The assembly of the Passover, the new covenant which Christ had established with His disciples the night before His arrest, was held in the Churches of God nationwide and worldwide on April 5 (January 14 by the sacred year).

ⓒ 2004 WATV

The Passover was a feast instituted by God to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, when they were saved from the plague of the firstborn by putting the blood of the Passover lamb on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses about 3,500 years ago. Jesus told His disciples to prepare the Passover. Before eating the Passover, He washed His disciples' feet. Then He broke bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is my body; do this in remembrance of me." And He took the cup, filled with wine, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

The film 'The Passion of the Christ," which recently opened nationwide, shows the flashback scene of the Passover during the Crucifixion. This film graphically shows that the meaning of Christ's suffering lies in the new covenant for the forgiveness of mankind's sin and eternal life. Understanding the providence of God who wants to enlighten the world even through such a movie, the Church members celebrated the Passover with thanksgiving for the great love and sacrifice of Christ for sinners.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

This day, about 2,100 members gathered together in the New Jerusalem Temple to participate in the Passover Assembly with the heavenly Mother. Especially foreign members including 19 members from the United States took part in the Assembly.

At the service of the foot washing ceremony, the members think over the meaning of the ceremony through Jesus' word, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with me," and through the Mosaic law that the priests shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. After the service, the members took part in the foot washing ceremony, following the example of Jesus.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

During the ceremony, the members thought over Christ who humbled Himself and served sinners. Mother washed feet of Jerusalem's daughters who'd come from afar. The members felt the love of Christ washing their feet as if to wash away their sins.

At the Communion service, the choir and the orchestra gave glory to Christ who was sacrificed for sinners. The General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol preached that the Passover is a day to eat and drink the promise of God, and that eternal life in Christ is allowed to us through the Passover of the new covenant.

Mother's prayer manifested the meaning of the Passover even more. Giving thanks to God who suffered many things to give eternal life to sinners, Mother prayed His children might partake of the Christ's holy flesh and precious blood with understanding of Father's sacrifice. And She prayed again all the members who celebrated the Passover might become workers of the new covenant saving many dying souls and practicing love of neighbor.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

Eating bread and drinking wine, the members gave thanks to Christ. Through the Passover, all the members became one body with Christ and with brothers and sisters, so that they could accomplish the heavenly love. All the people of Zion were determined to be spiritual runners delivering God's message of love and life diligently.