Biblical scriptures and stories came to life on Sunday as the nation paused to mark the significant roles played by fathers in Samoa through the celebration of Father's Day. 

On the big island of Savai'i, fathers were the focus of church services in the different parishes and denomination on Sunday, where they were acknowledged and thanked for their roles in raising children and leading families. 

Although Father’s Day is not as elaborate as that of mothers and children in Samoa, church services were dedicated to them across the country. 

For the different parishes under the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) umbrella, the performances were guided by the theme, "vanity of vanities."

The message from the pulpit was for them to value their calling as leaders in families. They were reminded that no matter what their calling is from God, whether big or small, they are to honour and carry out their responsibilities as God sees everything and will reward them accordingly. 

They were also reminded of the love of God and how fathers ought to love their wives and families as God loved the church. In some churches, fathers were treated to full course breakfast and dinner, before and after the Sunday gathering.

In the C.C.C.S. parish at Faletagaloa Safune, there was a float parade in the morning before the church service begun, while the mothers and children stood on the side of the road, waving and cheering them on. 

"This is the first time in over two years we are able to celebrate this special day without the restrictions of the pandemic," Reverend Vaueli Sanerivi of the C.C.C.S. Faletagaloa parish said. 

"So we made sure that the fathers of the congregation felt special on their special day. It's so good to see the fathers dressed up in their Sunday attire and are accompanied by their children. 

"We also have some families who are here in Savai'i for this special day after two years so it's more reason for us to celebrate and give thanks to God for his love and protection upon us.

"It's also an opportunity to pay homage to our forefathers and the sacrifices they made for us. We are where we are today because of their hard work and sacrifices they made."

This was also the case for every other congregation in Samoa. 

At Fagamalo, men were given the opportunity to lead the services and preach about the love of God. They also used the opportunity to encourage youths to rise up and lead with love as they are the future leaders of villages, congregations and nations.