"Three Kings Day" Celebration in Huntington

By Chris O’Neill

The Huntington Assembly of God, located at 1700 New York Avenue in Huntington, hosted its third annual "Three Kings Day" celebration last Thursday.

Three Kings Day celebrates the visit of the three kings, also known as the Magi or Wise Men, mentioned in the Bible, who, “came from the East” to pay homage to the newborn baby Jesus.

Local officials played roles in the story of the three Kings, with Huntington Councilman Sal Ferro playing Balthazar; Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo playing Gaspar; and Guillermo Perez, the founder of the organization Hombres de Palabra NY, playing Melchior.

To bring some added cheer to the close of the Christmas season, Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia became Santa Claus, and Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, became Mrs. Santa Claus.

"We distributed toys to the kids," said Councilman Ferro. "And to see the happiness in their faces - it was so gratifying,"

The Three Kings were guided by a star - the Star of Bethlehem - to find the newborn baby Jesus in a Manger. They brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Alerted in a dream not to return via King Herod - who feared competition as king, and would later - in the Massacre of the Innocents, kill all male children under two in the area of Bethlehem - the Three Kings returned home by another route.

The Assembly of God's celebration was also accompanied by a very practical lecture on the “Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants.” Helpful information was provided by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, who discussed evictions and foreclosures and how to prevent them.

The Assembly of God distributed toys, nonperishable food, and snacks.