Honoring and Celebrating Men and Fathers: WFWP Virginia Father’s Day Tribute
Written by: Ayano Adrien
In a heartfelt celebration this June, Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Virginia, in collaboration with the Heavenly Couples Association for Heavenly Life Consciousness, came together to honor and uplift the role of men and fathers in family and community life. Through the “First Gentleman and Father’s Award,” exemplary fathers were recognized for their unwavering commitment to their families and for embodying values of faith, leadership, and service.
The theme of the event was clear: fathers matter deeply. They are spiritual leaders, providers, protectors, and mentors—not only within their households, but also in their communities.
Honorees included distinguished community leaders such as Bishop Samuel E. Wright, Jr. of Higher Learning Ministries and Pastor Elder Tony McDaniel, who were celebrated for their love, support, and Christ-centered guidance to their families.
Father Bayo Adrien, co-founder of the Heavenly Couples in Ministry, was also honored for his powerful example of spiritual fatherhood and his work in strengthening marriages and families through ministry. These fathers were described as “exemplary husbands and fathers for their love, support, and dedication to wife and children.” They were celebrated for raising their children with godly principles, teaching through action, and inspiring those around them to serve others and live with purpose.
The event began with a warm introduction from Mrs. Adele Kima, who outlined a meaningful program filled with prayers, poems, scripture readings, and video tributes.
Mrs. Ayano Adrien, WFWP Virginia representative and co-founder of Heavenly Couples Association, welcomed attendees with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the irreplaceable role of fathers in nurturing strong, loving homes.
Mrs. Theresa Rozier followed with scriptural readings that highlighted the biblical importance of fatherhood, reinforcing the spiritual responsibility of men to lead, protect, and pass on faith to the next generation.
A deeply touching moment came with Dr. Emily DeCarlo’s recital of her original poem “Priest”, honoring fathers as God-ordained shepherds of their homes. The audience was visibly moved by a video tribute created by Adele Kima, which portrayed everyday moments of love and sacrifice by fathers across communities.
Stories and Reflections on Fatherhood
Pastor Margaret Nanji inspired attendees with a speech on living as Christ-like fathers—men of righteousness, humility, faith, and love. She encouraged men to see their fatherhood as both a divine calling and a daily act of love.
The event included an open sharing session where participants reflected on personal experiences. Father Bayo Adrien spoke movingly about his father-in-law who called him a friend, not just a son-in-law, offering a profound example of mutual respect in extended family life.The celebration honored not just biological fathers, but all men who take on nurturing, guiding, and mentoring roles in the lives of others—those who model integrity, selflessness, and godly love.
Speakers Mr. Se Hyung Rozier and Dr. Bruce Clarke of the High Noon organization reflected on how different cultures—especially Korean and African—embrace extended family structures. They emphasized the importance of uncles, aunts, and other elders in child-rearing and moral development.
Sharing their own fatherhood journeys, they noted the initial hesitation and eventual joy of parenting, underscoring the need for both maternal and paternal energies in raising emotionally strong children. Dr. Clarke concluded with a powerful interpretation of Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son, pointing out that the father’s hands in the painting appear both masculine and feminine—symbolizing the dual strength and compassion required of all fathers.
Honoring Fathers Across the Globe
Tributes extended far beyond Virginia. The celebration honored the work of fathers and spiritual leaders around the world, including:
Pastor Jeebit Limma – supporting widows in India
Bishop Mukhtar Waqas – ministry leader in Pakistan
Pastor Allen Heron – from Mississippi
Dr. Lewis Burgess – from New York
Each of these men was recognized for embodying godly fatherhood, nurturing their communities through faith, service, and compassion.
A Call for Unity and Love
In the program’s final moments, Father Bayo and Mrs. Ayano Adrien encouraged families to build welcoming homes rooted in love, faith, and unity. They called on all participants to make their lives a reflection of divine values—offering hospitality, forgiveness, and spiritual grounding to all people.
Dr. Emily DeCarlo closed with a message about being rather than becoming, reminding all present to live authentically and allow transformation through truth and love.
The event concluded with gratitude-filled prayers and a musical performance that celebrated the beauty of undivided love. Participants left with a renewed appreciation for fathers—and a deeper commitment to building life-giving homes and communities.
Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/MZpODgHWqQ4?start=3321&feature=oembed
