The World Council of Churches (WCC) interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca is inviting the global ecumenical family and friends to join a livestreamed public prayer service on the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

“As restrictions in many places due to the coronavirus pandemic are making it difficult to physically gather, this global online celebration will allow us to pray together wherever we are,” says Sauca. “Prayer is one of the fruits that is borne out of our abiding in Christ’s love.”

Traditionally the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated from 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul, especially in the northern hemisphere. The theme for 2021 is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit.”

At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world usually exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. 

The prayer service will take place on Monday, January 25, 2021, 7 a.m. CST here: www.oikoumene.org/live