
….Mayor proclaims October 11 Sophia Mojisola Faniyan Day
It was spectacular, carnival-like, with full ‘military honors.’ It was, indeed, a memorable Home Going program fit for royalty, fit for a daughter of the King of Kings.
The beloved Matriarch, Elder Sophia Mojisola Faniyan (nee Sotiyo), mother of Pastor (Dr.) Toyin Laoye, Pastor-in-Charge of Region 15, the Americas 1, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dominion Cathedral, Orange, New Jersey, United States of America (USA), departed triumphantly, with many saints bidding her good night.
Elder Faniyan, who passed on at 91 was honored in death, as she was venerated when she was alive, by dignitaries in New Jersey, as well as by those who flew into the Garden State from all over the US and beyond.
A high point of the honors bestowed on the departed Matriarch was the Mayoral proclamation of October 11 as Sophia Mojisola Faniyan Day!! The Mayor of the City of Orange Township, New Jersey, USA, Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, Esq. made the proclamation on Friday morning, October 11, 2024 at the commencement of the Home Going Service in honor of Elder Faniyan.
She was interred at the Heavenly Rest Memorial Park, East Hanover in New Jersey, after a ceremony witnessed by the top leadership of the RCCG in the Americas, led by Pastor (Dr.) James Fadel, the Continental Overseer, the Americas 1.
The Home Going program started officially on Thursday, October 10, 2024 with a Celebration of Life Service at RCCG Dominion Cathedral, 180 Main Street, Orange, New Jersey, the Headquarters of Region 15, RCCG the Americas 1.
There was a capacity crowd of worshippers in attendance at the Service, including two Pastors-in-Charge of RCCG Regions, the Continental Administrator of The Americas 1, Pastors-in-Charge of Provinces, Zones, Parishes, Workers, parishioners and other well wishers from far and near.
The program on Friday, October 11, 2024 started with the lying-in-state and viewing before the well attended Home Going Service. Pastor (Dr.) Fadel preached the Sermon which exhorted those in attendance (on site and online) to set their houses in order since “life is short and death is sure.”
Pastor (Dr.) Fadel, who is also Assistant General Overseer, AGO of the RCCG, urged everyone to get organized, be prepared, examine themselves and be ready to meet the Lord, because no one knows how much time is left for them. He reminded all that their work will be tested by fire, and cautioned against carelessness or carefree attitude.
Using Elder Faniyan’s life of selfless service as example, the highly respected Cleric urged that all must live lives of selfless service to be able to experience heaven on earth. He also paid glowing tribute to Elder Faniyan, who remained an active worker in the Church, serving in different departments, including Evangelism, Welfare and Elders’ Fellowship until recently.
He also, specially commended Pastor (Dr.) Laoye for how she faithfully and lovingly took care of her mother till her last breathe and showered prayers on her and the entire family.
Pastor (Dr.) Laoye, after the service, specially appreciated the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, Mummy G.O, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye. She also had special words of gratitude for Pastor (Dr.) Fadel and the leadership of the Church in the Americas 1 and elsewhere, as well as those in Region 15, for all they did to comfort and support her and the family.
A long convoy of vehicles, thereafter, proceeded with the remains of Elder Faniyan to East Hanover where she was committed to mother earth following elaborate graveside ceremonies.
From there, all roads led to Ravello Elegant Weddings & Banquets, 138 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936 for a beautiful reception to end the historic Home Going program, which was rounded off with a Thanksgiving Service at RCCG Dominion Cathedral, Orange, New Jersey, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.