The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 began in the Middle East 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). An Ecumenical Prayer service is being held and hosted by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Armenian Orthodox Catholicos of Cilicia and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

The Prayer service was attended by the Heads of Churches and the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, and an MECC delegation.

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4)

The "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" starts, as it is one of the most awaited Ecumenical stations of the year, which includes a Prayer Octave that extends between 18 and 25 January every year. A station during which we unite in Prayer on the intention of a unity that has been awaited for decades, through a special international booklet that the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) translates it into Arabic annually. Noting that this year theme is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).

In this context, you can find the daily Prayers, meditations, and reflections in English and Arabic for the week of Prayer, included in the booklet, and which you may publish and distribute every day.

Week of Prayer 2026 Booklet

Program of the Celebrations in Lebanon

Professor Dr. Michel Abs from the First Armenian Evangelical Church - Kantari:

"In the absence of institutional unity that every believer longs for, we can be united in the spirituality of faith and society, as we embrace the same faith, we follow it, as well as the social values ​​that result from it, and through which we serve humanity. Thanks to this faith, humanity has created all forms of services that care for the tired and burdened people.

At the first half century of the MECC’s life, we promise you to continue the work of rapprochement that we have been doing since its founding, and which is included as a basic rule in its constitution and founding documents...

Today, we are at the peak of the institutionalization work that will ensure the continuity of MECC, so that it can continue the tasks entrusted to it by the founders, and we need your continuous blessings, Prayers and support so that this institution, which is considered one of the highest forms of joint Christian work, will be preserved for decades to come, and remains the home of Christian fellowship in the region that witnessed the Incarnation and Resurrection.”