HAIFA, Israel — On 23 May, Baha'is around the world will celebrate the 165th anniversary of the birth of the Baha'i Faith.

The holy day marks the Declaration of the Bab, who in 1844 announced that He was a new divine Messenger, sent to herald a new age for humanity and to prepare the way for Baha'u'llah, the universal Messenger of God expected by people of all religions.

The house in Shiraz, Iran, where the Bab first made His announcement had been preserved as a Baha'i holy site, but in 1979 – 30 years ago this year – it was destroyed by a mob aided by Revolutionary Guards.

The Baha'i calendar dates from 1844, with the year 166 B.E. (Baha'i era) now under way.

The Declaration of the Bab is one of nine holy days during the year on which Baha'is suspend work.