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The EU and Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement enters into force

By
European Commission
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EU and Armenia: On 1 March 2021, the European Union-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will enter into force. It has now been ratified by the Republic of Armenia, all EU Member States and the European Parliament. This represents an important milestone for EU-Armenia relations.

This Agreement provides a framework for the EU and Armenia to work together in a wide range of areas: strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights; creating more jobs and business opportunities, improving legislation, public safety, a cleaner environment, as well as better education and opportunities for research. This bilateral agenda also contributes to overall aim of the EU to deepen and strengthen its relations with the countries of its Eastern neighbourhood through the Eastern Partnership framework.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, said: “The entry into force of our Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement comes at a moment when Armenia faces significant challenges. It sends a strong signal that the EU and Armenia are committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, as well as to a wider reform agenda. Across political, economic, trade, and other sectoral areas, our Agreement aims to bring positive change to people’s lives, to overcome challenges to Armenia’s reforms agenda.”

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, underlined that: “While these are trying times for Armenia, the European Union continues to stand by the Armenian people. The entry into force of the bilateral EU-Armenia agreement on 1 March will allow us to strengthen our work on the economy, connectivity, digitalisation and the green transformation as priority areas. These will have concrete benefits for the people and are key for socio-economic recovery and the longer-term resilience of the country. In the current turbulent days, maintaining calm and respect for democracy and constitutional order are key.”

The Agreement was signed in November 2017 and substantial parts of have been provisionally applied since 1 June 2018. Since then, the breadth and depth of the bilateral cooperation between Armenia and the European Union have advanced steadily. At the 3rd EU-Armenia Partnership Council held on 17 December 2020, the European Union and Armenia reiterated their full commitment to implementing the CEPA.

The Agreement plays an important role for the modernisation of Armenia, in particular through legislative approximation to EU norms in many sectors. This includes reforms in the rule of law and respect of human rights, particularly an independent, efficient and accountable justice system, as well as reforms aimed at enhancing the responsiveness and effectiveness of public institutions and at favouring the conditions for sustainable and inclusive development.

From the entry into force of the Agreement on 1 March, cooperation will be strengthened in those areas which to date were not subject to the provisional application of the Agreement. The European Union stands ready and looks forward to working even more closely with Armenia on the full and effective implementation of the Agreement, in our mutual interest and to the benefit of our societies and citizens.

For More Information

EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement text

EU Delegation to Armenia website

EU-Armenia relations factsheet

EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement factsheet

European Council extends mandate of special representative for South Caucasus

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Newsdesk
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European Council extends mandate of special representative for South Caucasus

By Trend


The European Council has extended the mandates of six EU special representatives (EUSRs), Trend reports citing the Council.


This incudes Toivo Klaar who has had his mandate as the EUSR for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia extended for a further 12 months, until 28 February 2022. Mr Klaar was first appointed in November 2017.


EU special representatives promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries, as well as on issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996.


Currently, nine EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.


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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz  

EU Ambassador Visits the Press Union of Liberia Leadership – Promises Full cooperation

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Newsdesk
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EU Ambassador Visits PUL Leadership – Promises Full cooperation
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Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Laurent Delahousse with PUL Executives

The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Laurent Delahousse Thursday paid a courtesy visit on the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) in Monrovia.

The visit is part of series of acquittance meetings the ambassador has embarked on to various media institutions in Liberia.

Ambassador DelaHouse held a fruitful discussion with the leadership of the Union was focused on supporting efforts of the PUL in fostering press freedom,  describing the Union as the heart and voice of Journalists in Liberia.

He  expressed appreciation for the balance position of the Press Union of Liberia in handling issues involving the media.

The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Liberia  also stressed the importance of adherence to ethical standards in the practice of journalism in Liberia.

Speaking further on matters of free speech and freedom of the press, Ambassador DelaHouse described the situation in Liberia as being better than other countries on the continent despite other challenges being experienced by the Media.

In remarks, The President of the Press Union of Liberia Charles B.Coffey Jr. lauded the European Union for its continued support to the growth and development of the Liberian media.

Mr. Coffey indicated that the  EU recently founded media forums and trainings for journalists during the just ended special Senatorial election helped a lot in stabilizing  Liberia.

The  PUL President also outlined several areas that the Union needs  support including transitional justice , Civil education on the decriminalized free laws speech, the extractive industry sector particularly forest governance, the establishment National Media Commission and the training of Journalists among others.

Foundation laid for House of Worship in DRC as Kenya temple nears completion

By
BWNS
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Foundation laid for House of Worship in DRC as Kenya temple nears completion | BWNS

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic Of The Congo — Recent weeks have seen steady progress in the construction of the two Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Africa.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, just eight weeks after the excavation for the foundations of the House of Worship were completed, the reinforced concrete slab that will form the floor of the central edifice has been finished. Work on additional buildings on the site is steadily advancing.

Meanwhile, over 3,000 kilometers away, the local House of Worship in Matunda Soy, Kenya, is entering the final stages of construction. The exterior of the temple is nearly complete, as are auxiliary structures on the grounds. Residents of the area are assisting to prepare the gardens around the temple, carrying out tasks with reverence as they regularly gather on the grounds for prayers.

The progress in the construction of both temples over the past few months is explored in the selection of images below.

A moisture barrier is laid across the entire floor area of the temple in preparation for building the reinforced concrete floor slab. Encircling the foundations, earthworks are being prepared for the ground immediately outside the central area.

The staff who have been working on the construction of the temple gathered Thursday on the newly completed floor slab to mark this key milestone in the project.

A visitors’ center is being built near the entrance to the site of the House of Worship in Kinshasa.

Foundations for the visitors’ center have been built around trees already present on the site, preserving them to beautify the courtyard.

Floor slabs for the visitors’ center are now being poured.

Elsewhere on the site, several existing buildings are being renovated. One building, pictured here, is being used as a construction office. In the future, these buildings will be used as educational facilities and as offices for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the exterior of the local Bahá’í House of Worship in Matunda Soy, Kenya, nears completion, the elegant form of the temple’s design is becoming visible. The design is inspired by huts that are traditional to the region. Exposed roof beams highlight the nine sides of the edifice.

Skylights have been installed on all nine sides of the roof of the temple, and roof tiles are being placed, creating a diamond motif familiar to Kenyan culture.

The interior and exterior of the temple’s nine doorways are being decorated with wood and paster. The latticework around each door is being prepared at a workshop in the Matunda Soy area and is made from mvule, a wood native to eastern Africa.

Construction of the reception center and other facilities on the site are nearly complete, and they will soon be prepared to welcome visitors to the temple site.

The main gate to the temple grounds nears completion.

Local residents have played an important role in assisting with various tasks on the site, including with preparations for gardens that will surround the temple.

The residents of Matunda Soy, a farming community with generations of experience tending the land, have taken to the task of beautifying and maintaining the temple grounds with enthusiasm.

‘Was it Worth it?’: Hungary Chides EU For Intransigence That Led to Brexit

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Newsdesk
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'Was it Worth it?': Hungary Chides EU For Intransigence That Led to Brexit

European elites that mourn the loss of Britain — and the nation’s significant financial contributions — from the bloc have themselves to blame, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban has said in a wide-ranging interview with the German press.

While the British people voted to leave the European Union, it was the Eurocrats in Brussels steering the project whose choices had left the British feeling they had no choice but to go their own way, Orban said. Responding to a question by a journalist from German magazine FOCUS, asking him to elaborate on historic comments he made saying that Brexit could have been avoided, the Hungarian Prime Minister was clear that while the European Union could probably get away with pushing around less powerful nations, a leading state like the UK would inevitably decide to do something about it.

“You can’t behave like that with one of the world’s largest economies, a nuclear power and a member of the Security Council”, Prime Minister Orban said. Given the United Kingdom did vote to leave the European Union in 2016 and finally completed its withdrawal in 2021, taking with it the £11 billion net the country sent to Brussels annually, the Hungarian leader asked sardonically of Brussels: “Was it worth it?”

One of the examples cited by Orban was when the European Union served its own narrow ends rather than trying to build bridges with London was the selection of Jean Claude-Juncker as European Commissioner in 2014. This move was in the face of extremely strong protests from London, which partnered with Budapest to oppose the move.

This was more than a simple clash of personalities — then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron knew Juncker was a strongly pro-Eurofederalism candidate, a direction for Europe that was very unpopular among British voters. He also feared — rightly — Juncker would block positive reform of the bloc during a time where Cameron needed the EU to look as good as possible to the British people.

Both suspicions came to pass. Indeed, David Cameron’s last-ditch attempt to get serious reform of the UK’s relationship with the EU in 2016 to take back to the British people as evidence they could safely vote to stay in the bloc in that year’s referendum was broadly interpreted to have been a failure. The EU — led by Juncker — showed at that time it both was not interested in meaningful change, and clearly believed the British would not vote to leave anyway.

While Hungary believed the EU was disadvantaged by Britain leaving the bloc — Hungary is a beneficiary of European cash, which the UK helped pay for, the UK is a net contributor to global security, and London was a top freedom of movement destination — the Hungarian government has always taken the view that it was a matter for the British alone, and that it would be an advantage for the British to be free. Nevertheless, although the Hungarian government isn’t agitating to leave the EU, it wants to see the bloc move in the destination once envisioned by Britain’s leadership — less centralised, controlling, and bureaucratic.

Asked about the European Union’s — failed — approach to acquiring coronavirus vaccines by FOCUS, Mr Orban made clear that the centralised approach had failed. While the journalist asked: “Brussels has sent the following message: ‘Look, we’re stronger together than as individual Member States.’ In other words, Europe functions as a united, centralised state. Are you convinced by this strategy?”, the Hungarian Prime Minister replied:

No. The value of any strategy lies in how successful it is. In those areas in which joint action brings about success, we must take joint action; wherever a national path brings about success, that is the one which must be pursued. We’ve sought to do something together that we could have managed more successfully on an individual basis – take a look at the examples of Britain or Serbia.

Orban was also quizzed more broadly on Europe’s economic development. There, he made clear again that Europe’s centralising mission — which beyond a centralized currency and bank, is now drifting towards central Brussels-set budgets as well — was failing and leaving a two-speed Europe. This was down to a differential in culture, Orban explained, retreading his oft-repeated refrain that central Europe’s occupation by Soviet communism in living memory inoculated voters in those countries against the seduction of socialism in a way that Western Europe could not understand.

This, the Hungarian leader said, left Western Europe vulnerable. He told FOCUS:

Here, in Central Europe, things are going well. All our economic indicators are excellent, and our national budget is as it should be. Our work-oriented policies have helped us towards almost reaching full employment, and we’re also making good progress in the sphere of digitalisation. In the West there are too many economic policies reminiscent of socialism, with tax increases, complicated regulations, and measures disadvantaging capital and enterprise. The EU should do far more to promote improved competitiveness; but regrettably its share of global economic production is declining, and we find this alarming.

As Breitbart London already reported, Mr Orban did not limit his condemnation of the EU to these matters. His most searing criticism was withheld for Brussels’ handling of the Europe Migrant Crisis, which he said had turned the Mediterranean sea into a cemetery of migrant bodies — people who didn’t have to die but who were lured into great danger by callous people smugglers trading off Europe’s weakness.

Read more at Breitbart London. 

EU Orders Envoy to Cuba Back in Brussels Over Controversial Letter to US President Biden

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Newsdesk
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EU Orders Envoy to Cuba Back in Brussels Over Controversial Letter to US President Biden

This past Wednesday, a group of 16 members of the European Parliament (MEP) sent a letter to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell asking him to fire Navarro. The main reason they cited was him signing the letter, which, among other things, urged Biden to personally ensure the lift of Cuba sanctions.

“We have received [the MEPs] letter and have requested the ambassador to come to Brussels to provide explanations [to Borrell]. In the meantime, we have asked him to provide a note detailing the matter,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The spokesperson did not specify if Borrell was considering to fire the ambassador, but the very fact fact of summoning him to Brussels amounts to a severe reprimand.

As noted in the report, Borrell himself criticized the US embargo on Cuba earlier this month during a press conference in Moscow, but the EU lawmakers were nonetheless surprised by Navarro’s seemingly independent initiative to sign a letter of demands addressed to “a government of a third country, a friend and ally of the EU, to which he is not accredited.”

Other than Navarro, the letter was reportedly mostly signed by Cuban officials and citizens.

Bay Area mother writes ‘My Brown Skin’ children’s book, putting Black boys in spotlight

By
Julian Glover
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Bay Area mother writes 'My Brown Skin' children's book, putting Black boys in spotlight
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — When a new mom in the East Bay couldn’t find children’s books in stores that featured Black boys on the cover, she picked up her pen and changed that. Now, her debut work, “My Brown Skin” has lead to a line of books, a feature on Netflix, and representation for young Black boys everywhere.Thomishia Booker, the CEO and Owner of Hey Carter! Incorporated, started writing her first book in 2016 called “My Brown Skin.”

She said her goal was then, and still is now, depicting and amplifying Black joy — especially for young Black boys.”We live in a world where little Black boys grow up to be feared as men because of the color of their skin. I wanted to change those narratives,” said Booker.

RELATED: MLK Papers Project uncovers how Martin became King with rare, unpublished documents

The company and line of books called “Hey Carter! Children’s Book Series” is named after her son Carter.

“When I laid eyes on him, it was really a love letter to him and other boys that look just like him–other Black boys,” said Booker.

Booker, eager to get her work to the masses, self-published her line of books.

She spoke with ABC7 News Race & Culture Reporter Julian Glover.

RELATED: Oakland street renamed after Black Panther Party co-founder Dr. Huey Newton

Glover: What were you seeing in other children’s books with Black kids as the protagonist that really wasn’t satisfying to you, and you thought, I gotta do something different?

Booker: I do remember walking into stores and not being able to find books with Black boys on the front. Simply, they were missing from the shelves and it was a problem for me. You could find books with Black girls on the front, but Black boys were just missing. And if there were books, they were not written by Black authors so our stories weren’t told from the perspective of Black joy, which is what we have an abundance. Usually when there was a Black male protagonist, they were in a negative light, they were the bad child or bad character in the book, they weren’t doing positive things. And mainly, they weren’t leading, they were not on the cover. They were not shining bright in all of their their Black joy and melanated skin, they were just missing.Glover: How did you start this process? I can only imagine how daunting of a task it might be to start with an idea and for it to blossom into a line of children’s books.

Booker: During the time that I was pregnant, it was a very difficult time for me emotionally just thinking about what it meant to be a new mom, so many unknowns. I turned to writing as a positive outlet to just express myself. During that time, when I found out I was having a boy, I was scared, I thought about what it would mean to bring a Black son into the world. I started to write the first book, which is “My Brown Skin,” which is all about appreciating the things that we love about the color of brown. And building that positive association with that color brown. You know, many children don’t even pull out brown as their favorite color from the Crayon box, and they associate brown with a lot of negative things. But there’s so much to love about our melanated skin and so much to love about the color brown.

RELATED: National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman working with SF organization to inspire next wave of writers

Booker currently works in healthcare management, but said her work as a 0-5 therapist, expertise in early childhood mental health, and her doctoral work on colorism and skin color bias with African American women were all seeds planted along the way that lead to her successful line of books.

Glover: What is Black joy, What is Black boy joy to you?

Booker: Black joy is just who we are. It’s the shining light that we have. It’s the voice within you that is loud and proud and knows who they are. It’s the confidence. It’s the beautiful part of our history. The reason I use brown instead of black is because children can be very literal. You know, if you tell a Black child, you know, you’re you’re Black, it’s more of an identity that comes a little bit down the line, but the skin is brown. So “Brown Boy Joy” is about that positive self image about having brown skin and being happy about that. And the goodness that is inside of brown boys, which is inside of every brown boy. And lastly, you have “King For a Day” which is a fun bedtime story, because all of our books don’t have to be about our issues or our trauma or things that we’re working through. We deserve simple stories as well. “King For a Day” is filled with affirmations.

Booker is passionate about diversity and inclusion in children’s entertainment. Netflix discovered that passion and selected “Brown Boy Joy” to be featured in the Netflix children’s program “Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.”

The program highlights Black celebrities and artists reading children’s books by Black authors to speak meaningful conversations about empathy, equality, justice, self-love, and anti-racism.

RELATED: Cast of Freeform’s ‘Grown-ish’ discusses new season, tackling social justice

It has been nominated for a NAACP Images Award for Outstanding Children’s Programming.

Glover: What have been some of the responses from the folks who found your work?

Booker: Especially in “Brown Boy Joy,” the thing I hear the most is ‘my son was able to find himself’. On the cover of “Brown Boy Joy,” you will see brown boys in a vast array you will see the whole spectrum of different skin tones and joy illuminating in variety. Parents will say their children are pointing to a boy and say ‘that’s me!’

Glover: What would you say to a young Black child who hasn’t quite found your books yet and hasn’t found their place in the world, what would you say to them?

Booker: It wouldn’t be something I would say to them, it would be something I would ask them to do. I’d ask them to go to the mirror they can find, look themselves in the face, and repeat this: I am amazing. “I am a Brown Boy. I can do anything.” And just continue to repeat those affirmations. I think our joy is inside our hearts. It’s inside who we are. And sometimes it just takes a little reminder. But sometimes that needs to come from within.

For more information about Booker’s books and how to purchase them, click here.

Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Religion events in the San Fernando Valley area, Feb. 27-March 6

By
Holly Andres
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Religion events in the San Fernando Valley area, Feb. 27-March 6

Here is a sampling of upcoming services and events that are online, and some in-person, in the San Fernando Valley area.

Services with Temple Beth Hillel: Havdalah online, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 (click on the Facebook link from here: (bit.ly/3bF4irk). A  Shabbat service, 7 p.m. March 5 (bit.ly/3aQHHsF). The Reform Jewish temple is in Valley Village. tbhla.org

Reseda Church of Christ’s Sunday service: Online, 8 a.m. Feb. 28. The senior minister is the Rev. Dewayne Winrow. www.facebook.com/ResedaChurch; resedachurch.com

What Is in Your Hand? – 45th Anniversary of West Valley Christian Church: The Rev. Rob Denton delivers the message, 9 a.m. Feb. 28 (outdoors on the lawn; bring your own blanket or chair, shade umbrella, wear a mask and practice social distancing). Readings: Exodus 3:1-6, Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Samuel 17:26-28 and 32-37. Also, an indoor and online service, 10:30 a.m. (link on the website). West Valley Christian Church, 22450 Sherman Way, West Hills. 818-884-6480. www.wvcch.org; www.facebook.com/westvalley.christianchurch

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church: Two services on Feb. 28: An outdoor, traditional service in the Serenity Garden, 9 a.m. (must make a phone reservation by noon Feb. 27 to attend; see website for rules to follow; bring your own Bible), and a contemporary and live stream service, 11:30 a.m. (register by phone for this service; click on the link found here: bit.ly/2Z5fhnF). 8520 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka. 818-341-3460. Facebook: bit.ly/2FhJvy1. www.our-redeemer.org

Rejoice in Suffering: Pastor Timothy Jenks explains the message, based on Genesis 17; Mark 8:27-38 and Romans 5:1-11, at the 9:30 a.m. Feb. 28 indoor service (masks and social distancing required). The sermon is available on the church’s Facebook (bit.ly/33bLo8k) or here www.cplchurch.org/worship-videos-2. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. www.cplchurch.org

Second Sunday in Lent with St. Luke Lutheran Church: The Rev. Janet Hansted delivers the message, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 28. Musical prelude, 9:25 a.m. Watch here on Facebook: bit.ly/3lJkVX4. St. Luke Lutheran Church is in Woodland Hills. Voice mail, 818-346-3070. Email: [email protected]. www.stlukelutheran.com

Seventy-Seven Times: The Rev. Joseph Choi explains the message, based on Matthew 18:21-35, 10 a.m. (in English) and 11:30 a.m. (in Korean) on Feb. 28. Watch here: youtube.com/numcvideo. The church’s February’s newsletter: bit.ly/39KZyks. 818-886-1555. Facebook: www.facebook.com/northridgeumc. www.northridgeumc.org

Give Up Worry for Lent: The Rev. Bill Freeman, of B Free Ministry, delivers the message, 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Find the Zoom link on the website. 616-796-5598. billfreeman.org

Second Sunday in Lent with Prince of Peace Episcopal Church: Watch the service on the church’s YouTube, 10 a.m. Feb. 28 (also available to watch later). The service bulletin and hymn page are available in advance on the website. The church is in Woodland Hills. Email: [email protected]. www.popwh.org

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles: Sunday Masses are live streamed, 10 a.m. (in English) and noon (Spanish) from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels: lacatholics.org/mass-for-the-homebound. The daily Masses are live streamed from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, 8 a.m. (in English). For local parishes that live stream Mass: lacatholics.org/parish-livestreams. Facebook: www.facebook.com/lacatholics. For more information: lacatholics.org

Sunday with Woodland Hills Community Church (United Church of Christ): The Rev. Craig Peterson delivers the message, 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Piano prelude, 9:45 a.m. Watch the service from the church’s Facebook here: www.facebook.com/whccucc. Voice mail, 818-346-0820. Email: [email protected]. www.woodlandhillscommunitychurch.org

Choose Your Cross – Second Sunday in Lent: The Rev. Steve Peralta delivers the message, based on Mark 8:31-38, from a sermon series “The Choices of Lent,” at the 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 online service. North Hollywood United Methodist Church. 818-763-8231. Email: [email protected]. Facebook: bit.ly/2BPcdo4. nohofumc.org

Journey to Freedom: The Rev. Michael McMorrow explains the message, based on the center’s February theme “One Journey, Many Paths,” 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 (bit.ly/3riDsLZ). In addition, McMorrow gives a “Mid-Day Reset,” at noon Monday-Friday on the center’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/csl.granadahills). Center for Spiritual Living-Granada Hills. 818-363-8136. Click on the link to watch the service here: www.youtube.com/user/CSLGranadaHills. https://www.cslgh.org

Non Profit: The Rev. Beth Bingham explains the message, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28. Also, “10@10,” a devotional and prayer with either the Rev. Beth Bingham or associate minister the Rev. Curtis Peek, 10 a.m. Monday-Friday on the church’s Facebook. Congregational Church of the Chimes is in Sherman Oaks. Watch the service here: www.facebook.com/churchofchimes. Email: [email protected]. churchofthechimes.org

Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful You: The Rev. Stephen Rambo chats with Eugene Holden, a Centers for Spiritual Living licensed spiritual practitioner, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 (click to watch here: bit.ly/2MlDrYL). Center for Spiritual Living-Simi Valley. 805-527-0870. www.facebook.com/cslsimi; www.cslsimi.org

I Am Radiant with Health: The Rev. Greg Dorst gives his thoughts on the center’s February theme, 11 a.m. Feb. 28. Watch the service on Zoom here: bit.ly/2XuhaL9 and use ID: 3148040257. Unity Burbank – Center for Spiritual Awareness’s Facebook here: www.facebook.com/unityburbank. Sign up for the center’s “Words of Light” newsletter here: unityburbank.org

Lenten Worship Service at Canoga Park Lutheran Church: The Rev. Timothy Jenks delivers the message “Sleepy Eyes,” based on a series about fixing one’s eyes on Jesus, 6:30 p.m. March 3. The Lenten services run on Wednesdays through March 24. Masks and social distancing required. 7357 Jordan Ave. The message will also be available on the church’s Facebook  (bit.ly/33bLo8k) and website www.cplchurch.org

Shabbat with Shomrei Torah Synagogue: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6-7:15 p.m. March 5 and a traditional Shabbat morning service, 10 a.m.-noon March 6 (www.stsonline.org/calendar). The Conservative Jewish congregation is in West Hills. Voice mail, 818-854-7650. www.stsonline.org

Shabbat with Temple Ramat Zion: Evening service, 6 p.m. March 5, and the morning service, 9 a.m. March 6. The Conservative Jewish congregation is in Northridge. Voice mail, 818-360-1881. Watch on the YouTube link from the website. www.trz.org

Shabbat with Temple Judea: Use the Facebook link to watch the service, 6:15 p.m. March 5. The Reform Jewish congregation is in Tarzana. 818-758-3800. Email: [email protected]. The temple’s Facebook: bit.ly/3fEI0G5. templejudea.com

Shabbat with Valley Beth Israel: Rabbi-Cantor Mark S. Goodman leads the evening service, 7 p.m. March 5, and the morning service, 9:30 a.m. March 6. Watch on Facebook: bit.ly/3gTUZ8o. The independent Jewish congregation is in Sun Valley. Email: [email protected]. myvbi.net/home

Send information at least two weeks ahead. [email protected]. 818-713-3708.

Buddhist Times News – State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year

By
Shyamal Sinha
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0
Buddhist Times News – State Vesak festival to be held in Jaffna this year

By  — Shyamal Sinha

The State Vesak festival is to be held in Jaffna this year, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has given instructions to focus on the North and East during Vesak this year.

Accordingly, it has been decided to hold the State Vesak festival at the Nagadeepa Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Jaffna.

The Prime Minister’s Office said that 65 temples in the North and East and 35 Buddhist Sunday schools in the North and East will be involved in the State festival.

The State festival will also see the participation of other religions, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The Hindu, Christian and Muslim affairs departments operating under the Prime Minister will be involved in organising the event.

Last year the Government had decided to cancel the State Vesak festival in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vesak is celebrated once a year. This year, it falls on Thursday 7th May.

The date of Vesak changes each year as it take places at the time of the first full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May or early June.

Each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day, but it is celebrated in lots of different countries, including many across Asia such as: India, Thailand, and North and South Korea.

Many Buddhists will go to their local temple and some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the full moon.

Many will do good deeds, take part in chanting and meditation, reflect on Buddhist teachings, bring offerings to the temple and share food with people.

It’s believed that after six years of studying and meditation on his travels, he became spiritually aware and reached his goal of finding meaning in life. This is called enlightenment.

At this time, he became the Buddha and for the rest of his life he taught his followers of his experiences.

Buddha is a title, rather than a name, which means the enlightened or awakened one.

Instead the Buddhist community had been requested to observe Amisa-puja and Patipatti-puja only in the premises of their homes.

The public had also been requested not to involve anyone outside of the family for their religious activities at home.

source – colombogazette

Religion briefs, Feb. 27, 2021

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Newsdesk
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0
Religion briefs, Feb. 27, 2021

NORTH BRANFORD — Northford Congregational Church, 4 Old Post Road, North Branford, will have an Easter weekend flower/plant sale to benefit the church 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 2-3, and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be helping.

Masks and social distancing will be required for everyone’s safety. In the event of inclement weather, the flowers/plants will be sold inside the church social hall downstairs.

To reach the church, call 203-484-0795, go to www.northfordcongregational.church or email [email protected].

Temple Beth Sholom plans 75th Anniversary celebrations



HAMDEN — In fall 2021, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Programming includes Friday Night Shabbat services to recognize congregants who joined during each decade, a special recognition of past Temple presidents, and much more. It will all lead up to a culminating event in November 2021. Details will be available on www.tbshamden.com.

Seeking memories: If you or your family were members of Temple Beth Sholom – or attended a special event at Temple Beth Sholom, email [email protected] your Temple Beth Sholom story. We will be compiling memories for a tribute book.

For more information, contact Lauren Piscitelle at [email protected].

North Branford Congregational Lenten schedule

NORTH BRANFORD — North Branford Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 1680 Foxon Road, North Branford, announces its Lenten service schedule.

March 10 – Taize Service, 7 p.m. live streamed on Face book

March 24 – Taize Service, 7 p.m. live streamed on Face book

March 28 – Palm Sunday, 10 a.m., outdoor service

April 1 – Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. in church service

April 3 – 9 a.m.-noon, Decoration of the Cross; bring cut flowers for outdoor decorating of flower cross.

April 4 – 9 a.m. Outdoor “mini” Easter Service; 10 a.m., Indoor Easter Sunday service

Shoreline Unitarian programs in February

Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society is inviting its members and the public to expand positive connections with others, in a socially-distanced way of course. Each week of February or “Fun-uary” has a different theme for connecting. Feb. 22-28 is “Random Acts of Kindness Week.”

Share experiences by joining the Zoom “Lunch Bunch” with Bracken, Rev. Terry Sweetser, and others each Monday. To access the Zoom link, go to www.shorelineunitarian.org and click on Calendar, then “Lunch with Rev.” Or communicate your experiences directly to Rev. Terry at [email protected]. The church has served the Shoreline since 1962 and a worldwide faith for more than 500 years. The church office can be reached at 203-245-8720.

Congregation Mishkan Israel holding services

HAMDEN – Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Rd, Hamden is conducting virtual services and events online.

For more information and list of events, visit cmihamden.org or call the office at 203-288-3877. For pastoral emergencies, call Rabbi Immerman directly on at 203-584-7396

Temple Beth Sholom service schedule

HAMDEN — Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden is conducting virtual services. For more information visit www.tbshamden.com or call the Temple Beth Sholom office at 203-288-7748.

Congregation B’Nai Jacob schedules services, events

WOODBRIDGE — Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge, is continuing to hold services using Zoom. If you don’t know how to Zoom, visit https://www.bnaijacob.org/ or call 203-389-2111.

Weekday minyan services at 7:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Zoom

Saturdays, 9 a.m. Bread and Torah on Zoom

Shabbat morning service, 10 a.m. on Zoom

Rabbi Shapiro winter/spring class. Monday evenings 7:30-9 p.m. How did the siddur come to be the way it is?

Feb. 27, Trivia Night Fundraiser.

Winter coat collection for Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen. The donation box is located between the outer and inner doors of the synagogue.

CBJ has also joined with the United Church on the Green to collect funds for Columbus House.

Temple Emanuel continues online services, events

ORANGE — Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven, 150 Derby Avenue, continues to conduct virtual services and events via Zoom and YouTube. “Stay connected with our community. Keep your physical distance while maintaining your social and spiritual connections,” members said.

Details are on the Temple Emanuel website, www.tegnh.org, or call 203-397-3000.

Christ Episcopal, Ansonia, resumes services

ANSONIA — Christ Episcopal Church, 56 South Cliff St., has resumed fall and winter hours for Sunday services at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit www.christchurchansonia.org/ or call 203-734-2715.

Beth Israel Synagogue is online

WALLINGFORD — Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 N. Orchard St., Wallingford, is continuing online services.

Torah teachings will be conducted online at www.bethisraelwallingford.org

The Rabbi will remain in contact on when and what time any events will take place online. The Board of Directors continues to meet monthly via tele/video-conferencing.

Visit www.bethisraelwallingford.org for more information.

Temple Beth David offers online programs

CHESHIRE — Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire, is closed, but virtual events are being held on the online platform Zoom and on Facebook Live.

To reach the temple, email [email protected] or call 203-272-0037; Rabbi Micah is always available to talk at [email protected].

St. Andrew’s provides services, food pantry

NORTHFORD — St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Avenue, Northford, is located at the intersection of Routes 17 & 22.

The church is a member of the Middlesex Area Cluster Ministry Network, along with Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Killingworth and St. James Episcopal Church in Higganum. Rev. Bryan Spinks is Priest-in Charge at St. Andrew’s.

Due to the COVID pandemic, services are held on Zoom, and may also be viewed on the church’s Facebook page at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Northford CT.

St. Andrew’s is home to the Food Pantry of North Branford, located on the lower level of the church’s parish hall. The Community Dining Room uses the church kitchen and parish hall to prepare and deliver meals to the homebound in Northford and North Branford.

St. Andrew’s also partners with St. Pauly Textile in a broad outreach program to help people in need in the U.S. and around the world. Donations of usable clothing, shoes, belts, purses, sheets, blankets and stuffed animals may be made at the donation shed located in the church parking lot.

For more information contact Nan Monde, Sr. Warden, 203-710-7005; or MACM Network office, 860-345-0058; or Rev.Spinks, 860-304-5266.

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