Fathers were honoured at church services around Samoa on Sunday.

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Saanapu was among the many churches from different congregations across the nation holding services to honour the role of Samoa's fathers in their families.

One of the older fathers within the C.C.C.S. at Saanapu, Misa Semo, shared his thoughts on how significant Father’s Day is to him.

“In my own opinion, the importance of this special day - it is to give back the glory to God for all his blessings not only for me but also my whole family,” he said.

The 62-year-old father of five stated that he desires no gift; attending church and spending time with his family is what makes him happy.

The Assembly of God church in Fusi also joined the celebrations by having the audience witness fathers perform gospel songs and dances.

A member of the congregation, Nofoa Ituau from Fusi, said that Father’s Day was very special to him.

“It is because all my children will come from different villages to join us for lunch and celebrate Father’s Day, with old age, I have missed them dearly – it is because they are married and have started their own families," he said. 

“The feeling or mood on this day is very different - it is more of a thanksgiving day to acknowledge God for blessing me with many years to live and be with my family, I am very fortunate to have lived this long.

“Our pastor, Taei Tietie, gave an inspiring sermon to encourage us fathers, he said that fathers are also pastors within their families."

The 70-year-old father of ten said that his role as a father requires him raise a family in a good and safe environment:

“I make sure they will not starve or to educate and advise my children so they grow up and have good lives especially through faith."