MECC
Beginning of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2026 in an Ecumenical Prayer Service Hosted by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Lebanon
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.
Week of Prayer: 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea
What Are its Aim and Objectives?
From the MECC Archive 2025
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
An Annual Historical Week Between 18 and 25 January, What is its Significance?
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated annually during eight days of daily Prayers worldwide. It is an historic annual ritual which extends between 18 and 25 January in the global Christian calendar.
The week of Prayer carries with it profound Christian and Theological meanings through which Christians move on their annual Ecumenical journey. Setting a date for the week itself has a special significance, turning it into a Christian tradition that started in 1908. January 18 reminds us of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle with which come the Prayers to build bridges and strengthen fraternity among all Christians. January 25, however, refers to the Feast of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the end of the week of unity, thus a call to continue praying for unity throughout the year.
The Middle East Council of Churches Issues the Ecumenical Calendar for January 2026
And Celebrates the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of January 2026. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical feasts of the various families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.
Noting that January includes one of the most important international Ecumenical occasions. It is the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, which MECC celebrates it in the region and with the world, between 18 and 25 January, every year. Noting that this year the theme of the Week of Prayer is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
Video - The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
In An Interview on Mariam TV to Highlight the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
All Resources Related to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
You can find the Week of Unity 2026 Booklet, the daily Prayers and reflections, the Prayer for Christian unity, and the program of celebrations in Lebanon.
The Prayer for Christian Unity
As we celebrate the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” 2026, let us unite together in Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the intention of Christian unity and for peace in the Middle East and the world, carrying this year’s title “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4: 4).
Hence, you can find in Arabic the Prayer for Christian Unity.
Video - A Special Episode On the Occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
With Ms. Melissa Bridi, Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF)
Video - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 18 to 25 January
What Is the Symbolism of this Date?
From the MECC Archive 2025
Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Receives
Ms. Melissa Bridi, WSCF Regional Secretary
Discussions Centered on Signing a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Two Institutions
As part of strengthening and promoting the Ecumenical work in the region through various practical programs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received the Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) Ms. Melissa Bridi, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
Many social and youth-related issues were discussed during the meeting. Both sides addressed the concerns and aspirations of youth in the region and emphasized the importance of developing their capabilities and skills to prepare future leaders ready to build better societies.
The Daily Prayers, Reflections and Readings of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" 2025
“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.