Tirana, Albania—On the fourth anniversary of his passing, a special program celebrated the life and work of UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
The audience of around 280 that gathered in the main hall of the Tirana International Hotel on September 3, 2016, included UPF Ambassadors for Peace, current and former members of Parliament and other government representatives.
The program was organized by UPF-Albania jointly with the Albanian chapters of affiliated organizations Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP).
Personal testimonies and musical performances were combined to give the audience a feeling for Dr. Moon’s strength and single-mindedness in facing life-or-death situations and persecution, as well as his deep heart and sensitivity.
The opening remarks were given by Rev. Giuseppe Cali, the leader of FFWPU of Italy. He spoke about his personal experiences with Dr. Moon and testified how his life had changed by studying Dr. Moon’s teachings and lifestyle.
After a moving short film about Dr. Moon’s life and achievements, Mr. Ali Lacej, the coordinator of the Albanian Peace Council, testified about the greatness of Dr. Moon’s teachings. He also spoke about how much Dr. and Mrs. Moon have done for Albania and Albanians.
Mica and Riza, two young women who have been studying at the Universal Peace Academy in Korea, performed two beautiful songs, followed by a choir of FFWPU members. Four Japanese young men who are visiting Albania performed an exciting rhythmic dance.
These joyful performances were followed by four heartfelt and moving testimonies. Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Kozeta Zavalani spoke first, followed by young FFWPU members Daniela Pupa, Arnold Grami and Anila Prethi.
A famous Albanian singer, Marisa Ikonomi, who is also an Ambassador for Peace, sang the Beatles song Let It Be, followed by a well-known Albanian song.
UPF-Albania Chair Mr. Gaqo Apostoli concluded the program by reading a poem he had written in remembrance of Dr. Moon.
Although it was a short program, just 100 minutes, it made a deep impression on the audience members, many of whom said they were interested in studying Dr. Moon’s teachings.