Millions to gather worldwide as Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate Jesus Christ’s death

As the sun sets on Sunday, March 24, an event of profound significance will unfold across the globe as millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses and guests gather to observe the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death.

Marked as the most pivotal day for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Memorial is an annual commemoration observed on Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar, in accordance with the directive found in Luke 22:19, “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”

Despite the global population of Jehovah’s Witnesses exceeding 8.6 million, last year’s Memorial drew over 20 million attendees worldwide, reflecting its universal appeal beyond the denomination.

In a statement, Afolabi Odeyemi, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lagos, Nigeria, expressed a welcoming invitation to the broader community, stating, “Around the world, many people who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses attend the Memorial. We hope that members of our local community will also join us in remembering the death of Jesus Christ to show gratitude for his sacrifice.”

While the occasion carries solemnity, Odeyemi emphasised its joyous aspect, echoing the sentiment shared by attendees like Bukola Fayese, who anticipates the event each year for its practical instruction and reflective moments.

She says: “My family looks forward to the special talk and the Memorial all year. Both events are practical and instructional, but they also help us to pause and reflect on all the things we can be grateful for, things that we can consider blessings from God.”

The Memorial, a one-hour event, will feature a discourse elucidating the significance of Jesus’ death and its implications for humanity.

In Lagos, a month-long campaign has been underway throughout March 2024 to extend invitations to local residents for both the Lord’s Evening Meal and a special public talk scheduled for the preceding week.

Titled “The Resurrection—Victory Over Death!”, the public discourse, spanning 30 minutes, will delve into the scriptural hope of resurrection, slated for delivery at local Kingdom Halls on March 16 and 17, 2024.

For those seeking further insights into the Memorial event and its observance, a Frequently Asked Questions page is available on the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, jw.org.

For detailed information on attending the 2024 Memorial and special talk, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the same website for guidance.

As anticipation builds for this annual gathering, the Memorial serves not only as a religious observance but also as a moment for introspection and gratitude, uniting millions worldwide in remembrance and reflection.