A Thanksgiving Inter-Faith Service to Celebrate the 48th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago St. Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Sunday 5th September, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Acknowledging the past, we are pressing forward and giving thanks
Together We Aspire, 1Together We Achieve.
H.E President George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, Ph. D, President of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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Order of Service Congregation stands The Procession of the Celebrants, led by Ms. Gail P. Guy, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The National Flag is placed in its stand at the altar
Congregation remains standing for
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Led by Jemima Douglas-Onyido and pannists Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our Destiny We solemnly declare; Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea This our Native Land, We pledge our lives to thee Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation
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Congregation sits
Welcome - Vicar of St. Peter’s Church The Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos
Congregation stands
‘GUIDE ME O THOU GREAT REDEEMER’ Guide me, O thou great redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty, Hold me with thy powerful hand; Bread of heaven, bread of heaven Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death, and hell’s destruction Land me safe on Canaan’s side: Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee; I will ever give to thee.
Congregation sits
Fr. John Metivier introduces the theme: Acknowledging the past, we are pressing forward and giving thanks
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Congregation remains seated Reading of the message from H.E President George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, Ph. D, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on the Occasion of Independence Day, 2010. Ms. Gail P. Guy, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Congregation stands
‘I VOW TO THEE’ I vow to thee , my country all earthy things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love: The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice. And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace. 5
Congregation sits
THE FIRST READING A contribution on behalf of the Muslim Community Excerpt from the Holy Qur’an read by Imam Rasheed Khan Chapter 30, Verses 2 - 17 before them? They were stronger than these in power, and they dug the earth and built upon it more than these have built. Messengers of their own came to them with clear proofs of Allah’s Sovereignty. Surely Allah wronged them not, but they did wrong themselves.
The Romans have been defeated in the nearer land, and they, after their defeat will be victorious within ten years. Allah’s is the command in the former case and in the latter – and in that day believers will rejoice in Allah’s help to victory. He helps to victory whom He wills. He is the Mighty, The Merciful.
Then evil was the consequence for those who dealt in evil, because they denied the revelations of God and made a mockery of them.
It is a promise of Thy Lord. He fails not His promise, but most of mankind know not.
Allah produces creation, then He reproduces it, then to Him you will be returned.
They know only some appearance of the life of the world, and are heedless of the Hereafter.
And on the day when the hour will be established, the disbelievers will be plunged into destruction and despair.
Have they not pondered upon themselves? Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, except with truth and for a destined end. But truly many of mankind are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord.
Then as for those who believed and did righteous good deeds, such shall be honoured and made to enjoy luxurious life in a Garden of Delight. So glorify your Lord Allah when you enter the night and when you enter the morning.
Have they not travelled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were
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Congregation remains seated
MUSICAL ITEM by Mr. Neil Latchman singing ‘Ave Maria’ written by Caccini and ‘Somebody Bigger Than You and I’ by Johnny Lange
THE SECOND READING
A contribution on behalf of the Hindu Community read by Mrs. Asha Gosine-Ghosh ensure our welfare. Om peace; peace; peace.
Om bhadram kernebhih shrunu yama devah Bhadram pasyema akshabhir yajatrah Sthair angais tustuvam sas tanoobhih Vyashema devahitam yad ayah Swasti na indro vriddha shravah Swasti na poosha viswa vedah Swasti na atarktsho arishta nemih Swasti no brihaspatir dadhatu Om shanti; shanti; shanti
Pratam puspam phalam toyam Yo me bhaktya prayacchati Tadaham bhaktyupahrtaMasnami prayatatmanah My worship is easy because whatever my devotee lovingly offers me, with true devotion, leaf, flowers, fruits or water I accept them as they represent his pious mind and selfless faith in Me.
Om. Oh worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is auspicious. May we see what is auspicious. May we sing your praise, live our allotted life span in perfect health and strength. May Indra of ancient fame be auspicious to us; may Pusa (god of earth) be propitious to us; may Garuda the destroyer of evil be welldisposed to us and may Brhaspati
Samo’ham sarvabhutesu na Me dvesyo’sti na priyah Ye bhakyanti tu mam bhaktya Mayi te tesu capyaham I am in all living creatures uniformly. No one is my friend and no one enemy. But the faithful who worship Me, only those are in Me
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shaanth saa maa shaantiredhi. Om, Shaantih! Shaantih!
and I also make my presence felt in their conscience.
May there be peace in the heavenly regions, may there be peace in the atmosphere, may peace reign on earth. May the waters be soothing and may the medicinal herbs be Be faithful of Mine, the Ultimate heading. May the plants be the source Truth and Sea od Sublime Happiness. of peace to all , May all enlightened Pay obeisance to Me as my true persons bring peace to us. May the devotee. Beam your inner self into Vedas (knowledge) spread peace Me to attain the state of stable mind throughout. May all other objects linked to me. give us peace and may peace even bring peace and may that peace come Om dyown to us forever. shaaantirantariskshagvam shaantih prithivee shaantiraapah May there be peace, peace, peace. shaantiroshadhyah shaantih: Om dyown vanaspatayah shaantih shaantueva Manmana bhava madbhakto Madyaji mam namaskuru Mamevaisyasi yuktvaivam Atmanam matparayanah
CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE by Mrs. Rohini Kumar Vande Shambu Umaa Pathim Suragurum Vande Jagat Kaaranam Vande Pannaga Bhooshanam Mruga Dharam Vande Pashoonam Pathim Vande Soorya Shashanka Vahni Nayanam Vande Mukunda Priyam Vande Bhakta Jana Ashrayam Cha Varadam Vande Shiva Shankaram
I bow down to the Lord of Uma (Parvathi), the divine Guru, the cause of the universe. I bow down to the Lord who is adorned with snakes, the Lord of all creatures. I bow down to the Lord whose three eyes are the sun, moon and fire and the beloved of Lord Mukunda. I bow down to the Lord who is the refuge of all devotees and the giver of boons, the all auspicious doer of all that is good. 8
Congregation remains seated MUSICAL ITEM by Mrs. Sandra Brown-Hart singing ‘Deep river’ and ‘Swing low sweet charriot’
THE HOMILY
The Reverend P. A. H. Stephens BA Hons M. Phil Theology of the Spiritual Baptist Faith Congregation stands ‘GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS’ Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Refrain: Great is Thy faithfulness! (twice) Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Refrain Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! 9
Congregation sits THE THIRD READING Excerpt from the Holy Bible read by Ms. Nickesha Smith, Second Secretary St. Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 22; Verses 15 To 22 A clever trap-and a penetrating answer “The Pharisees went off and discussed how they could trap Jesus in argument. Eventually they sent their disciples with some of the Herod-party to say this: Master, we know that You are an honest man who teaches the way of God faithfully and that You are not swayed by men’s opinions of You. Obviously You don’t care for human approval. Now tell us -’is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not’? But Jesus knowing their evil intention said, “why try this trick
on Me, you frauds? Show me the money you pay the tax with.” They handed Him a coin, and He said to them, “whose face is this and whose name is in the Insciption,” “Caesar’s”, they said. “Then give to Caesar,” He replied, “what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God!” This reply staggered them and they went away and let Him alone.
Congregation remains seated
A collection will be taken at this time for the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders (Trinidad and Tobago) ‘HOW GREAT THOU ART’ O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. 10
Refrain : Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!�
Refrain
Congregation stands Prayer - Fr. John Metivier and Vicar Henderson George Prayer for His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards TC, CMT, PhD, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Prayer for the Members of Parliament, Prayer for the Judiciary and Prayer for the People of Trinidad and Tobago. 11
Congregation remains standing and recites
THE NATIONAL PLEDGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of my God and my country. I will honour my parents, my teachers, my leaders and my elders and those in authority. I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts, my words and my deeds. I will strive in everything I do to work together with my fellowmen of every creed and race for the greater happiness of all and honour and glory of my country
Congregation remains standing ‘BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC’ Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on. Refrain : Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel: “As ye deal with my condemners, so with you my grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, Since God is marching on.”
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Refrain He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on. Refrain He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is wisdom to the mighty, He is succour to the brave, So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave, Our God is marching on.
Refrain
Flag Bearer leads the Procession of the Celebrants down the aisle. The Congregation is asked to remain standing while the National Flag bearer proceeds down the aisle followed by the Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Celebrants.
END OF SERVICE A reception follows in the courtyard of
St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square
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Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Trinidad and Tobago Nationals Abroad on the Occasion of the 48th Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago On the occasion of our 48th Anniversary of Independence, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings to all nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, currently residing away from the beautiful shores of our twin-island Republic. From my own experience, I know that it is on these special occasions that you feel more than a twinge of nostalgia for home; when the colours – red, white and black assume an even greater importance and the bond among non-resident nationals grows even stronger.
As you celebrate our Nation’s 48th Independence Anniversary, I encourage each of you to be true to our national watch words, “Discipline”, “Tolerance”, “Production”. Let us use these simple but powerful words to guide our daily interactions and to define us as a country and a people committed to the highest ethical standards personally and professionally. Forty-eight years ago a small twin-island territory dared to imagine that it could move forward on its own, “with boundless faith” in its destiny.
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We took a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what we would encounter but certain that we would gain more by treading the path of independence. Today, that audacity to believe that we had the power within us to take control of our lives has resulted in a wonderful story of change, innovation and creativity. Out of the debris of colonialism we have emerged a community of people at once resilient and resourceful, determined to build a strong, sovereign Nation. Our task now, as nationals of an independent Trinidad and Tobago, is to continue to channel that determination into a building a society which cherishes life, honours diversity, generates prosperity, encourages innovation and acts with compassion to its most vulnerable citizens.
does not gradually recede from the intellectual and cultural horizons of the new generations growing up overseas. The culture and values of T&T must be transmitted to the younger generations making new homes in distant lands. These are the intangible ties that bind and influence who we are –“of Trinidad and Tobago parentage or heritage� [and which] must be spoken [of] often and with pride. As a young Nation, our journey of exploration and unexpected discoveries has only just begun. How that journey will end is entirely up to us. Let us strive towards a destination of prosperity, peace and security. I wish you a Happy Independence. God Bless You and God Bless Our Nation
To you, our nationals abroad, I also charge with the responsibility to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago 15
(Participants) Vicar of the Church The Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Gail P. Guy Fr. John Metivier Vicar Henderson George Flag bearer : Writer Kern Babb Imam Rasheed Khan Mrs. Asha Gosine-Ghosh Second Secretary, Ms. Nickesha Smith The Reverend P. A. H. Stephens BA Hons, M. Phil Theology (Author: The Spiritual Baptist Faith) Mrs. Jemima Douglas-Onyido Keyboardist: Mr. Cory Waldron Mangroves Steel Orchestra Mr. Neil Latchman Pianist: Mr. Yoshiko Endo Ms. Rohini Kumar Mrs. Sandra Brown-Hart
HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065
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