Rekindling The Covenant of Agape (Part 5)

As Narrated by: Sis. Ananaiah (Azel Borja)

The Fifth Step in Rekindling the Covenant of Agape with the theme “Ang Pito ay Isa” (Seven is One) was held at Cabuyao Reception Hall, Lucena City, Quezon Province, last October 20, 2019.

Leaded by the Seven Bishops and the Seven Mahanaims as this year’s representatives of the Seven Church Councils, the brethren from different parts of Quezon Province (San Narciso, Atimoan, Lopez, Mulanay, Lucena City & Daet, Bicol), marked the Fifth Step in preparation to The Most Holy Church’s 23^rd Anniversary of The Covenant of Agape.

With that, the ceremony commenced at exactly seven in the morning with an opening remark from the Program Emcee.

Here are some highlights of the event:

Brother Uriel (Rodolfo Gatbonton), Program Emcee, giving the opening remarks.

The brethren from Sakop Nabi, Pastulan Fete, singing the “Song of Praises”.

Bishop Regem (Ephraim Valerio) reading the Verses of the Covenant of Agape.

Bishop Sear-Jasub (Eranio Pascual) leading the Opening Prayer.

Bishop Shomer (Gelacio Bunag) presiding the Thanksgiving & Supplication.

Manna Choir from Pastulan Alleluia (Marikina City, North Caloocan, Rizal Province), singing the hymn titled *“Ang Pito ay Isa”* (Seven is One).

Elder Benhanan introducing the Seven Representatives (7 Mahanaims).

The Seven Representatives doing the Fifth Step ritual.

The Seven Bishops rose the Seven Mahanaims from their prostration.

The Seven Mahanaims as they read the fifth phrase of the Covenant of Agape: *“Sakdal na Kaisahan, Kasakdalan ng Kagandahan. Ang Pito ay Isa, Magpakailanman!*” (Perfect Unity, Perfection of Beauty. Seven is One, Forever!)
From Left: Bro. Ozni (Edgar Matias), Bro. Ezra (Justino Villaluna), Bro. Ariel (Ariel Litana), Bro. Aristabulus (Renato Benedicto), Bro. Obed (Ramon Parcarey), Bro. Joshua (Wilson Villanca), Bro. (Rehum Remigio Tolentino)

Pastulan Alleluia Manna Choir, performing a song titled *“Pagtatapat sa Tipan ng Kasaganaan”* (Keeping The Covenant of Prosperity).

Bishop Cristiano (Julito Belisario) delivering the sermon *“Ang Pito ay Isa: Ang Hakbang ng Kaisahan”* (Seven is One: The Step of Unity)

Bishop Cristiano reminded the brethren of their principal mission which is to have and to hold one hope, one faith, and one love (agape). The brethren should let these three to rule over one another in order for the Church to succeed.

He warned that without the other, one cannot perform well and cannot finish his journey alone as we are of one body only. Partiality or division will only slow us down and will cause our defeat. Thus, we should be united in spirit, be completely humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called (Ephesians 4:2-4).

Pastulan Alleluia Manna Choir in their performance titled *“Tiyak Magtatagumpay”* (Will Surely Succeed).

The Ritual of the Seven is One

The Seven Bishops and the Seven Mahanaims declared their oath and took their part to the Covenant of Agape as they sip from the Chalice of Unity that represents their life and journey.

They solemnly promise to dedicate their life to the Church and to the congregation as they do their ministry and sacrifice themselves for brethren’s sake.

The Seven Bishops serenading the brethren with their song titled “Basta Kapatid, Kaibigan” (Your Brother, Your Friend).

The brethren from Sakop Nabi, Pastulan Fete.

Bro. Joshua (Wilson Villanca), leading the Closing Prayer.

Bishop Zurishaddai (Benjamin Carlos) giving the benediction.

Simultaneous with this event, the congregation of the Most Holy Church in different places here in the Philippines and brethren abroad, held worship services to observe the Fifth Step in Rekindling the Covenant of Agape. The Church Administration is strictly reminding everyone to remain united in one faith with our united efforts as proof so that the world may know the true God – the Lord Christ Jesus, and that He is in our midst. This way, we can be God’s good disciples by encouraging all nations to become one with us in the Most Holy Church of God in Christ Jesus.

Hence, the Sixth Step in Rekindling the Covenant of Agape will be held on October 27 at Angeles City, Pampanga.

#IsangDaanSaIsangDaan