Photo: Albin Hillert/CEC
Member Churches of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) are marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, inspired by the 2025 theme, “Do you believe this?” John 11:26. Observed from 18-25 January in the northern hemisphere, this annual event invites Christians worldwide to unite in prayer and reflection.
This year’s prayers and reflections were prepared by the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy, with resources jointly published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches.
The week holds special significance for European churches, who continue their efforts to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation. Prayers for peace echo across Europe.
One prayer reads:
“Lord, make your face to shine upon us in peace for our good, give concord and peace to us and to all that dwell on the earth.
Grant to our rulers wisdom and intelligence, direct their counsel so that they may administer their authority in justice and in peace.”
The patristic reading for the week highlights the Church’s role as the “community of the Holy Spirit, called to live and spread peace in the world.” It challenges churches to inspire their members to embrace this sacred mission.
This year also marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea in 325 CE. The Nicene Creed, born of this historic gathering, remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, uniting churches across traditions.
In the southern hemisphere, churches often celebrate the Week of Prayer around Pentecost, a similarly symbolic time for unity.
As the week unfolds, CEC reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, peacebuilding, and unity. The prayers for peace stand as a call to action, urging Christians everywhere to work towards a world grounded in justice and reconciliation.