Praying for Unity: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – January 18–25, 2026

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical celebration that happens annually from January 18 to 25. For over a century during that week, Christians from all over the world have been praying for healing, reconciliation and the restoration of unity within the Body of Christ. Wanting to be one is not just a good idea; it's what Jesus desires. Jesus asks the Father in the Gospel of St. John that "they may all be one" (John 17:21).

The Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity (Vatican) and The World Council of Churches (Geneva) work together to provide resources to observe this annual WPCU.  This year’s theme is, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4). These words of St. Paul see the unity of the community of believers as a vocation, a calling by the Holy Spirit. This unity is linked to one hope and practiced in communal support, by embracing diversity while maintaining communion.
 
The resources for this year are especially significant because the prayers and reflections were written by a team from Armenia that included members of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church, the Armenian Catholic Church and several Evangelical communities. Armenia’s contribution is particularly meaningful because it was the first nation to embrace Christianity in AD 301 and has a long history of witnessing to the apostolic faith through pain, war and displacement of its people due to persecution and genocide. Their experience is a powerful reminder that Christian unity is not just a theological idea; it is a source of hope and strength, especially when things are hard.

The Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations and the Greater Toronto Area Council of Christian Churches will hold a special regional prayer service in Toronto on Sunday, January 18, 2026, hosted at Runnymede United Church at 4 p.m. to honour this week. Bishop John A. Boissonneau and Christian leaders from many ecclesial traditions will come together to celebrate and pray for the unity that Christ desires for the Church.

Prayer together is an act of humility, hope and love, and ultimately a divine gift leading us to deeper and fuller unity in the Body of Christ. The service will include Scripture, prayer, and music from various choirs from many Christian communities and ethnic groups. This is a way to show that we are all one in Christ through our common baptism.

Please pass this invitation along to others in your parish. For more information, click on the link to the poster: bit.ly/3Jc6RWT