10. MAY 2025
THE FESTIVAL OF HOPE 2025 – A HISTORIC DAY OF UNITY, MUSIC, AND JOY OF FAITH

Mönchengladbach, September 8, 2025

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On May 10, 2025, the concert shell of the Volksgarten in Mönchengladbach shone with a spiritual radiance, remaining in memory as a sign of profound renewal and ecumenical fellowship – the Festival of Hope 2025, an open-air celebration that made the faith visible far and wide. Beneath the canopy of heaven, many believers and guests from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered, receiving through music, prayer, and the spoken word the message of hope. In those moments, individual voices merged into a shared melody of faith.

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The United Intercultural Fellowship of the Evangelical Mission The Blessing Church, in close cooperation with the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), brought forth this remarkable event under the visionary leadership of Bishop Michael Chandrathas and under the patronage of Superintendent Rev. Dietrich Denker. The United Evangelical Mission as well as the AGORA Socio-Cultural Center stood forth as cooperation partners, represented by Rev. Yoram Karusya and Director Wolfgang Riehn. The program was entrusted to Evangelist Timotheüs Bauke Jansen, who, as Master of Ceremonies, guided the guests throughout this historic evening with warmth and graciousness.

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The heartwarming musical opening was carried by international choirs, accompanied by the band “Fü(h)r mich” with its founding members Doro, Peter, and Sabine, as well as the Gospel Artist Sis. Esther Grace of the FOKUS Church Mönchengladbach and the choir director Bro. Sonny Walter of the Church Source of Life of the Zion Mission Work. An extraordinary highlight was the performance of the world-renowned Antoschka – Queen of Clowns, who delivered a moving message of joy, filled with hope and humanity. With solemn weight, both the Chief Guests of the City – the Integration Officer, Mrs. Firdas Ziani, and the Chairwoman of the Integration Council, Mrs. Hanife Yildirim – addressed the cultural and spiritual significance of this festival. In her exalted speech, the Integration Officer, Mrs. Firdas Ziani, explicitly honored the commitment of Bishop Michael Chandrathas as a member of the Interreligious Conference of the Lord Mayor of the City of Mönchengladbach.

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A profound ecumenical service, carried by the voice of the celebrated opera singer Dmitri Ivanchey and his choir. Special gratitude was extended in this context to His Excellency Archpriest Aleksejs Ribakovs of the Orthodox Parish of Saint Anthony in Mönchengladbach, who sent forth his glorious choir to this event. Passers-by felt drawn to the divine harmonies and joined the sacred moment; the deeply moved dignitaries as well as the assembled guests reflected the depth of these exalted sounds. The impressive message of Archbishop Dr. G. A. Antony, accompanied by his spouse Rev. Dr. Mala Antony – together the founding couple of the largest Tamil-speaking Pentecostal movement in Europe, with its seat in Great Britain – imparted to the afternoon an unparalleled depth and dignity. The Archbishop spoke with fervent passion, marked by charismatic power and flowing from the depths of his heart, so that his words concerning our REDEEMER and LORD JESUS CHRIST filled the listeners with moving strength. In these moments it became tangible: to bestow hope is the healing power of the Gospel.

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The day reached its culmination with the worship concert of Psalmist Eder Zola together with his renowned choir – a finale that stirred both spirit and heart alike. Particular gratitude is owed to the Honorary President of the United Intercultural Fellowship, Archbishop Dr. Martin Ndongala, whose decisive role was of greatest importance for the presence of Psalmist Eder Zola in Mönchengladbach.

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On behalf of the entire Committee of the United Intercultural Fellowship, the Chief Guests were vested in traditional garments as a visible sign of highest recognition. The Patron, Superintendent Rev. Dietrich Denker, as well as Rev. Yoram Karusya, received honorable gifts. In his words of thanksgiving, Superintendent Rev. Denker explicitly acknowledged the sponsors, benefactors, and partners of this event. His particular gratitude was directed to the brothers and sisters of the Evangelical Mission The Blessing Church, whose dedication and sacrifice contributed significantly to the success of this festival.

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The festival was made possible through the dedication of the organizing committee: Cleric Wolfgang Röthgens, Delegate of the Evangelical FOKUS Church to the United Intercultural Fellowship; Bro. Jonatan Carlos Imanuel, Mahanaim Church Indonesia; Pastor Otto Marckx, Source of Life Church and Sinti Cultural Association Source of Life e.V.; and Bro. Kumar, KUMAR MEDIA PRODUCTIONS. Special gratitude is further due to the owner of SLG Productions, as well as the esteemed staff of mags – Mönchengladbach Waste, Green and Road Services AöR, to the honored proprietor of the Salinas Restaurant and his entire team, and to all institutions in the vicinity of the concert shell, whose dedicated support contributed substantially to the success of this memorable day. Gratitude is likewise extended to all supporters, who, in faithful devotion through promotion, coordination, donations, logistical assistance, and above all through prayer, accompanied and strengthened this event.

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The Festival of Hope 2025 rose far beyond the character of a concert – it became a milestone of spiritual communion, borne by voices, by hearts, and by the service of many. Mönchengladbach became witness to how the diversity of nations was united in a Symphony of Hope – an event of lasting inspiration, calling us even in the future to bestow upon the world the gift of Hope.

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