Christians across the world joined in prayer from January 18 to 25 for the annual “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,” organized jointly by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Vatican. This year’s observance held special significance for Armenians, as the prayers, hymns, and reflections used worldwide were drawn from the spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church and prepared collaboratively with Armenian scholars and clergy.
Inspired by the theme from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians — “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” — the materials reflected the ecumenical vision of St. Nersess Shnorhali. In a guest reflection offered at the WCC’s Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin emphasized that unity is a gift from God. Drawing on St. Nersess’ teachings, he noted that authentic Christian unity respects each church’s cultural identity while fostering humility, patience, and love. (Click here to read more.)
Prayer services around the world also included petitions for the well-being of the Armenian Church, the Armenian nation, and the displaced people of Artsakh. At ecumenical gatherings in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, prayers were offered for all who suffer from violence and injustice, including Armenians affected by the crisis in Artsakh, highlighting the global Christian community’s solidarity with the Armenian people.
Make Christian Unity Visible
The week concluded with a service at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where His Holiness Pope Leo XIV offered a powerful reflection on the Armenian Church’s enduring witness. Participating in the service was Holy Etchmiadzin’s representative to the Vatican, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who led a delegation of clergy that included Primate of Iraq Bishop Oshagan Gulgulian.
Expressing gratitude for Armenia’s contribution to this year’s observance, Pope Leo XIV praised “the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, a history in which martyrdom has been a constant feature.” He extolled Armenia’s foundational place in Christian history, noting with reverence that Armenia became the first Christian nation when “King Tiridates was baptized by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the year 301.” He thanked Armenians as “intrepid heralds of the saving Word, who spread the faith in Jesus Christ throughout Eastern and Western Europe.”
The Pope urged all Christians to deepen their shared mission, proclaiming, “We are one! We already are! Let us recognize it, experience it, and make it visible!” (Watch the Pope’s message here.)
“The worldwide use of Armenian prayers and theology during this year’s observance was a powerful testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of Armenian Christianity and its continuing witness to faith, perseverance, and unity within the Body of Christ,” said Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Eastern Diocese’s Legate and Ecumenical Director, and a Vice Moderator of the WCC, who was instrumental in arranging this year’s special focus on the Armenian Church.