Ecumenical Christian Unity Octave 2025 Observed in Allahabad Diocese

Prayagraj, February 5, 2025— The Ecumenical Christian Unity Octave 2025 was successfully conducted across the Diocese of Allahabad from January 18 to 25, bringing together various Christian denominations in the spirit of unity and prayer. The 7-day event was hrld under the theme "Do You Believe This" (Jn11:26). Organized by the Commission for Ecumenism under the leadership of its director, Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, the weeklong observance took place in three key zones—Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Sonbhadra—uniting clergy, religious, and lay faithful in collective worship and reflection.

In the Prayagraj Zone, ecumenical churches collaborated to plan a weeklong prayer service that included an introduction, bhajans, reflections, the Nicene Creed, intercessory prayers, the Jubilee 2025 prayer, and benediction.The first day’s prayer service was held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj, while the final day’s service took place at All Saints Cathedral (CNI), Prayagraj. The prayer services on the other days were hosted at the Methodist Church, various CNI Churches (Katra, Jamuna, and Muirabad), St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, and Allahabad Bible Seminary.

The event was graced by His Lordship, Most Rev. Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad Diocese, and Bishop Morris Edgar Dan of the CNI Lucknow Diocese, along with priests, nuns, pastors, seminarians, candidates, and a significant number of lay faithful. The prayer services were well appreciated by all members from all denominations.

In Kanpur, the Unity Octave was inaugurated on January 18 by His Grace, Most Rev. Albert D'Souza, Archbishop Emeritus of Agra, at St. Francis Xavier's Church, Ashok Nagar.In his reflections, His Grace emphasized the importance of unity, highlighting that we are all members of the same body, with Christ as the Head. Pastors from various ecclesiastical communities, along with nuns and lay leaders, actively participated in leading the prayers.

The following days' prayer services were held at the Methodist Church, All Souls Church, Gwaltoli Church, and Christ Church, and concluded at St. Patrick's Church, Cantonment.

In Sonbhadra, the ecumenical prayer service was held at Kripaon Ki Mata Shrine, Duddhi, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Titus Lobo.

The Unity Octave 2025 in the Diocese of Allahabad was met with widespread appreciation, strengthening bonds between Christian communities and reaffirming the commitment to unity in faith.

By Mr. Archit Banerjee