Founding Day 2023

“But you are a chosen

race, a royal

priesthood, a holy

nation, a people for his

possession, that you

may proclaim the

excellencies of him

who called you out of

darkness into his

marvelous light.”

1Peter 2:9

Viewpoint:  Last year Saudi Arabia announced a new annual holiday called Founding Day. It is celebrated every year on February 22. Its purpose is to observe the establishment of the first Saudi state in Arabia and to highlight the importance that the Al Saud dynasty has played in the history of Arabia; this is the second holiday instated recently that centers around the Al Saud dynasty. The first was Saudi National Day, which remembers the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1932. KSA now has four official holidays; two are traditional Islamic holidays, and two focus on KSA’s history. Last year KSA celebrated more secular holidays like Valentine’s Day and Horror weekend (Halloween); Egyptian Coptic Christmas masses were held in KSA this past January that were government sanctioned; KSA is continuing to open up to the world but is still closed off to Jesus.  

Many tribes make up the population of Saudi Arabia; the ruling tribe is the Al Saud tribe, which united Saudi Arabia into one country; the younger generation in Saudi Arabia has come to embrace the celebration of Saudi National day, and most are proud to identify as Saudi Arabians; Founding Day gives Saudis another opportunity to embrace their national identity. They need to hear and accept that their true identity can only be found in Christ, as it says in 1Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

Prayer points:  Pray that as Saudis celebrate Founding Day, they will not be satisfied with identifying themselves as Saudis. Ask that they will have opportunities to hear about Christ and that they will find their true identity in Him. Pray that soon all of KSA will be open to worship Jesus freely.