May Activities 2024
In April, the 12 holy days of the Festival of Ridvan was celebrated in the world Bahá’í community. The Portland Oregonian published this article about the gathering at the Portland Bahá’í Center.
During May, two holy days will be observed. On May 22-23, we will celebrate the Declaration by the Báb, Messenger of God and Herald of Bahá’u’lláh, of a new Revelation. On that day in 1844, the Báb told one person that God had begun a new cycle of religious revelation. Now millions of diverse Bahá’ís and their friends, in nearly every country, are growing communities that are expanding circles of unity.
The Declaration will be observed at the time it occurred--about two hours after sunset, on May 22. Details to be announced, please check the calendar.
..."the Báb was the symbolic gate between past ages of prophecy and a new age of fulfilment for humanity. His primary purpose was to awaken the people to the fact that a new period in human history had begun, one which would witness the unification of the entire human race and the emergence of a world civilization of spiritual and material prosperity. This great day would be established through the influence of a divinely inspired Educator, whom the Báb referred to as “He Whom God shall make manifest.” It was His own mission, the Báb declared, to herald the coming of this promised Manifestation of God. The Báb explained that the new Manifestation would usher in an age of peace and justice that was the hope of every longing heart and the promise of every religion. The Báb instructed His followers to spread this message throughout the country and to prepare people for this long-awaited day." From bahai.org. Read more here.
Read more about the Declaration here and here.
Watch the 50-minute film Dawn of the Light about the Báb. Available in multiple languages.
On May 28 at 4:00 a.m., area Bahá’is and friends will prayerfully commemorate the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
From bahai.org: “In the late 1870s, Bahá’u’lláh—while still a prisoner—was granted some freedom to move outside of the city's walls, allowing His followers to meet with Him in relative peace. In April 1890, Professor Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge University met Bahá’u’lláh at the mansion near ‘Akká where He had taken up residence.
Browne wrote of their meeting: “The face of Him on Whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow…No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one who is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain.”
Bahá’u’lláh passed away on 29 May, 1892. In His will, He designated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor and Head of the Bahá’í Faith — the first time in history that the Founder of a world religion had named his successor in a written irrefutable text. This choice of a successor is a central provision of what is known as the “Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh,” enabling the Bahá’í community to remain united for all time.” Read the article here.
Selected May activities: See more on the calendar, including many virtual devotions.
Devotions: Oregon City
Wednesday, May 8, 6:00 pm. Inspiration & Rejuvenation! We look forward to sharing together writings, quotations, music and whatever you wish to bring, as it inspires you. We begin each gathering with a potluck supper. Everyone welcome! For more information, please call Karen and Bob Lynch at 503-473-3144.
Service: Center yard work
Saturday, May 11, 10:00-12:00 pm, Bahá’í Center, 8720 N Ivanhoe St, Portland, OR 97203. Fellowship, fresh air, and service! There is a job for everyone, any amount of time you can spend would be joyfully welcomed. Children and youth who want to help are welcome! We always have projects that could benefit from their service. If you have garden gloves or your favorite hand tools or shovels, please bring them with you. We have lots of tools to share. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE - WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON SATURDAY! Please contact secretariatpdx@gmail.com for more information.
Devotions: Vancouver
Each Sunday, 10:00-10:30 am, 4016 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98661. Dear Friends! All are invited and we look forward to seeing you there! For more information, please call our Vancouver Bahá’í information line at 971-248-5219 or email vancouverwalsa@gmail.com. Zoom devotions are suspended.
Interfaith Devotions: Portland Bahá’í Center
Each Sunday, 10:00 am, Bahá’í Center, 8720 N Ivanhoe St, Portland, OR 97203. Our program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and all are welcome to a time of spiritual fellowship! Please contact secretariatpdx@gmail.com for more information, or call the Center at 503-289-6331. Please arrive healthy; masking is optional. No donations accepted.
Devotions: Beaverton Bahá’í Center
Each Sunday, 10:30 am, Bahá’í Center, 5355 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005. There will be a period for open prayers and singing. Everyone of all ages is welcome. Bring your friends for a pleasant spiritual experience. Masks, social distancing, and vaccinations are recommended. As always at the Center there are no donations.
Phone: 503-601-9999 Trimet bus route # 62, stop ID #4062
Introductory Dialog: Gladstone
Friday May 31, 6:30 pm. You are invited to Gladstone’s monthly discussion; please consider joining us for some thoughtful conversation and fellowship. For more information, call Jack and Leslie at 503 803-8796.
Contact your nearby Bahá’í friends
Please Like us on Facebook: “Portland Metro Baha’i Community" “Portland Baha'i Center” (see posts about latest news and online resources on these pages!), “Beaverton Bahá'í Community” “Baha'is of Forest Grove” (hosting Spirit Night on Tuesday) “Baha’i Center Lake Oswego" “Baha’i Faith of Newberg Oregon” “Parenting with Wisdom”
Take Online Courses from the Wilmette Institute.
Engage with Partners in Racial Justice.
View Eliminating Racism Resources.
Read The Promise of World Peace.