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-as one of the proud members of Iglesia Ni Cristo, i would like to share some of the interesting facts about our religion.

Interesting Facts that you should Know about Iglesia Ni Cristo

Iglesia Ni Cristo is a religious organization registered in the Philippines in 1914 by Felix Ysagun Manalo.

Its members are found all over the world but are mostly concentrated in the Philippines where its roots came. Here are more interesting facts about this religious sect.

1. Founding Date: First World War

The Iglesia ni Cristo was founded on July 27, 1914. That day was the also the final day of the negotiations between Austro-Hungarian forces and Serbia. The next day they waged war with each other to which their allies backed them up, waging wars to their opponents as well. One thing lead to another until it became the even we of today know as World War I.

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Iglesia Ni Cristo Commemorative Stamp. Image courtesy of PHLPost.

2. Foundation: The Bible The bible is the basis of the INC’s beliefs.  Everything they do both in daily life or in times of worship must abide to the rules given by God which are written inside the bible. The bible is also used as their main method of preaching the other non members to join them. - 

3. Worship Days An INC member will go to church at least twice a week though those times and days may differ on the church’s schedule. It can happen on a Wednesday or a Thursday, then a Saturday or a Sunday. 

4. Dress Code

The church observes strict policies especially in the attire of their members when attending worship services. The attire must be formal at all times, with males wearing polos or barongs paired with slacks and black shoes. The females would wear dresses and very short or skimpy are not allowed.

5. Worship Service Seating Arrangement Another strict policy that must be implemented at all times during the worship is the placement of people. The assembly hall is usually divided into two rows of chairs. The other side is where the women would sit, on the other the men.

6. INC Special Worship Days

There are special worship days that every INC member deem important for it happens only once per year. The first two would be the midyear and yearend Pasalamat. The last one would be the Santa Cena held on the month of March.

7. Bloc Voting

The Iglesia Ni Cristo is known in the Philippines for its bloc voting or voting as one. During elections, especially in the national level, the members would receive a list of who they will vote for and in turn will vote for them. This is to exercise the teaching that each member is part of the whole body working for one purpose and thus, it only needs one decision.

8. The Churches The INC churches are uniquely designed but usually feature spires on each one making it easily recognizable by its members even from afar. The biggest one, the Central Temple, sits on a 10 hectare site on Quezon City. There are no altars or images inside the church, though there is a stage facing the whole assembly hall – the INC minister will stand here for the homily.

9. The Leaders The leaders of the church started with Felix Y. Manalo. He passed away and was then succeeded by his son, Eraño G. Manalo or Ka Erdy. After Ka Erdy died, he was succeeded by his son, current Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo.

10. From the Philippines to the World From a very humble beginning, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has now spread all over the world. It’s now composed of 110 nationalities and has worship services in over 102 countries and territories.  In the Philippines alone, their number is estimated to be at around 3 million organized in 104 ecclesiastical districts.

11. 8 Guiness World Records for the Philippines and Counting Iglesia Ni Cristo placed the Philippines in the world map for setting the most number of Guiness World Records. The latest of which were announced hours ago. 

Sources: IglesiaNiCristo.net, Rappler.com, ABS-CBNNews.com, TheSummitExpress.com, FB Page INC Facts and Figures - See more at: http://www.inewmedia.org/interesting-facts-know-iglesia-ni-cristo/10083/#sthash.rzALEXQx.dpuf