Toronto: March 1, 2013. (PCP) The Global Memorial Day of Pakistani Martyrs was jointly hosted by Canadian Christian Association (CCA), Evangelical Asian Church (EAC), United Christian Federation (UCF), CCASA Canada and Good Samaritan on February 23, 2013. Over 500 people were in attendance. It was also supported by Coptic, Iraqi, Indian, Parsi, Spanish and other communities, churches, organizations, and community leaders. Due to the efforts by the Canadian organizers, the event was also held in Pakistan, USA, England, Germany, Australia and other countries for the first time. The program was started with a prayer by Pastor Peter Paul, and opening remarks by Mr. Barket Gill, General Secretary of the program committee, in addition, welcoming remarks were given by Prof. Obaid Chaudry, CPA, CMA.,CA., and the convener of the committee. Mr. John Gill, President Canadian Christian Association, thanked all the guests and dignitaries. Mr. Pervez Masih, President UCF, gave a speech to describe the persecution in Pakistan and how minorities are impacted by it. A powerful skit was enacted by the members of the EAC to highlight a specific case of persecution in Pakistan. Moreover, video presentation was shown to remember the many martyrs of Pakistan. Pastor Alexander David said a special prayer for the persecuted. Masters of ceremony were Tabassum Iqbal from EAC and Asiam David from Good Samaritan. The video presentation was prepared by Mr. Daniel Arif and the food was prepared by Adress Masih. Other members who worked diligently to make the program a great success were: Sajid Bhatti, President Good Samaritan, Rev. Dr. David Charles and Mrs. Dr. Shirin Charles, Shabaz Sindhu, Daniel Niamat, Noel Chadury, and Pervaiz Yaqoob. Guest of Honors and special speakers included the following: • Hon. Jason Kenney- Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism • Hon. Bob Dechert – Parliamentary Secretary Foreign Affairs • Hon. Brad Butt – MP – Streetsville -Mississauga • Hon. Wladyslaw Lizon MP – Mississauga East – Cooksville • Senior Pastor Doug Rhind – Portico Community Chruch • Father Agelos – Coptic Chruch • Bishop Lawrence Suldhana – Retired Arch Bishop - Lahore Diocese • Rev. Majid Al shafi – One Free World International We are also grateful to the following pastors and their church for the overwhelming support: Father Angelos – Coptic Church, Pastor Doug Rhind –Portico Church, Pastor Fosten Fernandez- Catch the Fire Airport Church, Father Michael Angelo –Spanish church, Bishop Lawrence Suldhana – Retired Arch Bishop Lahore Diocese, Pastor Sarwar Din, Pastor Alexander David, Pastor Peter Paul, Pastor Carol Patrick, Pastor Suleman Khokhar, Pastor James Luke, Pastor Maqbul Mall, Pastor Eshan Walter, Pastor Benjamin, Pastor Shahid Kamal, Pastor Gulzar Masih, Benett Shazad – Gospel Singer Frank Domenichiello – President Conservative Party Vaughn Riding, Mark Dozert –National Councillor Conservative Party.