Massive Turn Out at Historic National Day of Prayer in Antigua
By Cory Wayland
Antigua and Barbuda came together today in a historic show of faith and solidarity as the nation observed its first National Day of Prayer, a new annual holiday dedicated to reflection, unity, and collective worship.
Declared by Cabinet earlier this year, the observance will be held on the second Thursday of September and is designed to bring the country together in prayer for peace, prosperity, and national wellbeing. To preserve the sanctity of the day, a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. was also enacted.
The day’s activities began at dawn with prayer services across churches and congregations, followed by special media devotions every half hour from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the afternoon, residents joined a March of Witness from the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG). The observance concluded with a National Prayer Service at the ARG between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Held under the theme “Acknowledging Our Dependence on God,” the inaugural event drew wide participation from citizens, faith leaders, and members of the political community, who put aside differences to focus on the nation’s spiritual and social strength.
Many described the day as a turning point for Antigua and Barbuda, offering a chance for collective healing and reflection. With its designation as a national holiday, the National Day of Prayer is expected to become a permanent fixture on the country’s calendar, uniting citizens each year in a shared call for guidance and blessing.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/09/11/massive-turn-out-at-historic-national-day-of-prayer-in-antigua. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
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