Celebration of the Ecclesiastical Certificate and Ceremonial Fan of Rank, Ecclesiastical District Head of Amphawa, and 34 Years as Abbot of Wat Chulamanee, B.E. 2566
Date
14 January 2023 – 15 January 2023
A photo record of the celebration of the ecclesiastical certificate and ceremonial fan of rank as Ecclesiastical District Head of Amphawa (first class), together with the merit-making for 34 years in office as abbot of Wat Chulamanee, of Phra Khru Sophitwiriyaphon (Itthi Bhaddacaro) — 14–15 January B.E. 2566 (2023).
The celebration of the ecclesiastical certificate and ceremonial fan of rank as Ecclesiastical District Head of Amphawa (first class), together with the merit-making for 34 years in office as abbot of Wat Chulamanee, of Phra Khru Sophitwiriyaphon (Itthi Bhaddacaro), was held on 14–15 January B.E. 2566 (2023) at Wat Chulamanee, Bang Chang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province.
The banner displayed at the ceremony reads: “Celebration of the ecclesiastical certificate and ceremonial fan of rank (Ecclesiastical District Head, first class) of Amphawa, and merit-making for 34 years in office as abbot of Wat Chulamanee — Phra Khru Sophitwiriyaphon (Luang Pho Itthi Bhaddacaro), Wat Chulamanee, Bang Chang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province.” He was appointed abbot on 14 January B.E. 2532 (1989), completing 34 years in January 2566.
This set records the certificate and ceremonial fan displayed on a gilded stand against draped cloth and flowers, the rite inside the ubosot attended by officials in full white dress uniform, the many monks seated in rows in the ritual pavilion receiving offerings of requisites, the faithful queuing to pay their respects across both days, and the evening scenes in the illuminated pavilion.