Ecumenical "unity prayer service" of UGCC, Phanar, RCC and OCU held in Kyiv

Ecumenical "prayer of unity". Photo: ugcc.ua

The Ecumenical "prayer of unity" was held at the Resurrection Cathedral in Kyiv (UGCC) on 20 January 2023, where representatives of the UGCC, the Phanar, the RCC, and the OCU participated, reports the press service of the UGCC.

"The unity prayer" was organised by the UGCC Сommission on Inter-Faith and Inter-Religious Relations.

The Ecumenical prayer was led by the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine Visvaldas Kulbokas (RCC), Exarch of the Phanar in Kyiv Mykhailo Anishchenko, representatives of the OCU and Protestants also took part in it. In the course of the service, petitions were proclaimed "for the sincere desire for the unity of our people".

Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that "the archdiocesan prayer expresses God's deepest desire for unity among the disciples”.

The Exarch of the Phanar stated that "all Christian jurisdictions are making efforts to bring this desired unity closer by all possible means". According to him, "one must bear witness to one's desire for unity. It is that unity for which the Lord Jesus Christ prayed”.

The prayer service ended with a prayer for Ukraine, "Great God, One".

As earlier reported, the head of the UGCC said that Ukraine would have a single Church of Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.