On Thursday, January 29, an ecumenical prayer service at New York’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity brought together Christian leaders and faithful from numerous traditions to pray for unity and peace. The gathering formed part of the global “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” observed annually by churches around the world.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined hierarchs and clergy from numerous Christian traditions for the service, which marked the 58th annual observance of the global prayer initiative. The gathering ‘s theme—“One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”—was inspired by the words of St. Paul in Ephesians 4:4.
The Armenian Church was prominently represented through traditional prayers and sacred chants offered by participants from the Diocese, including members of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, who joined voices with the Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir in a moving musical witness to Christian unity.
Reflecting on the service, Bishop Mesrop said he was deeply encouraged by the shared prayer. “Hearing so many Christian voices lifted together was profoundly moving—many traditions united in one prayer, guided by one Spirit,” he said. “Moments like these remind us that unity begins when we come together before God with humility and love.
Healing, Hope, and Peace
The service was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and included participation by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon, Bishop Peter Eaton, Bishop Katrina Foster, Bishop James Massa, Monsignor Robert Murphy, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and Dr. Kirsten Guidero, among other clergy and ecumenical leaders.
Bishop Mesrop also expressed gratitude for the strong presence of Armenian faithful, clergy, and seminarians who attended the service. “Our Diocese’s participation is an important witness to our commitment to Christian unity,” he said. “When we pray together, we begin to see one another not as separate institutions, but as members of the same Body of Christ, seeking healing, hope, and peace.”
The evening concluded with fellowship among participants, strengthening relationships among Christian communities throughout the region.
Click the following link to view a recording of the Prayer for Christian Unity service.