Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win Attends Christmas Day Thanksgiving Ceremony

Ministry of Defense/ Nay Pyi Taw / December 26, 2023

Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win attended the Christmas Day Thanksgiving ceremony, that was jointly sponsored by Myanmar Council of Churches, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance, and Myanmar Christian Mission Cooperation, and was held at Holy Cathedral Church in Botahtaung Township, Yangon Region on 23 December.

The ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, and Archbishop U Myat Hsan said the opening prayer, Auxiliary Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye extended greetings, and the hymn “Then Jesus Came” was sung in chorus. In his Christmas Day address, the Vice-Senior General highlighted the following points;

· Since the olden days, successive governments of Myanmar have ensured the right to freedom of religion and worship in accord with the adopted rules and principles.

· As the word “compassion” is included in every religious faith, it is something that is powerful and can overcome and break through everything.

· It is necessary for missionaries to inspire Christian devotees as well as devotees of other religions to the practice with compassion and sympathy among humans.

Then, vocalists sang hymns; Rev.D U Aye Min read out the bible; and Archbishop made a special prayer; the Christmas Orchestra played music and Cardinal Charles Bo extended Christmas greetings. Afterwards, Christmas gifts were presented among Vice-Senior General and wife, Cardinal Charles Bo and Archbishop.

Afterward, the Vice-Senior General and party enjoyed the Christmas dinner hosted by the Myanmar Council of Churches, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar, the Myanmar Evangelist Christian Alliance and the Myanmar Christianity Propagation Alliance.

Also present were Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of the Vice-Senior General, SAC members and wives, Union Ministers and wives, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and wives, bishops of Christian organizations, responsible persons of Interfaith Friendship Organization and guests, it is reported.

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper (24-12-2023)