The Orthodox Baha'is have recently announced the passing of
the third Guardian, Joel Bray Marangella, on September 1, 2013. Prior to
his death, the third Guardian appointed his successor, Nosrat'u'llah
Bahremand, in accordance with the requirements of the Will and Testament
of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The appointment takes immediate effect upon the death
of the Guardian.
...
Spread Peace
Monday, October 28, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Third Guardian of the Bahá’i Faith Ascended to the Abha Kingdom
September 22, 1918 – September 1, 2013
Joel Bray Marangella, Guardian of the Bahá’i
Faith, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2013 at his home in San Diego,
California. He dedicated his labors during his Ministry to the Victory of the “Covenant
of Bahá’u’lláh” and its divinely conceived, sacred and immortal “Child”
and immutable “Charter”.
A celebration of his life’s service held at
10:30 A.M, Friday, September 6, 2013 at the North Chapel at Point Loma in San
Diego, California.
Joel Bray Marangella was born on September
22, 1918 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Phillip and Edith (Gurthrie)
Marangella.
In September 1945, he married the former Irene
Maria Aducat in West Englewood, New Jersey.
Joel Bray Marangella was a WWII veteran,
where is served in the European Theatre with distinction receiving two
Bronze stars. Retiring from active duty at the rank of full Colonel,
Joel Bray Marangella continued to serve as a Department of the Army civilian
until 1972.
Joel Bray Marangella was also the leader,
‘the Guardian’, of the Orthodox Bahá’i Faith with a ministry spanning over 44
years. His dedicated service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh spanned over 80
years since his early declaration as a Bahá’i at the age of 15.
He and Irene lived in France for over 18
years before moving permanently to their vacation home in Ringgenberg, in the
heart of the Swiss Bernese Oberland, overlooking the Lake of Brienze.
His periodic visits to the U.S. allowed him to
obtain an advanced degree (MBA) from Florida International University in
1976.
A chance visit to Australia in the winter of
1983 convinced Joel and Irene that Perth, Australia was to be their new
home where they lived for 30 years. During this period Joel Bray Marangella
perfected his golf game and became the oldest continuous playing member of the famous
Joondalup Golf Club at the age of 90.
At the age of 91, Joel again convinced Irene
that they should finally return to the United States, and they left
Australia and joined their son Paul and his wife Georgia in California.
Joel Bray Marangella is survived by his three
sons, Paul Maxwell Marangella and his wife Georgia of San Diego,
California; Mark Vali Marangella and his wife Christine of Ashburn,
Virginia; and Joel Jani Marangella of Perth, Australia; three
grandchildren, Mason, Adam, and Phillip Marangella and two great grandchildren,
Noah and Leila Marangella.
He appointed his successor as the Fourth
Guardian of Baha’i Faith to Mr. Nosrat’u’llah Bahremand as per the “Will
and Testament” of Master Abdu’l Baha:
“O ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon the
guardian of the Cause of God to appoint in his own life-time him (guardian)
that shall become his successor, that differences may not arise after his passing.”
(Will and Testament of Abdu’l Baha, page 12)
Compiled by Dr. A. Parikh from the writing the Hand of
Cause of God Mr. Jeffrey Goldberg.
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