Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Draws Churches Together in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jan 29, 2026:

Christians from across denominations in Hyderabad came together in a strong expression of faith and fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from January 18 to 27 under the auspices of the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenism. Celebrated in communion with churches worldwide, the annual observance reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity grounded in prayer, common tradition, and collective mission.

This year’s theme, “There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4), guided reflections and worship services held across the city. The prayer resources, jointly published by the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches, highlighted the ecumenical spirit that defines the Unity Octave.

The 2026 materials were prepared by members of the Armenian Apostolic Church in collaboration with the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. Developed at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia during the blessing of the Muron and the re-consecration of the Mother Cathedral in September 2024, the texts drew deeply from ancient Armenian Christian traditions. Hymns and prayers dating back to the fourth century invited believers worldwide to rediscover their shared Christian heritage.

Throughout the week, reflections stressed that unity is not merely an ideal but a core dimension of Christian faith and witness. Saint Paul’s affirmation of “one body and one Spirit” resonated across services, underscoring unity as a lived expression amid diversity.

In his message for the 2026 Week of Prayer, Pope Leo XIV described Christian unity as “an imperative, not an option,” calling the Church to embrace an exchange of spiritual gifts rather than uniformity. He also warned against divisions driven by worldly ambitions that diminish the joy of the Gospel.

The observance in Hyderabad witnessed wide inter-church participation. Churches and denominations taking part included the CSI Medak Church, Good Shepherd Church of India, Believers Eastern Church, Centenary Methodist Church, Centenary Baptist Church, Lutheran Church, Orthodox Churches, and Banjara Church. For the first time, closer collaboration was established with the Twin City Pastors Fellowship and other pastoral associations, marking a significant step forward in local ecumenical cooperation.

Prayer gatherings were hosted at multiple churches and institutions across Hyderabad and neighbouring regions, including Kompally, King Koti, Chapel Road, Secunderabad, Khairtabad, Lakdikapool, ECIL Bandlaguda, Nizamabad, and Begumpet. These venues became spaces of shared worship, reflection, and encounter beyond denominational boundaries.

The services emphasised mutual listening, scripture reflection, silence, and collective prayer, offering visible signs of Christian fellowship rooted in unity rather than uniformity.

The ecumenical initiative was coordinated under the leadership of Fr. Anthaiah Kondaveeti, Regional Secretary of the TCBC Commission for Ecumenism, with the support of various church councils and federations. These included the Telangana Council of Churches, Telugu Federation of Churches, United Christmas Celebrations Committee, Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the Twin Cities Pastors Fellowship.

Acknowledging the wide participation, Fr. Michael Samala, Archdiocesan Director of Ecumenism, expressed gratitude to church leaders, clergy, religious, and lay faithful for their active involvement, and thanked Bishop Poola Anthony of Hyderabad for his continued pastoral guidance.

Reflecting on the significance of the week, Fr. Samala recalled Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21), reaffirming the call for Christians to walk together in faith, prayer, and service as a united witness to God’s Kingdom.