be held at Saint Matthew's United Church,
1479 Barrington. St. at 3 pm, Sunday January 20th.

The event is sponsored by the Baha'i Community of Halifax RM and St. Matthew's United Church, and is supported by volunteers from the various spiritual communities. The public is invited to contribute cash or goods to Feed Nova Scotia and the St. Matthew's Sunday Morning Breakfast Program. A reception will follow the program.

Participants this year include the Mi'Kmaq Kitpu Youth Group; choirs from Sacred Heart, the Halifax Shambhala Community and the Universalist Unitarian Church and representatives from Saint Matthew's United and the Zoroastrian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Baha'i, Brahma Kumaris and Muslim communities. The program will conclude with all participants singing together as a massed choir. Supporting the program will be an opening fanfare by Samba Nova and accompanists that include Dr. Henry Bishop and Pam Mason.

Art is an integral part of the celebration. Potter Mary Jane Lundy and painter Sharon Hodgson will create works of art during the celebration and on Saturday January 19th, there will be a workshop at 3:00 pm, Artistic Expression of Spirituality, where participants will be invited to create artwork depicting their expression of the unity of religions. The artwork will be displayed at the reception.

World Religion Day (www.worldreligionday.org) was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly, the governing Body of the Baha'i Faith in the United States of America and has been celebrated throughout the world ever since. During that time, World Religion Day has earned considerable praise from leaders of spiritual communities, government officials, and the general public for fostering of interfaith harmony and understanding.

For more information please contact:



  • World Religion Day Celebration 2008
  • Saint Matthew's United Church
  • 1479 Barrington. St. [map]
  • Halifax, NS
  • 3:00 PM

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