Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Concludes with Solemn Observances

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Unity Octave, which was centred around the theme, “Do You Believe This?”, concluded with solemn ceremonies on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, 25th January 2025. This annual event, a significant ecumenical tradition, culminated with Vespers led by Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

In Kerala, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, organised under the leadership of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) and the Kerala Council of Churches (KCC), began on 18th January 2025 and concluded on 25th January with a gathering hosted by the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum.

The closing meeting was inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alexios Mar Eusebius, President of the Kerala Council of Churches, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Silvanus, Bishop of Niranam Diocese of the Believers Eastern Church, led the prayers, marking the spirit of unity and fellowship.

Clergy, religious, and laity from various denominations actively participated in the prayer service, reflecting the collective aspiration for Christian unity. The arrangements for the event were coordinated by Fr. Daniel Bathell, Secretary of the KCBC Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the call for reconciliation and unity among Christians, inspired by the transformative life and mission of Saint Paul.