Dedication Festivals Everywhere

After this came the sight we had all prayed and longed for: festivals of dedication in the cities and consecrations of the newly built houses of prayer, bishops gathering together, people streaming in from far-off foreign lands, friendly welcomes from people to people, and the union of the members of Christ’s body, coming together into one harmony. So, in keeping with a prophetic saying that foretold in a mystery what was to come, there came together “bone to bone and joint to joint,” and whatever else the word, prophesying in riddles, truly foretold. [a]

There was one power of the divine Spirit flowing through all the members, one soul in all, the same eagerness of faith, and one hymn from all in praise of God. Yes, and there were the leaders’ perfect acts of worship, the sacred rites of those consecrated for them, and the ordinances of the Church befitting God: here the singing of psalms and the hearing of the other words handed down to us by God, there the performing of divine and mystical ministries; and there were the secret symbols of the saving suffering. [b] At the same time people of every age, men and women alike, with all the strength of their minds, with prayers and thanksgiving, with glad hearts and souls, honored God, the author of their blessings. And every one of the leaders present delivered speeches of celebration, each as best he could, adding a sacred splendor to the gathering. [c]