THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, organised a Prayer Meeting for Christian Unity on January 22, as part of the ongoing Unity Octave Week, which runs from January 18-25.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians to deepen their shared faith and reflect on the unity that binds them together.
Rev. David Livingstone of the Methodist Church, Panaji, read from the Scriptures and offered a reflection, which was followed by a hymn presented by St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Raibandor.
Acknowledging the beauty of diversity, he encouraged all to come together and celebrate these differences. Rev. David also shed light on the historical significance of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, highlighting its role in promoting unity among believers.
Fr Norman Almeida, sfx, Rector of the All India Mission Seminary, emphasised the significance of the occasion as the global Church marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD.
"Ecumenism is not an ideal but an essential calling for the realisation of the Kingdom of God," he stated.
He further explained the intrinsic link between ecumenism and the Christian mission, underscoring how this connection nurtures mutual respect, fraternity, and a shared faith among diverse traditions within the global Christian community.
"May this gathering deepen our faith, revitalise our fraternal love, encourage the exchange of personal stories, and address the challenges facing the global Christian community," concluded Fr Almeida.
The event began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Rev. David Livingstone (key speaker), Fr Joseph Chako (St Mary’s Syrian Orthdox Church), Fr Anish John (St Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church), Fr Abraham Thomas (St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Ribandar), Fr Shanta Raj (Methodist Church), Dr Sunil Thomas (Rupantaran Fellowship Church) and Fr Norman Almeida Sfx (Rector, All India Mission Seminary).
St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Vasco, led the congregation in prayer through a devotional dance, while St Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Santa Cruz, performed a group song. A short skit based on the theme was presented by the Rupantaran Fellowship Church from Dabolim.
The prayer meeting also featured prayers of the faithful led by Fr Shanta Raj of the Methodist Church, Merces, and Scholastic Robinson Pacheco, Sfx.
Ecumenical Prayer was led by Fr John Bennet sfx of All India Mission Seminary. Scholastics from the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, presented a choral hymn led Fr Elvis Dias sfx.
Scholastics Rajat Singh and Aston Carvalho anchored the prayer meet while Scholastic Shailesh Gavit concluded the event by thanking all those who contributed to the success of the gathering.
