Video:

(Korean Video) ... (Japanese Video) ... (English Video)

FINAL PRAYER

“Today, as I have returned the completion of the final perfection to the Father, I am aware that I have offered my whole life up to this moment to the Father. According to His Will, I am spending this time to bring my life to a conclusion using this time to bring it to a close with jeongseong. Tribal messiahs have established a name that can represent the nation. I have accomplished all these tasks. I have accomplished everything. Aju.”

Reverend Sun Myung Moon
Final prayer, Heavenly calendar 6.26 (August 13, 2012)
Cheongshim Hospital, Cheongpyeong, Korea

More Videos on the Life of Rev. Moon

Photos:


The Rev. Sun Myung Moon with his wife Hak Ja Han Moon. The True Parents
True Father: '... What have we Unification Church members done? We have overcome persecution and oppression from society. However, we should not overcome persecution just as individuals, but with our family, our tribe, our people and all thirty million citizens of this nation of Korea. This is the Unification Church faith. This is why we are trying to move these thirty million people from the state of saying, 'No,' to saying, 'Yes, let’s do it!” We follow them into their hiding place and guide them, as their leaders. Everything we do should be the opposite of what they do. We say, 'You might enjoy wining and dining, but we enjoy fasting. You may enjoy flying in airplanes, but we are happy even if we have to walk to our destination.” This is how we have advanced. As we advance, we cannot afford to collapse, because we have to persevere until the day this nation is restored, until everything is resolved. What is true and what is strong will remain standing. That is heavenly law. Further, God allows whatever is on His side to last to the end. Hence we have to register ourselves with God’s side. While we walk this path, if our families oppose us, we have to sail over our families. If society opposes us, we have to sail over our society. We absolutely have to arrive at our destination, the original homeland.'
CSG Book 9, p967 (from the speech given on October 6, 1964)
Moon Family Home 2221 Sang-sa Ri, Deok-eon, Jeong-ju, Pyong-an

Rev. Moon began his Ministry in a cardboard hut on a hill outside of Pusan

Never Abandoning His Mission From Heaven To Liberate His Heavenly Parent And To Liberate This World

Rev. Moon and Hak Ja Han Marry in 1960

True Family
includes 12 Children and over 40 Grandchildren


Rev. Moon Moves to the World Stage

Rev. Moon Established two Holy Grounds in the Holy Land on his first world tour on August 31, 1965.

Rev Moon created 120 Holy Grounds throughout the world within that one year


Reverend Moon and Mrs. Sang Ik Choi visit the USA for the first time in 1965. With them are members from San Francisco, including Young Oon Kim, Edwin Ang, and Ernie Stewart. Behind them is the station wagon that Rev. Moon used to create 54 Holy Grounds throughout the USA

The Former President expressed regret that they had not met while he was in office

"Forgive, Love, Unite" was the Call - but America was not yet ready to heed it.

Rev. Moon Gives a Message to a Christianity in Crisis. The Rev. Sun Myung Moon gestures to capacity crowd of 2000 on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 1974 in New York's Madison Square Garden, where he preached for the rebirth of Christianity. His appearance was part of a 40-city U.S. tour this year.

Regardless of the number of times he was unjustly imprisoned. Rev. Sun Myung Moon smiles and waves on July 4, 1985 as he leaves the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Conn after serving 13 months of his 18-month sentence for tax evasion. He served out the rest of his sentence at a halfway house in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Hak Ja Han Moon, are greeted April 16, 2001, by the clergy and worshipers at the We Will Stand 2001 National Tour, held at the Omni Shoreham Regency Hotel in D.C. The theme of the 52-day, 52-city tour was "Rebuild the Family, Restore the Community, Renew the Nation and the World." (Jessica Tefft/The Washington Times

Rev. Sun Myung Moon meets with national and local interfaith leaders call for a "bridge of peace to be built across the bering strait, which also would honor Korean war vets, at the The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Sunday, June 26, 2005. The bridge would link Alaska and Siberia. ( Carla DePoyster / Washington Times )

For Rev. Moon fishing was more than a passionate hobby. It was a testament to a way of life, in overcoming obstacles and preparing spiritual foundations. The Ocean is the hope of the future and a pure environment for communing with God.

From the Eaqrliest "Mass Wedding of Three Couples in 1960 Rev. Moon is Most Famous as the Matching King

Rev. Sun Myung Moon, left, and his wife Hak Ja Han, are shown during the traditional invocation of a blessing at a mass wedding in Seoul's Chamsil gymnasium where 6,000 couples from about 80 countries were married on Oct. 14, 1982.

Couples and believers from around the world participate in a mass wedding ceremony arranged by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church at Sun Moon University in Asan, south of Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 14, 2009.

Always Joyous Occassions, Rev. Sun Myung Moon sprinkles holy water during mass wedding ceremoniesas at Sun Moon University in Asan, south of Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009.

The Universal Ballet was founded in 1984 through his love of the arts. The Universal Ballet embodies the blending of the grace and harmony of Asian thought and culture with the strength and beauty of western classical ballet.

'The Little Angels’ children’s folk ballet of Korea on a 16-nation tour to honour the veterans of the Korean War from those countries who came to Korea's defence in 1950 and to mark the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. The purpose of the world tour was to convey the still-passionate gratitude of Rev. Moon and the Korean nation to those 16 countries that sent troops to the 1950–53 conflict, saving Korea from the grip of totalitarianism.

'Inchon', about the Korean War, sponsored by Sun Myung Moon in an earlier effort to remind the United Nations of the dangers of Communism. One Way Productions

The Rev. Sun Myung Moon autographs an early edition of The Washington Times with supporters. Rev. Moon's Passionate Determination yo save the World from Communism Inspired him to create The Washington Times in 1982.

President Mikhail Gorbachev met the world media group in St. Catherine Hall in Kremlin in Moscow on April 11, 1990. On the first right is Rev. Sun Myung Moon who leads the group that included many former state leaders gathered to hear Gorbachev assessment of the progress of "perestroika" policy. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing)

Rev. Moon, the great Anti-Communist and Pres. Kim Il Sung, the Father of "Juche" Embrace proclaiming "Blood is thicker than water" and a mutual love for Korean potato soup.

Sun Myung Moon - A World of True Parents (video)


International President Hyung Jin Nim Moon and his wife Yeon Ah Nim Moon

The World Comes to Gapyeong Gyeonggi do to Pay Respects

Cheon Bok Gung

Sun Moon University

Kwangju Regional Church

Busan-Ulsan Regional HQ

Japanese Tokyo Church

Israel Memorial

Brazil Memorial

Ireland Memorial

Davao City, Philippines

Japan

Tampa Florida Community offered prayers for True Father
Significant Finishes

True Parents Proclaimation
of the Word July 8, 2010

Cosmic Assembly for the Settlement
of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind and for the Proclamation of the Word by God's Substantial Self
2011-2012

'Abel Women UN’ Inauguration Assembly 2012

Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Seonghwa Third Anniversary

Event: The Third Universal Seonghwa Memorial of Sun Myung Moon,
the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind

Date: 7.17 by the Heavenly Calendar in the 3rd year of Cheon Il Guk
August 30, 2015 at 9:00 AM

Venue: Cheongshim Peace World Center complex
Songsan-ri, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, Korea

On August 30th, 2015, people from all over the world commemorated the life and legacy of Rev. Sun Myung Moon. The third anniversary of his ascension into the spirit world. For many, his spirit is still very much alive and spiritually present, as his legacy continues to touch lives and his words continue to guide and inspire.

Yet, with turmoil in the world and the struggles for unity even within our own families , the physical loss of such a great spiritual leader can still be keenly felt. In the words of Psalm 13:

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

In the Confucian culture, children were expected to mourn a deceased parent for three full years. The elder son would take the lead, ideally by building a shack next to the parent’s grave and paying daily visits. Nevertheless, when the mourning period was over, it was time for all the children to move on with their lives, doing the best to bring their parent’s vision into reality and to make their legacy substantial and enduring.

Rememberances of the Ascension of the True Parent of Heaven, Earth and Humankind"

2012 Universal Seonghwa of Rev. Sun Myung Moon

2013 1st Anniversary of the Universal Seonghwa of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon

2014 2nd Anniversary of the Universal Seonghwa of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon

Keep Abreast of the Events and Activities of the 2015 3rd Anniversary of the Universal Seonghwa of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon

Major Events:

Martial Arts Festival

1. Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition of the Lifetime Achievements of True Parents ... (PDF)
Date: August 27, 2015 (7.14 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 3:00 p.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Cheongshim Peace World Center

2. Youths and Students World Assembly
Address by International President of FFWPU, Sun Jin Moon
“Let Us Become Filial Children of Heavenly Parent and True Parents with True Love as Our Highest Purpose”
Cheongpyeong Heaven and Earth Training Center
Aug. 28-29, Korea

3. WORLD SUMMIT – UPF & WFWP
The First Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony Ceremony Video
Address by Chairman, Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation, Sun Jin Moon
Date: August 28, 2015 (7.15 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 10:00 a.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas Grand Ballroom

4. Morning Pledge Offering Celebration
Date: August 30, 2015 (7.17 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 9:00 a.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Cheon Jeong Gung Museum

5. The Third Universal Seonghwa Anniversary Memorial-Special Highlights of Sun Myung Moon, the True Parent of Heaven, Earth and Humankind
Memorial Video pt1 ... Ceremony Video pt2
Sun Jin Nim’s Commemorative Address
Date: August 30, 2015 (7.17 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 9:00 a.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Cheongshim Peace World Center

6. VICTORY CELEBRATION
Date: August 31, 2015 (7.18 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk)
Venue: Cheon Jeong Gung Museum, Korea

7. The Dedication Ceremony for the Holy Scripture Chambumo Gyeong ... Ceremony Video
Date: September 1, 2015 (7.19 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 10:00 a.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Cheongpyeong Heaven and Earth Training Center

8. Memorial Workshop for Cheon Il Guk Leaders
Opening Ceremony for Cheon Il Guk Leaders’ Special Assembly
International President of FFWPU, Sun Jin Moon
Keynote Address
Date: September 2, 2015 (7.20 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk)
Venue: Cheongpyeong Heaven and Earth Training Center

9. The 6th Cheon Il Guk Supreme Council Meeting
Keynote Address - Chairperson, Sun Jin Moon
Date: September 7, 2015 (7.25 on the heavenly calendar in the third year of Cheon Il Guk), 10:00 a.m. (Korea time)
Venue: Cheon Jeong Gung

 

*******

Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon
The True Parent of Heaven, Earth and Humankind
January 6 1920 Lunar Calendar (February 25, 1920) - September 3, 2012

Universal Seonghwa
Viewing: Cheon Jeong Gung Palace of the Cosmic True Parents
Ceremony: Cheongshim World Center Stadium
September 15, 2012 (July 29, 03 of the Heavenly Calendar)

TRUE FATHER ascended into the spirit world on September 3, 2012 at 1:54 AM surrounded with the comfort of True Mother and the True Family on the 8th floor of the Cheongshim International Medical Centre

 


Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon
The True Parent of Heaven, Earth and Humankind lies in State for Viewing at the Cheon Jeong Gung Palace of the Cosmic True Parents

 

Our beloved True Father who came to this earth as the Savior of humankind, the Messiah, the True Parent and the King of Kings and who lived a holy life of true love throughout his 93 years, shedding blood, sweat and tears for God's liberation, the salvation of humankind and world peace, having concluded, completed and perfected his providential mission, ascended into the spirit world at 1:54 AM, 7.17 in the 3rd year of Cheon-gi - the heavenly calendar(September 3, 2012) at the Cheongshim International Medical Center. He was surrounded by True Mother and the True Children.

Announcement of the bereaved family members the Cosmic Seong Hwa Ceremony for Sun Myung Moon True Parent of Heaven and Earth”


Wife: Hak Ja Han; Bereaved: Hyung Jin Moon, Chairman of the Seong Hwa Ceremony, Hyun Jin Moon, Kook Jin Moon, In Jin Moon, Sun Jin Moon, Yeon Ah Choi, Hoon Sook Moon, Yeon Ah Lee, In Sup Park, Sung Jin Moon, Ye Jin Moon, Un Jin Moon, Kwon Jin Moon, Yeon Jin Moon, Jung Jin Moon, Dong Sook Kim, Ji Yea Park, Hwa Yeon Jeon, Jin Sung Park, Shin Il Moon, Shin Mi Moon, Shin Man Moon, Shin Goong Moon, Shin Jun Moon, Shin Duk Moon, Christa, Hyung Jin Lee, Otsuka Hirotaka, Young Woong Kang, Soon Nam Lee, Soon Ok Lee, Otsuka Soon Mi, Shim Mi Kang, Shin Sook Moon, Shin Bok Moon, Shin Goon Moon, Shin Hwa Moon, Shin Choon Moon, Shin Chool Moon, Shin Heung Moon, Shin Nyo Moon, Shin Soon Moon, Shin Jin Moon, Shin Myung Park, Shin Kwon Park, Shin Sun Park, Shin Yeol Park, Shin Pyung Park, Shin Wol Moon, Shin Yeon Moon, Shin Ji Moon, Shin Ah Moon, Shin Rae Moon, Shin Soo Moon, Shin Gook Moon, Shin Cheon Moon, Shin Pyun Moon, Shin Joo Moon, Shin Pal Moon

 

문선명 총재 참배하는 막내아들 내외

故문선명 총재의 막내아들인 문형진 통일교 세계회장 부부가 6일 오전 경기 가평 청심평화월드센터에서 열린 천주성화식에 참석해 참배하고 있다. 2012.9.6/뉴스

 

 

Thousands of the Membership, both old and young, arrive from around the world to Cheongshim World Center to offer devotion and a traditional gift of flowers.

 

 

Elected leaders, diplomats, clergy and academics from Korea and abroad are among 15,000 mourners who have gathered on Sept. 6, 2012 to pay their respects to Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the Founder of the Unification movement, according to a press release from the Tongil Foundation in Korea. The visitors gathered at the Cheongshim Peace World Center, a stadium complex in Songsan-ri, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province. Rev. Moon’s body lies in state in a shrine at the Cheon Jeong Gung palace a short distance away on a mountain overlooking Cheonpyeong Lake.

The official visitors were welcomed by Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, who began proceedings at 8:00 a.m., after which approximately 15,000 disciples and friends of Rev. Moon from all fields of life filed into the shrine to give thanks and to pray. These included 3,000 Japanese visitors came to pay their respects on this day alone. The Unification Church has also prepared shrines in regional church Headquarters buildings across Korea, as well as in mission countries worldwide, for guests to come and pay their respects.

The Wake at Cheon Jeong Gung

The Wake at Cheong Shim World Center

Numerous floral tributes expressing the condolences of various VIPs from Korea were on display in the shrine. Floral arrangements arrived from current heads of state, including President Lee Myung-bak, President Dioncounda Traore of Mali, President Johnson Toribiong of Palau and Prime Minister Ahoomey-Zunu of Togo, as well as former heads of state including former President Alfred Moisiu of Albania and former President Julio Maria Sanguinetti of Uruguay. Korean political leaders sending flowers included National Assembly Speaker Gang Chang-hee, Finance Minister Bahk Jae-wan, Unification Minister Ryu Woo-ik, Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Seo Gyu-ong, Floor Leader Lee Han-gu of Hannuri Party, and Chairperson Han Seon-gyo of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Broadcasting Committee.

Korean lawmakers who were present at the stadium included National Assemblyman Lee Jae-oh of the Grand National Party, National Assemblyman Jeong Byeong-guk of the Grand National Party, and National Assemblyman Kim Seong-gon of the Democratic United Party.

 

The Wake - Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, the Chairperson of Seong Hwa Committee

Religious leaders paying their respects included Chairman Lee Hee-ho of Kim Dae-jung Peace Center, Head Executive Park In-gong of the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism, Spiritual Patriarch Dorim Beopjeon of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and Head Executive Lee Hong-pa of the Gwaneum Order of Korean Buddhism.

 

The Wake - Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, the Chairperson of Seong Hwa Committee

Leaders of commerce and industry included Chairman Yeo Sang-rak of SGI Korea (Foundation), CEO Shin Gyeok-ho of Lotte Group and CEO Cho Yang-ho of Hanjin Group.

The shrine prepared at Cheongshim Peace World Center was also visited Sept. 6, 2012 by members of the Seongnam Ilhwa Football Club, including Coach Shin Tae-yong and the Universal Ballet Troupe, who came in groups to pay reverence. Afterwards, Vice Chairman Kim Min-ha of the National Unification Advisory Council and former Director Yim Chae-jin of Public Prosecutions among other important personages came to pay their respects as well.

 

The Wake - Religious Leaders

The Wake - Visitors

The Cheongshim Peace World Center, where the Ascension (Seonghwa) will also be held, will receive guests to pay their respects until the Sept. 14, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2012). Rev. Moon’s residence and final resting place, known as the palace at Cheon Jeong Gung, where his holy remains lie in state, will be opened for three days from Sept. 9, 2012 until Sept. 11, 2012 to both believers and non-believers who would like to say goodbye to him and offer condolences to his family.

 

The Stages of the Seonghwa Ceremony



1.- 임종 Im Jong Ceremony
2.- 성염습 Seong Yeom Sup Ceremony
3.- 입전 Ipjeon Ceremony
4.- 귀환식 Gwihwan Ceremony
5.- 성화식 Seonghwa Ceremony
6.- 원전식 Wonjeon Ceremony
7.- 3일 예배 Third Day Memorial Servioce
8.- 40일 예배 Fourtieth Day Memorial Service

 

The Ceremonial Process:

Gwi Hwan ceremony - Seong Hwa ceremony - Wonjeon ceremony

A Period of 40 Days extending from September 3, 2012 thru October 24, 2012

During the wake, the body of Rev. Moon is kept in a glass coffin under low temperature and enshrined in Cheon Jong Gung, where is the memorial museum of unification church. After the casket ceremony on 14, he will be transferred to Cheongshim Peace World Center where the funeral will be held on 15.

There are 82 advisors in Seonghwa committee who are Ven. Jaseung, executive chief of Jogye Order, Mr. Cheolseung Lee, chairman of Elders meeting of Parliamentarians' Society, Mr. Soosung Lee, former Prime Minister, Mr. Heetae Park, former National Assembly Speaker and so on. And Hong-gil Go, Special Affairs Minister, Mr. Jiwon Park, floor leader of Democratic United Party, Mr. Sunkyo Han, chairman of National Assembly Committee on culture, sports, tourism, broadcasting and communications and more are included as members of Seonghwa Committee.

Unification Church Officials have said "(the funeral) goes through three steps which are Gwi Hwan ceremony - the deceased leaves the family and go to the Spiritual World, Seong Hwa ceremony - for the spirit to move on to the Heavenly Realm, and Won Jeon Ceremony (原殿式) (which may be translated "returning home to the palace") at the Paju Won Jeon, the location of the True Family burial grounds.

Gwi Hwan ceremony - Seong Hwa ceremony - Wonjeon ceremony

 

Highlights in the life of the Rev.Sun Myung Moon

 

1920

Jan. 6 Lunar Calendar (February 25, 1920) — Born as Yong Myung, one of 13 children, to Kyung-yoo Moon and Kyung-gye Kim in Sangsa Ri village in Pyongan province, now part of North Korea. His family had been wealthy, educated farmers, but had fallen on hard times. Japan had annexed the country in 1910, and Moon elders participated in independence efforts.

1930

Joined the Presbyterian Church with his family and became increasingly devout. While mourning the death of two siblings, he perceived that God was “the grieving parent of a lost mankind.”

1935

April 17 — After praying near Mount Myodu, he said Jesus Christ appeared to him on Easter morning and asked him to “take on a special mission on Earth having to do with Heaven’s work.” Overwhelmed, the 15-year-old initially declined, but eventually pledged to do so at the cost of his life. For the next nine years, searched for answers through intense prayer, fasting and Bible studies.

1941

March — Traveled to Tokyo to attend a technical school at Waseda University. Became involved with Korean independence activities, even though this meant arrests and beatings by Japanese police.

1943

Sept. 30 — After graduation, booked passage to Korea on the Konron Maru ferry. However, felt strange leadenness in his feet and a strong premonition not to board the ferry, and went instead on a trip with friends. The Konron Maru was sunk by a U.S. submarine, with more than 500 people aboard.

1944

May 4 —Married Seon-Gil Choi, daughter of a prominent Christian family, in a match arranged with an aunt. Knowing his mission, he asked Miss Choi several times if she could bear a life with a man with a difficult mission, and she insisted she could.

October — Arrested by Japanese police, who demanded he reveal the names of his friends in Japan. When he refused, police officers tortured and beat him, even hanging him from the ceiling “like a slab of meat in a butcher shop.”

1945

Aug. 15 — Japan’s surrender frees Korea, but the country was divided at the 38th parallel, with North Korea led by atheistic communists.

1946

June 5 — Acting on what he called “God’s demand,” left behind his wife and son to “find the people of God who are in the North.”

Aug. 11 — Arrested by North Korean police for spying for South Korea, was held and beaten for months.

Oct. 31 — After a severe beating, tossed out of the prison into the snow and left for dead. Nursed back to health by followers. Resumed preaching in North Korea, but was viewed as a heretic and threat to Christians, who themselves were suffering communist harassment.

1948

February — Arrested on complaints of “disruption of the social order” and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

May 20 — Entered Heungnam Special Labor camp, where teams of men had to fill 700 bags a day with ammonium sulfate or be punished. Food was so scarce prisoners would take rice out of the mouths of dead men.

1950

Oct. 14 — Released from Heungnam as guards fled advancing U.N. troops. Walked more than 100 miles to Pyongyang to find his followers.

Dec. 4 — As Chinese troops advanced to Pyongyang, began journey south with two followers, one of whom had a broken leg and had to be carried or pushed on a bike. Arrived in Busan refugee camp two months later.

1951

September — Built first Unification Church out of stones, wood and discarded U.S. military ration cartons. Began writing “Divine Principle” in this hut.

1952

November — Was reunited with wife, but she did not understand his long absence or his religious mission, and in 1958 she divorced him.

1953

March — Formally changed name from Yong-Myung (“dragon”) to Sun-Myung. Moon means “truth,” Sun means “to reveal itself clearly,” and Myung “combines characters for sun and moon,” he once explained.

1954

May 1 — Founded Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity.

1955

March — After months of denouncing Rev. Moon’s church, Christian-led Ehwa Women’s University fires or expels 19 faculty and students who refuse to leave the church. Other Christian-led universities urged President Syngman Rhee’s administration to disband the church.

July 4 — Arrested and held for avoiding military draft. Found “not guilty” 93 days later.

1960

April 11 — Held marriage blessing ceremony with 17-year-old Hak Ja Han as “True Father” and “True Mother.” Five days later, they blessed three more couples.

1961

May — Gave the marriage blessing to 33 couples. Over the next decades and up to March 2012, the Moons held dozens of mass weddings, many with tens of thousands of couples, and even hundreds of thousands who participated either at the main ceremony or via satellite in ceremonies around the world.

1965

Feb. 12 — Made first visit to United States and created 120 “holy grounds,” as part of first of many world tours.

1971

Dec. 18 — Arrived in United States and established World Mission Headquarters. Through the early 1970s, held many national speaking tours on “Christianity in Crisis” and “Day of Hope.”

1973

Nov. 30 — Placed ads in major newspapers urging Americans to fast, pray and “forgive, love, unite” regarding the Watergate scandal.

1974

Feb. 1 — Met President Richard M. Nixon.

Sept. 18 — Held rally at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan with 25,000 attending.

Purchased the Christian Brothers Seminary in Barrytown, N.Y., which became Unification Theological Seminary; in the next two years, purchased New Yorker Hotel; Manhattan Center and Hammerstein Ballroom; Tiffany Building and Columbia Club in New York, and the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown, N.Y.

1976

June 1 — Held rally in Yankee Stadium in New York

Sept. 18 — Held rally at Washington Monument with 300,000 in attendance.

Dec. 31 — Launched News World newspaper as a conservative voice in New York.

1978

Accused of being an agent of South Korean government in hearings held by Rep. Donald M. Fraser, Minnesota Democrat. Although Mr. Fraser lost his bid for U.S. Senate in September, his commission issued a report recommending full government investigation into the Unification Church.

1980

Was subject of a N.Y. grand jury investigation over tax issues.

Created “Ocean Church,” a ministry to build personal character and revive and strengthen boating and fishing industries. This led to maritime activities in Korea, South America, and U.S. locations such as Gloucester, Mass., Hawaii; Alaska; Norfolk, Va., and, in 2012, Lake Mead in Nevada.

Created CAUSA International, which conducted hundreds of “Victory Over Communism” conferences worldwide until 1991.

Nov. 4 — Predicted on News World’s front page that Ronald Reagan would win election in a “landslide”; Reagan was photographed with the paper at a victory party later that night.

1981

Oct. 15 — Notified while in South Korea that he and a church leader were indicted on 13 counts of tax fraud, including not paying $7,300 taxes on $160,000 of church funds kept in a bank account under his name. Returned to the U.S. on the next flight.

Oct. 22 — At a rally with clergy and members in New York’s Foley Square, said, “I am innocent. I have committed no crime I am here today only because my skin is yellow and my religion is Unification Church.

1982

April 1 — Went to court for tax trial.

May 17 — Launched The Washington Times in Washington, D.C.

May 18 — Found guilty of tax fraud by a jury. On July 16, Judge Gerard Goettel sentenced him to 18 months in prison and a fine of $25,000.

1984

May 14 — Despite outcry from religious groups over the legal implications of the verdict, the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal.

July 20 — Entered federal prison in Danbury, Conn., with Takeru Kamiyama, who was also convicted. Became famous as a model prisoner, good ping-pong player and praying nightly in the prison chapel from 3 to 5 a.m.

1985

Received honorary doctorate from Shaw University, which his wife accepted for him.

Aug. 20 — Freed from Danbury prison; attended a welcome-home banquet in Washington, D.C., with 1,700 clergy including the Rev. Joseph Lowery and the Rev. Jerry Falwell.

1990

April 10-11 — Spoke in Moscow at World Media Conference, and met with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.

1991

Nov. 30 — Dec. 1 — Traveled to North Korea and met with President Kim Il-sung.

2000

Inaugurated the Ambassadors for Peace program.

Gave marriage blessing to Roman Catholic Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo and Maria Sung. The Catholic prelate was later excommunicated and started an advocacy group to promote marriage for Catholic priests and nuns.

2002

April 27 — Held Blessing ceremony for 144,000 clergy couples in Washington, D.C.

May 20 — Addressed 20th anniversary gala of The Washington Times.

June 12 — Hosted inauguration ceremony for the Sun Moon Peace Cup in Korea, with soccer star Pele.

Dec. 15 — Began the process of bequeathing his physical belongings to Unification Church members.

2003

Feb. 5 — Held dedication ceremony for Cheongshim Hospital at Cheong Pyeong in Korea.Also holds a ceremony to renew vows with Mrs. Moon.

May 12 — Held the first Middle East Peace Initiative, in which clergy of different faiths visit Rome and the Holy Land to discuss peace.

2004

March 23 — Held Crown of Peace ceremony at Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

2005

July 13 — Held rally for unity of North and South Korea with 6,000 Koreans.

September — Embarked on a four-month, 100-country speaking tour. A ban on his travel into several European countries is finally lifted, and he visits them as part of this tour.

Sept. 12 — Founded the Universal Peace Federation and spoke on “God’s Ideal Family, The Model for World Peace.”

2006

March-April — Attended nine rallies in Korea for the restoration of the homeland.

Aug. 31 — Began a 40-day world speaking tour with members of his family.

2008

April 18 — Appointed youngest son, Hyung Jin, as international president of the Unification Church.

June 19 — Survived a helicopter crash in Korea; he and 15 others, including his wife, grandchildren and others, all escaped with minor injuries before it ignited into flames.

July 29 — Appointed daughter In Jin as head of Unification Church in North America.

2009

March 9 — Published his autobiography in Korea and held yearlong celebration of 50th wedding anniversary with Mrs. Moon.

2011

April-June — Held speaking tour in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Unveiled personally designed “Won Mo” boat in Las Vegas.

2012

Sept. 2 — Died of complications of pneumonia at the Cheongshim International Medical Centre in the church complex at Cheong Pyeong, South Korea.

— Compiled by Cheryl Wetzstein
The Washington Times
Monday September 5, 2012
UTS Alumni Association

Sources: Today’s World magazine; “SunMyung Moon, The Early Years: 1920-53,” by Michael Breen; “As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen,” the autobiography of Rev. Moon; “Messiah: My Testimony to Rev. Sun Myung Moon,” Volumes I and II, by Bo Hi Pak; HSA-UWC.


The Life of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, 1920-2012

Lists and Contents of All 2012 Seonghwa Events


“From now on, the life of people with a public mission must be clear. They must be transparent. Their words and action must be one and the same, and they must practice that. In other words, you should not take the words you say lightly. I sincerely hope that you will become leaders of virtue. Being true and sincere is this model. Hence, let us build a culture that welcomes with open arms anyone that leaves and anyone that comes.”

True Mother,
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon