Mauna Loa, which means “long mountain” in Hawaiian, is the largest active volcano in the world. It covers 2,035 sq miles (5,271 sq km), and is one of a chain of five volcanoes which form Hawaii’s Big Island.
In the satellite imagery captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-West satellite, you can clearly see the volcanic eruption, a monstrous plume of gas and ash suddenly covering a large portion of the Big Island.
❖ የኅዳር ጽዮን ማርያም / Annual feast of St. Mary of Zion
This is a feast colorfully celebrated every year on Hidar 21 (November 30) at every church dedicated to St. Mary. The day is observed with special fervor particularly in Axum Tsion where the Ark of the Covenant is housed safely. The occasion is attended by massive Christian pilgrimages from all over Ethiopia and also foreign visitors making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Axum, the sacred city of Ethiopians.
The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion claims to contain The original Ark of the Covenant.The Feast of the Ark of the Covenant (locally known as Tabote Tsion) is held in commemoration of different historical events including the coming of The Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia and the construction of the first church dedicated to St. Mary in Axum.
The day also marks the destruction of Dagon by the power of The Ark of God, as recorded in the Bible, and the return of The Ark to Israel after seven months of exile at the Dagon’s house in Philistine. (1 Samuel 4; 6)
💭 USA make a statement at the World Cup in Qatar by REDESIGNING their crest with rainbow colors to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community
The USMNT squad have arrived in Qatar to continue their World Cup preparation
Team showed solidarity with LGBTQ+ community by redesigning their USA crest
Rather than the usual red stripes, the new crest incorporates rainbow colors
USA plays its first game against Wales on Monday before facing England and Iran
The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) redesigned its crest with gay pride rainbow stripes ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in an effort to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Earlier this year, USMNT announced a partnership with the You Can Play Project for the fourth consecutive year to support LGBTQ+.
“As part of its “One Nation” social responsibility platform to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), U.S. Soccer, with support from Volkswagen, will partner with the You Can Play Project for the fourth consecutive year to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month during its friendly matches in June. The You Can Play Project is an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches and fans no matter their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.”
“U.S. Soccer is proud to support all fans, players, and employees to share their voices during LGBTQ+ Pride Month and create a more diverse and inclusive environment. We will continue in our support for the LGBTQ+ community in our belief that a diverse and inclusive environment enables our fans, players, and employees to thrive and make a real impact on people across the world.”
At the World Cup in Qatar, the U.S. men’s national team made headlines by redesigning their crest to include the rainbow flag.
This is a bold move from the US team despite the strict law in Qatar regarding LGBTQ+ people.
Qatar criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. Punishment can be as severe as the death penalty by stoning.
The country’s human rights record has led to calls for teams and officials to boycott the November 20 to December 18 tournament.