Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 Hosted by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

Standing together in solidarity and Prayer for Christian unity and for peace in the Middle East and the world.

With one love, one heart, and great hope, the Heads of Churches and believers united in an Ecumenical Prayer Service on the occasion of the opening of the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026," 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.

We unite together in Prayer, saying, “Gracious and almighty Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you are the true Light, who cast out the darkness of sin, and shined into our hearts the joy and hope of your eternal Kingdom” (from the Prayer Service of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026).

An Ecumenical Prayer Service celebrating the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 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 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.

Booklet of the Week of Prayer 2026: https://www.mecc.org/mecc/2025/12/29/the-middle-east-council-of-churches-issues-the-arabic-version-of-the-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-booklet-2026-sccya

What Are its Aim and Objectives?

From the MECC Archive 2025

From the MECC Archive 2025

Produced By MECC

Toward a New Application of Ecumenism

Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Since its founding, dialogue and social cohesion have shaped the identity, culture, and strategy of the Middle East Council of Churches and have determined the course of its work.

Dialogue is the very reason the MECC exists. By virtue of being an environment for dialogue and joint action among churches, it provides the framework that brings them closer together on multiple levels. In this way, it has played a role in enabling sound relationships among them, helping them accept one another despite differences in theology, liturgy, and national cultures.

Driven by concern for civil peace and social cohesion, based on an approach that welcomes and respects diversity, which is the foundation upon which ecumenism was built, the MECC becomes a setting for rapprochement among the different communities that make up our societies, and a space of reconciliation and closeness among the people of this region.

The dynamism of MECC’s work embraces all segments of society in our region. It is a principal partner in dialogue with them and among them, especially because it is transparent and sincere: it does not say one thing while concealing another, and it matches words with action. This stems from a social “doctrine” grounded in behavioral values by which it has worked, and which Christ Himself preached.

We can also affirm that MECC does not practice rapprochement and dialogue only at an elite level. Rather, it has succeeded in embodying this culture of dialogue at the grassroot level, among ordinary people, through its relief and development work without the slightest discrimination, starting from the suffering of the affected groups in our societies…

A Visit Emphasizing the Need to Strengthen Ecumenical Efforts

On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, visited Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family. The visit took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Haigazian University in Beirut.

Professor Abs was accompanied by an MECC delegation that included Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Associate Secretary General, Caroline Haddad, Senior Human Resources Officer, Mrs. Maha Semaan, Executive Assistant to the Secretary General, Ms. Maria Bzdigian, Programs’ Coordinator in the Theological and Ecumenical Department, and Johnny Antoun, Social Media Officer in the Communication and Public Relations Department.

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.

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).

Week of Prayer Booklet 2026 in Arabic and English

Program of the Celebrations in Lebanon

Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: December 2025

As a turbulent year comes to an end, 2026 might not be that different. There are concerns the region is entering another period of acute strategic tension as state and non-state actors are exchanging threats. While dialogue in some areas look promising, some actors have only shown a consistent propensity for war, even during times of intensive diplomatic activity. Therefore, there still persists an elevated risk of localized conflict or renewed multi-theater conflict over the coming months. Moreover, the situation in Gaza remains unresolved as the humanitarian situation remains to be daunting and negotiations are at constant risk of falling apart.

In An Interview on Mariam TV to Highlight the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

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.

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.

Week of Prayer Booklet 2026 in Arabic and English

Program of the Celebrations in Lebanon

From the MECC Archive 2025