Christian Unity Prayer Service Draws Wide Ecumenical Participation in Nellore

Motu, Nellore, January 22, 2026: A spirit of unity and shared faith marked a Christian Unity Prayer Service held at the Swasthathagiri Shrine, Motu, in the Diocese of Nellore. The service brought together more than 200 pastors from various Christian denominations and around 400 lay faithful, reflecting a strong commitment to ecumenical fellowship.

The event was organised with the blessings of Dr. Moses D. Prakasam, Bishop of Nellore, and served as a visible sign of growing cooperation among Christian communities in the region.

The prayer service was led by Anthony Das, Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore and Chairman of the TCBC Commission for Ecumenism. In his message, Bishop Das underlined the urgent call to Christian unity, drawing inspiration from Jesus’ prayer, “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). He urged Christians to offer a united witness to the Gospel through love, collaboration and mutual respect in their daily lives and ministries.

Several pastors representing different Christian traditions addressed the gathering, expressing their joy and gratitude for the ecumenical initiative. They appealed strongly for deeper unity and closer cooperation among Christians, particularly in mission, service and social outreach.

The prayer service was attended by a number of distinguished participants, including Fr. Anthaiah Kondaveeti, Fr. Joseph Mani, Fr. P. Joseph Kumar, along with several priests and religious from neighbouring parishes. Their presence highlighted the shared commitment of clergy and religious to the cause of Christian unity.

Participants widely appreciated the event, acknowledging that prayer remains at the heart of the ecumenical movement. Many expressed a strong desire to gather more frequently for common prayer, dialogue and fellowship as a means of strengthening bonds among Christians.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, symbolising communion and fraternity across denominations. Organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Ch. Balaraju and his dedicated team for planning and conducting the prayer service in a deeply meaningful and prayerful manner.

By Fr. Joseph Mani,

Vicar General and Diocesan Director for Ecumenism

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