The All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, western Indian state of Goa, organized a prayer meeting for Christian unity on January 22, 2025.
The theme was "Do you believe this?" (Jn. 11:27), as part of the ongoing Unity Octave Week, which runs from January 18–25, 2025.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians to deepen their shared faith and reflect on the unity that binds them.
Rev. David Livingstone of the Methodist Church, Panjim, read from the Scriptures and offered a reflection, followed by a hymn presented by St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Raibandor.
Reflecting on the Word of God, Livingstone emphasized the unifying power of Christ.
"Jesus Christ unites us, despite our divisions. While man often creates divisions, Christ is constantly praying for unity,” he added. “He brings us together, whether in our families or diverse contexts."
Acknowledging the beauty of diversity, he encouraged all to come together and celebrate these differences.
He thanked All India Mission Seminary for hosting the Ecumenical Fellowship, fostering unity in diversity.
Livingstone also sheds light on the historical significance of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, highlighting its role in promoting unity among believers.
Fr. Norman Almeida, rector of the All India Mission Seminary, welcomed the gathering at the Ecumenical Fellowship, emphasizing the significance of the occasion as the global church marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD.
Reflecting on the theme, Almeida highlighted its inspiration from the profound exchange between Martha and Jesus, where hope emerges as a transformative force.
"Ecumenism is not an ideal but an essential calling for the realization of the Kingdom of God," he said.
He went on to talk about the deep connection between ecumenism and the Christian mission.
He emphasized how this connection promotes respect, brotherhood, and a shared faith among Christians of different traditions around the world.
"May this gathering deepen our faith, revitalize our fraternal love, encourage the exchange of personal stories, and address the challenges facing the global Christian community," Almeida concluded with hope and encouragement.
The event began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Rev. David Livingstone (Key Speaker), Fr. Joseph Chako (St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church), Fr. Anish John (St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church), Fr. Abraham Thomas (St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Raibandor), Fr. Shanta Raj (Methodist Church), Dr. Sunil Thomas (Rupantaran Fellowship Church), and Fr. Norman Almeida Sfx (Rector, All India Mission Seminary).
St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Vasco, led the congregation in prayer through a devotional dance, while St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Santacruz, performed a group song.
The Rupantaran Fellowship Church from Dabolim presented a brief skit based on the theme.
The prayer meeting also featured prayers of the faithful led by Fr. Shanta Raj of the Methodist Church, Merces, and Scholastic Robinson Pacheco, Sfx.
An ecumenical prayer was led by Fr. John Bennet Sfx of the All India Mission Seminary. Fr. Elvis Dias, Sfx, led the scholastics from the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, in a beautiful choral hymn.
Scholastics Rajat Singh and Aston Carvalho anchored the prayer meeting, while scholastic Shailesh Gavit concluded the event by thanking all those who contributed to the success of the gathering.
The prayer meeting for Christian Unity served as a powerful reminder of the shared faith that unites all Christians. Through prayer, reflection, music, and fellowship, participants came together to deepen their commitment to unity and collaboration.
The event exemplified the spirit of ecumenism and demonstrated the strength of Christian communities when they join in prayer and mutual support. As the Unity Octave Week continues, such gatherings serve as an inspiration to all, encouraging a stronger, more unified Christian witness in the world.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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