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Yeukai Karengezeka-Herald Correspondent
As the clock struck midnight on Tuesday, ushering in a brand-new year, churches across the country were abuzz with activity.
From candlelight vigils to prayer marathons, joyful hymns to reflective sermons, congregations gathered in unity to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with faith, hope, and jubilation.
The Herald visited several churches to capture the spirit of celebration, reflection, and renewal that defined the transition into 2025. It also explored the inspiring themes that will guide these congregations in the months to come.
The United Family International Church (UFIC) hosted its crossover night service at its church building in Chitungwiza. The event, an all-white affair, drew over 60 000 people, including international visitors, according to church officials.
The night was filled with celebration as congregants were serenaded by gospel musicians such as Minister Michael Mahendere, Worshipper Larry Gunda, Tapiwa Masara, and Sir Benjamin Rupapa, who performed their popular tunes to an enthusiastic audience.
UFIC founder and leader, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, took to the stage after midnight, introducing the 2025 theme: “The Year of Royal Priesthood Order,’ inspired by 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6.
Addressing his followers, Prophet Makandiwa said God had given him the scripture on June 19 last year.
He said Christians were part of a royal priesthood and emphasised the need to serve God as priests and kings, according to the order of Melchizedek.
He assured the congregation that this year would be a year of restoration, where families would experience peace and order, and people would recover their lost blessings.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church celebrated their crossover night in grand style, hosting the “Celestial Chorus Volume 2 Soirée” at the Rainbow Towers in Harare.
The event was attended by Cabinet ministers, diplomats, celebrities, musicians, and Adventist members.
Award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi, Janet Manyowa, Canaan Nyathi, Rudo Madindi and South African singer Khaya Mtetwa were among the ones that performed during the event, adding a melodic touch to the celebrations.
President Mnangagwa delivered a televised address to the congregants.
He expressed gratitude for their unwavering devotion and called on various faiths to keep the country’s leadership in their prayers.
“We encourage you to keep us every day in your prayers as we steer this country toward an upper-middle-income economy. May the grace of God continue to guide your endeavors as you serve and uplift our nation. With hope, faith, and love, let us embrace this New Year together in line with our country’s mantra: *Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo, Inotongwa Nevene Vayo, Inonamatirwa Nevene Vayo (A nation is built, governed, and prayed for by its own people).”
Addressing the youth, businessman and Adventist leader Mr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi urged them to dedicate their lives to God’s work, emphasising the importance of spiritual commitment in shaping their futures.
Kingdom Prosperity Ministries led by Apostle Rodney Chipoyera had a morning service on December 31 and held an online service from 11pm that day to 12:30am in the New Year.
Apostle Chipoyera declared that 2025 would be a year of tangible results.
The Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe conducted multiple services across its branches, with their 2025 theme being: “The Year of Growth, Expansion, and Increase.”
AFM President Bishop Amon Madawo encouraged Christians to grow spiritually, numerically, financially, and in every aspect of life, citing scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:18, Isaiah 54:2-3, and Psalm 115:14 as the foundation for the theme.
In Waterfalls, the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries drew thousands for their crossover service.
PHD founder Prophet Walter Magaya declared 2025 as: “The Year of Abundant Grace and Harvest.”
Online Reporter