Brother Eraño G. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), from 1963-2009, was born on January 2, 1925. To commemorate the centennial of his birth anniversary, simultaneous special gatherings for Church officers were held on January 5, 2025.

Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Coordinator, officiated the holy occasion at the Central Temple, which served as the host site.

Through a Bible-based lesson, he exhorted the officers to uphold a holy way of life as they faithfully perform their duties, and to remain trusting in God for them to receive His blessings.

Philippines
In the Ecclesiastical District of Central, remote sites for the special gathering were the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of San Francisco, Bagong Buhay, Tagumpay I, and Tagumpay II.

“We have received a great blessing through the preaching of Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo,” Brother Eduardo Pelayo, bishop of the Templo Central Congregation, remarked. “This has brought strength of faith and enthusiasm to the officers worldwide. Therefore, as we face this new year, we can more confidently say that our unity with the Church Administration in caring for the welfare of the brethren in the Church remains steadfast.”

Church officers from the Zambales South Ecclesiastical District attended the special gathering in 17 remote sites, namely: the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Bangal, Cabangan, Calapacuan, Calapandayan, Castillejos, Filtration, Nagbunga, Olongapo, Pag-asa, Panan, Sakatihan, San Antonio, San Felipe, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Subic, and Tabacuhan.

The Negros Oriental Ecclesiastical District designated as remote sites the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Bayawan City, Dumaguete City, Mabinay, Siaton, Siquijor, and Tanjay City.

Meanwhile, Church officers from Bogo City, Cebu Ecclesiastical District convened at the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Bogo City and Bantayan.

“I am filled with joy and wholehearted gratitude for having listened to the Lord God’s teachings, which will serve as a guide in fulfilling my duties,” said Vincent Recreo, choir member from the Local Congregation of Bantayan. “My Church duty is important to me because it is here that I experience true peace and regain my strength to face life’s challenges.”

The house of worship of the Local Congregation of Gen. Malvar was the venue for the Church officers in the Ecclesiastical District of Davao City.

“The teachings of God are immensely important in fulfilling our sacred duties because they serve as guide for performing my responsibilities and leading my household efficiently,” Jee Lopez, choir member from the Local Congregation of Gen. Malvar, stated.

With 23 remote sites, the Ecclesiastical District of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur ensured that Church officers benefit from the spiritual blessings that outpoured during the special gathering.

“I felt the concern of the Church Administration for all Church officers through the special gathering,” expressed Nicanor Rocamora, a head deacon from the Pagadian City Local Congregation. “I promise to be even more faithful in fulfilling my Church duty.”

“The officers are strong helpers of the Executive Minister in bringing the Church not only to perfection but also in fulfilling the holy mission of the Messenger in the last days and the Church Administration, ensuring that no one is left behind on the journey, and that all Church members attain salvation,” said Brother Diosdado Dades, Central District supervising minister.

Asia
In the Ecclesiastical District of Hong Kong, Church officers were thankful for the inspiration and additional strength they received from the preaching of God’s words. “The special gathering, being a part of commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, also aims to make the Church officers more faithful in fulfilling their duties,” explained district supervising minister Brother Noer Misa.

“We’re thankful to the Lord God for this special gathering led by the CFO Coordinator Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo,” expressed Rommel Flores, head deacon of the Local Congregation of Kowloon. “Truly, this resulted to the officers becoming more steadfast in the faith that’s why we promise to continue uniting with the Church Administration in leading the brethren under our care in all Church activities.”

Australia-Oceania
Officers in New Zealand South Ecclesiastical District gathered in their respective remote sites, while those from New South Wales, Australia District gathered at the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Croydon Park, Minchinbury, Sydney, Blacktown City, Canberra, Dean Park, Eastern Sydney, and Port Vila.

“All the officers in the district are deeply grateful to our Lord God and the current Church Administration for the outpouring of immense blessing and wisdom for the attendees of this special gathering,” expressed Brother Uziel Bongares, New Zealand South District supervising minister.

“As a Church officer, I will uphold my duty until the end, submit to the Church Administration, and obey all of the Lord God’s commandments,” promised Angel Mauricio, a head deacon and a pioneer member in the Port Moresby Congregation, Ecclesiastical District of Victoria, Australia.

Africa
Church officers in the Ecclesiastical District of Southeastern Africa attended the special gathering in the houses of worship of Great North, Lusaka, and Lilongwe City, Malawi.

Goodson Frank Poya, head deacon of the Local Congregation of Great North, Lusaka, remarked that “the teaching was so inspiring and motivating.”

Meanwhile, Darlington Kalaluka, Children’s Worship Service teacher from the Local Congregation of Lusaka, added, “I was strengthened to be more active in my services to God and to perform my duties.”

North America
Church officers in the Ecclesiastical District of Los Angeles County attended the special gathering in the houses of worship of Lancaster, Los Angeles, and Oxnard Congregations.

In an interview after the gathering, Jason Pagdilao, assistant district choir director from the Pasadena Congregation stated his conviction “to do everything that I can to fulfill my duty to the best of my abilities so that the Church can benefit from the duty that God has given to me.”

Europe
The Church officers in the Ecclesiastical District of Northern Europe was also one with the whole Church in commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Brother Eraño Manalo, the late Executive Minister, by taking part in the special gathering. They expressed their joyfulness for being together receiving God’s counsel in the holy occasion. “I am grateful and blessed to attend the Worldwide Officers’ Special Gathering, in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of Brother Eraño Manalo,” expressed Anna Dulin, assistant choir leader of the Local Congregation of Copenhagen, Denmark. “The teachings further strengthened and edified my faith, especially my commitment to God in performing my duties.” — With reports from INC News Section