Each year from the 18th to the 25th of January, Christians around the world come together to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This ecumenical event, celebrated internationally, is an important time for reflection, unity, and prayer, as churches of different denominations join in a shared hope for greater unity within the Christian community.
This year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity holds particular meaning, as it coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Christian Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, where Christians gathered in unity to express their common faith, forming the Nicene Creed. In 2025, the prayers and reflections have been prepared by the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy. Their writings offer us the opportunity to reflect on the foundations of our shared Christian faith, drawing us deeper into the common bonds that unite us as one body in Christ.
The biblical passage for this year, John 11:17-27, recounts Jesus’ words to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” This passage reminds us of the hope we share in Christ, a hope that transcends death and division, uniting all believers in His promise of eternal life.
Many churches will hold joint services throughout the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, offering a space for local communities to pray and reflect on their ecumenical journey. Here at Mildmay Hospital, we are grateful for this opportunity to unite with the wider Christian community in prayer and contemplation, especially as we care for society's most vulnerable.
As we light our candles and pray together, we are reminded that our faith is a light that shines brightly when we come together as one. May this week inspire us all to continue seeking unity, understanding, and peace in our own lives and in our world.
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