Belgaum Diocese Hosts Christian Unity Octave Prayer Service

Belagavi, January 21, 2025: The Christian Unity Octave in the Diocese of Belgaum commenced on 21st January, 2025, with a prayer service at St. Anthony’s Church, Camp, Belagavi. This ecumenical event, organized by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), Belgaum Zone, brought together Christians and leaders from various churches and ecclesial communities in Belagavi.

The gathering was graced by Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum, along with Pastor Benny of the Harvest Church, Pastor Mulla of the New India Church of God, pastors from the Methodist Church, and several parish priests and religious sisters. The event aimed to promote unity among Christian communities and marked the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The service began with an opening prayer by Pastor Mulla, followed by a welcome and introduction by Mrs. Clara Fernandes, Treasurer of AKUCFHR, Belgaum Zone. Mrs. Fernandes highlighted the significance of this year’s Christian Unity Octave, which also commemorates the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicea and the Nicene Creed. She emphasized that the Creed symbolizes the unity of Christians and invited all present to reflect on the question, ‘Do you believe this?’

After a penitential rite led by Fr. Vijay Mendith, parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Pastor Benny from the Harvest Church read from Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, reflecting on the prayer of Jesus. Pastor Benny pointed out that Jesus’ prayer for the unity of His followers remains an unfulfilled call in our times and that the need for Christian unity is more pressing than ever.

The highlight of the service was the collective recitation of the Nicene Creed, with pastors and the congregation united in faith as they proclaimed, ‘We believe.’ Msgr. Philipkutty Joseph, Vicar General of the Diocese of Belgaum, raised the prayers of the faithful, inviting all to seek divine guidance for unity.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Derek Fernandes provided a historical overview of the Nicene Creed and emphasized that the journey towards unity must begin within each individual’s heart before it can be realized at an institutional level. The service concluded with the Bishop’s blessing, followed by a vote of thanks from Fr. Pramodh Kumar, Secretary for the Commission of Ecumenism.

The congregation ended the day in song, singing the hymn, “We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored,” echoing the hope for Christian unity in our world today.

By Fr. Alwin Christopher George