For the Third Day: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Maadi Hosts a Prayer Service for Christian Unity_Egypt
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrations, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Maadi hosted the Week’s third Prayer Service, with the participation of Bishops, Priests, and Pastors from various Churches, along with a congregation from Maadi and the surrounding areas.
The Service began with a welcoming word by Reverend Ousama Fathy, the Church's Pastor.
Then, Reverend Refaat Fikry, Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered an opening word, referencing the verse from Ephesians 4: " Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." He highlighted the Church's pivotal role in preserving its Teaching, which represents its mission in a turbulent world, emphasizing the need for diligence from all God's people and their Leaders to achieve spiritual unity.
As well as, Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Secretary General Secretary of the Egyptian Council of Churches, delivered a speech shedding light on the importance of preserving the unity and spirit of the one body of Christ despite all challenges and difficulties. He stressed on the Ecumenism of Prayer and the Ecumenism of practical action, which was embodied in the work of the Egyptian Council of Churches' Committees, including the Priests and Pastors Committee and the Women's Committee.
Reverend Najeh Fawzy read a passage from the Book of Isaiah, after which Father Nathan from St. Mark's Church in Maadi presented a reflection on the Word of God concerning the new creation in Christ and the Kingdom of God, which has already begun within His Church.
Moreover, Deacon Kyrillos read a passage from the Book of Psalms. Then, Bishop Thomas, Bishop of the Catholic Churches in Giza and its Dependencies, presented a reflection about the Teaching from the Book of Acts concerning the descent of the Holy Spirit which created a unity among many people who expressed their unity of faith in different languages.
In addition, Reverend Nassim, Pastor of the Evangelical Church in Maadi, invited the attendees to join him in reading a passage from the Gospel of John. In his turn, Bishop George Sheehan delivered a word about the abundant richness of God's Word, which encourages spiritual unity through the bond of peace. He emphasized the need to be vigilant and diligent in this pursuit throughout the year, not just during the Week of Prayer, highlighting the importance of practical courage in exchanging love and living out one's faith. Reverend Mina Nabih also participated in the Prayer.
These Readings, Prayers, and reflections included comforting hymns performed by the Church's choir and musicians.
The service concluded with the Lord's Prayer and the Apostolic Blessing in Armenian, recited by Bishop Ashot, Bishop of the Armenian Orthodox Church.
