Anisa Samimi reads a prayer at the 2006 Universal Children’s Day service at the Baha’i House of Worship
A unique service conducted entirely by children was held at the Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney on Sunday 28 October to celebrate Universal Children’s Day.
The House of Worship, which crowns a bushclad hilltop near the northern beachside suburb of Mona Vale, is a Sydney landmark.
“Children’s Day has become one of our biggest days of the year and the House of Worship was filled to capacity with more than 800 people attending,” said Natalie Mobini, spokesperson for the Australian Baha’i Community.
“The Children’s Day service is unique because it is conducted entirely by children,” Dr Mobini said.
“Children give all of the readings and sing in a special children’s choir,” she said.
“Every year we are amazed by the capacity of the children. This service had a particular vibrancy and warmth as a result of their involvement.”
Following the service, families enjoyed refreshments and free children’s activities including face painting, crafts and entertainment.
The theme for the Children’s Day service this year was “The attributes of world citizens.” This reflected the Baha’i belief that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
Banners illustrating the theme, made by children attending Baha’i education classes throughout Sydney, festooned the Temple grounds.
“Some of the children in the classes are members of Baha’i families and some are not,” Dr Mobini said.
“They all love to be involved in conducting the service and decorating the grounds.”