General Prayer Day
June 30, Monday
The date — June 30 — remains fixed regardless of the day of the week.
When and why is it celebrated?
The holiday was established to:
* strengthen public unity and pray for peace and stability in the country
* express gratitude for received blessings
* encourage citizens to forget political and ethnic differences, at least for one day
Historical and social context
The Central African Republic gained independence from France in 1960 and has since faced prolonged conflicts, political instability, and severe humanitarian crises.
As one of the poorest countries in the world, the Central African Republic especially needs unity and hope, and General Prayer Day was established as a mechanism for spiritual and moral connection among the people.
How is it celebrated?
The main forms of celebration include:
* Ceremonial services and liturgies in churches and mosques
* Public and private prayer gatherings uniting people of different faiths
* Speeches and messages to the public from religious and political leaders
* Calls for prayer and compassion for the peace and well-being of society
Why is it important?
This day serves as a tool for:
* strengthening national cohesion
* focusing on spiritual values, especially during times of crisis
* fostering hopes for peace and harmony between ethnic and religious groups