Posted by AI on 2026-02-03 12:38:50 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 10:30:48
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In a powerful display of unity, over 200 Christians from various denominations gathered at St Joseph's Cathedral in Nellore on January 21, 2026, for an ecumenical prayer service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This event, led by Bishop Moses D. Prakasam, was a testament to the shared commitment of Christians to stand together in a world often characterized by division.
The service was a vibrant celebration of faith, featuring reflections from pastors of diverse churches, including the Salvation Army, Baptist Church, South Andhra Lutheran Church, and an Independent Church. Each speaker emphasized the importance of visible unity, not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a mandate from Christ to strengthen Christian witness and address societal challenges. The presence of Fr Thumma Anthoniraj and Fr Anthaiah Kondaveeti, secretaries of ecumenism commissions, further underscored the Catholic Church's dedication to dialogue and cooperation among Christian communities.
The theme, "One Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism," set the tone for the gathering, encouraging participants to transcend historical divisions and foster mutual understanding. This event was not merely a religious ceremony but a demonstration of the practical implications of unity, as Christians united to confront the challenges of the modern world.
As Fr P. Joseph, the organiser, noted, the service was a "concrete testimony of fraternity and hope," reflecting the universal prayer for Christian unity. This gathering in Nellore serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a unified Christian witness, which is especially crucial in today's fragmented society.