Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo thanked those who celebrated and greeted the church on its 106th anniversary last July 27.

“On behalf of all the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Crist) around the world, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent their greetings on the Church’s 106th anniversary,” Manalo said in a statement.

To commemorate the church’s 106th year,  an anniversary thanksgiving worship service led by Manalo was held on July 19 at the INC Central Temple in Quezon City.

In the service, Manalo introduced the new theme of the church based from 1 Peter 1:13: “Put all your hope in the grace that will be yours.”

Bro. Jessie Capiendo, INC Secretary, said being able to gather in the Central Temple to commemorate the church’s 106th anniversary was an answered prayer.

“Ito ay panatang sinagot ng Ama, kasi kinasasabikan natin na maka balik sa templo para dito mag sagawa ng pasasalamat at pagsamaba, so napakasaya ko po (This is an answered prayer from the Father, because we have waited for so long for us to be able to conduct thanksgiving worship in the central temple, so I’m very happy),” Capiendo told INC News & Media.

Alexandra Megia, a choir member, said being able to sing songs of worship again in the Central Temple was “overwhelming.”

INC meanwhile assured that the worship service was conducted in accordance with the government's rules on gatherings.

INC said only 10 percent of its temple was occupied during the service and all attendees were seated six feet apart from each other and wore face shields and face masks during the event.

All attendees also underwent rapid testing one week prior to the service, the church said.