76th anniversary of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki: memorial services

Seventy-six years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Memorial services were held to commemorate those who lost their lives in the bombings.

Hiroshima: Taking a new step as ambassadors of peace

On August 6, a prayer meeting to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing on Hiroshima took place at Hiroshima Nagarekawa Church.

Opening the event, Takashi Koezuka, priest at Hikari Catholic Church, explained that, “this annual prayer meeting was started in 2005 by pastors and priests who felt an urge to pray. It is my hope that through prayer we can each step out as ambassadors of peace.”

During the meeting, one of the victims of the bombing, Setsuko Enya, shared her story. She was only five at the time of the bombing yet remembers the horrific event. “What I remember the most is the death of the children. I share my story with the hope that war will not be repeated and that children will not have to suffer. I may only play a small role, but God gave me this role.”

Nagasaki: Peace is achieved through learning how to hear God’s voice

A memorial service was held on August 9 at Holy Trinity Church in Nagasaki (hosted by the Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan, Kyushu Diocese).

The service began with hymns and prayers, followed by five minutes of silent prayer at 11:02, the time the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

Rev. Shibamoto (Holy Trinity Church, Nagasaki) gave a sermon. He showed a YouTube video of the atomic bomb being prepared to be dropped. People were shocked to see how young soldiers casually went through their daily routine the day before the bomb was dropped. “Which of these soldiers could have imagined that this bomb would kill 75,000 people instantly?” said Shibamoto.

In closing, Rev. Shibamoto quoted this verse: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Col. 3:14–15 NIV)

He said, “It is important that young people read Scripture and reflect on it. The words we hear are what affect us later in life. We need to be trained to hear the Word of God. I believe that this is the very thing that spreads peace.”

From Christian Shimbun, August 22, 2021
Translated by Grace Koshino