Syriac Catholic Patriarch opens week of prayer for Christian unity in Beirut
BEIRUT — Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan led the official opening prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in the Museum district of Beirut.
The gathering brought together an array of clergy from various Christian denominations in Lebanon. A large congregation of faithful also attended. The ceremony featured the Syriac Antiochene liturgical rite, with hymns in Syriac performed by the patriarchal choir and seminarians from the Our Lady of Deliverance Patriarchal Seminary at Sharfeh Monastery.
Patriarch Younan delivered a homily titled, Teach Them to Observe All That I Have Commanded You; And Lo, I Am with You Always, to the End of the Age. He welcomed the attendees warmly, stressing the importance of prayer in fostering Church unity. He highlighted the significance of the gathering at the patriarchal see and the church named after St. Ignatius of Antioch, a martyred bishop of great historical and spiritual importance.
Turning to current events, Patriarch Younan expressed appreciation for the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Lebanon, offering prayers for their success in forming a government. He also voiced hope for Syria’s recovery, emphasizing the critical role of unity among its citizens and the importance of the Christian community in the country’s restoration.
The event concluded in the patriarchal hall, where Patriarch Younan hosted attendees in a spirit of love and fellowship. The sacred occasion was marked by warm interactions, shared prayers, and a collective commitment to fostering unity among Christians.