Hearts Full of Hope_ Day Four of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Evangelical Church in Shoubra_ Egypt
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
Shoubra_ Egypt_ January 27, 2026
“You have gathered us together, in all our diversity, and made us Your family and Your Church. You are the True Light that dispels the darkness of sin and kindles joy and hope in our hearts.”
On the fourth day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a unity Prayer Service was held at the Evangelical Church in Shoubra_ Egypt, which sowed joy and hope in the hearts of the faithful and participants. The Service was held under the theme: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
Attendees were Priests and Pastors from various Churches in Egypt, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Reverend Refaat Fikry, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Gergis Saleh, Coordinator of Social Cohesion, Dialogue, and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of Church Relations and Media at MECC Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, as well as Nuns, Members of the Week of Prayer Committee, and Believers.
Following the Procession of Clergy and participants, Reverend Najeh Fawzy presented the program of Prayer for unity, introducing the participants and explaining the importance of the Week of Unity.
Then, the Pastor of the Evangelical Church in Shoubra Reverend Mohsen Naeem addressed a word welcoming the attendees and emphasizing the meanings of the occasion, which centers on the virtue of love.
Moreover, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches Reverend Yeshua Yacoub delivered a word in which he said: “The path to unity is not easy, but I believe that Christ believes in unity, affirming that Ecumenism is fulfilled when we stand together.”
In a related context, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs delivered a word in which he presented a detailed explanation about the MECC founding, its beginnings, and the stages it has passed through to reach its current state. He emphasized that: “We do not pray for unity, but rather we pray within unity so that we may better understand it and live it.”
Furthermore, Father Karas Ibrahim, Pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Masarra, Representing Bishop Makary, spoke about the importance of the Week of Unity.
Father Youhanna Saad also delivered a word on behalf of the Catholic Church, inspired by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's Word on the subject of unity, saying: "Hope is a human value, and hope is a Divine Grace. If we want to reach hope, we must love and believe in the message of unity."
The Unity Prayer service included Prayers, Biblical readings, and passages from the Holy Bible, read by Reverend Pavly Morris, Reverend Boutros Fouad, Dr. Gergis Saleh, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Reverend Dr. Nadi Labib, President of the Cairo Synod and Member of the Executive Committee at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) delivered a reflection explaining at length its title "We Are Called to One Hope."
The Service was enriched by several hymns perfomred by Reverend Boutros Fawzy and the choir.
As well as, Reverend Refaat Fikry recited a Prayer for Egypt that carried moving messages full of love.
Following the recitation of the Creed by Reverend Michel Milad, the concluding Prayer was delivered by Mr. Essam Ayad on behalf of the Catholic Church.
The Service concluded with the Lord's Prayer, the Apostolic Blessing, and commemorative photos.
Noting that a reception was held in the Church hall prior to the Service welcoming the guests.
