Ceremony of entering the temple, announcing the decision to appoint the abbot of Tu Pagoda

On the morning of July 22, the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province held a ceremony to announce the decision to appoint Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac as abbot of Tu Pagoda.

Attending the ceremony were Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province; Mr. Dau Van Thanh - Director of the Department of Home Affairs, representatives of departments and branches at the provincial level, Nghi Loc district, Nghi Phong commune, and monks in the area.

Monks and delegates attending the ceremony.

Tu Pagoda is an ancient temple built by the people of Dai Xa commune (now Nghi Phong commune) a long time ago to worship Buddha Shakyamuni and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Over time and war, the temple was damaged, leaving only traces of the yard.

In response to the wishes of Buddhists and people of Nghi Phong commune who wanted to restore Tu pagoda to have a place for cultural, spiritual and religious activities, in June 2012, the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued a decision approving the restoration of Tu pagoda.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Head of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee presented the decision to appoint the abbot of Tu Pagoda to Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac (right).

After 7 years of operation, a number of constructions have been built here, the number of Buddhists coming to the temple to practice is increasing. The temple has paid attention to social charity activities.

However, the Buddhist activities of Tu Pagoda have not been as expected by the Provincial Buddhist Sangha, the authorities at all levels and the local people. Now, the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee has elected and been approved by the competent State agency to appoint Venerable Thich Tho Lac as abbot here.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province presented the seal of Tu Pagoda to Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac.

At the ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Head of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee presented Decision No. 78/QD - BTST of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee of Nghe An Province signed on July 15, 2019 appointing Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac, secular name Tran Van Duan, currently abbot of Diec Pagoda (Quang Trung Ward, Vinh City) as abbot of Tu Pagoda. At the same time, he presented the seal of Tu Pagoda to Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac.

Mr. Dau Van Thanh - Director of the Department of Home Affairs presented a congratulatory flower basket from the Provincial Party Committee - People's Council - People's Committee, and Provincial Fatherland Front Committee to the new abbot of Tu Pagoda.

Also at the ceremony, Mr. Dau Van Thanh - Director of the Department of Home Affairs, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province congratulated the abbot of Tu Pagoda.

Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac shared some related issues when he was appointed as abbot of Tu Pagoda and hoped that the Church, authorities at all levels, and Buddhists would pay attention and support him to do well the assigned Buddhist work.

Huy Thu