CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in the Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga yesterday commemorated the 127th birth anniversary of Brother Felix Manalo.

Bro. Manalo was born on May 10, 1886 in Barrio Calzada, Tipas, Taguig, Rizal. His parents were Mariano Ysagun and Bonifacia Manalo.

He was regarded by the faithful as the “Last Messenger of God” and the first Executive Minister of the church.

"Hindi po namin malilimot ang Kapatid na Felix Manalo sapagkat kami po ang tunay na nakinabang sa kanyang sakrapisyo at pagpapagal para sa kabuuan ng Iglesia ni Cristo. Ang Pampanga po ang isa sa pinakaunang distrito ng Iglesia na itinatag sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno," John Dela Cruz, a church member here said.

The late church leader was commissioned by God to propagate his words all through out the world.

"Para sa aming mga Iglesia Ni Cristo, mahalaga ang araw na ito (May 10) dahil kapanganakan ito aming minamahal na sugo, ang kapatid na Felix Manalo. Bagaman wala na po siya sa aming piling subalit mananatiling buhay ang kanyang mga gawa sa aming mga puso," another church member stated.

He officially registered INC with the Philippine government and he became its first Executive Minister on July 27 1914.

Manalo initially started the church mission  in Tondo, Manila, and in the towns of Pateros and Pasig.

The INC branched out to the provinces in Central Luzon, and by 1937 it began propagating in the VIsayas.

The birth anniversary was remembered through worship services citing  with lessons about his life and accomplishments as a religious leader.

Currently, the INC is one of the most influential religious organizations in the Philippines.