On Sunday, January 25, 2026, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of Canada, the Armenian Prelacy of Canada hosted the annual Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity at the St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Montreal. This marked the culmination of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual observance held from January 18 to 25.
This year, the Week was dedicated to Armenia. Christians worldwide lifted prayers for the Armenian people and the Armenian Church, as well as for the broader cause of Christian unity and communion.
The prayers, hymns, and reflections for the Week of Prayer were based on the Morning (Arevagal) Service of St. Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali). Throughout the week, Christians across the world prayed in 50 languages, thus joining in a shared spiritual and liturgical heritage.
In Montreal, the event was organized in collaboration with the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism, and the Alliance of Christian Churches of the Middle East. The theme focused on “There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4).
The event was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian. Amongst the distinguished clergy attending were:
His Eminence Archbishop Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.
His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Church of Canada.
His Grace Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet, Eparch of the Maronite Catholic Church.
His Grace Bishop Victor-David Mbuyi Bipungu, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
Also present were clergy from Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Anglican, and United Churches, nuns from the Order of Saint Benedict and Romanian Orthodox Church, representatives from the Canadian Center for Ecumenism, members of the Alliance of Christian Churches of the Middle East, and the Armenian Community leaders and the faithful.
The prayer service began with welcoming remarks by Archbishop Papken, who reflected on the profound meaning of unity in Christ, emphasizing humility, prayer, and love as how this unity is lived.
His Eminence Archbishop Christian Lépine delivered the homily, inspiring Christians to strengthen their communion in Christ, rediscover their unity as the one Body, and be renewed by the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church.
Choirs of St. Hagop Armenian Church and St. Sauveur Melkite Church united in prayers. Their chants created a sanctuary of harmony where words gave way to the Gospel’s message of love and unity, touching hearts and inspiring tears. In that divine space, differences became blessings, and diversity testified to Christ’s gathering of His people as one Body.
This event was a declaration that amid a divided world, the Church is a symbol of reconciliation. Through prayer, sacred hymnody, and brotherhood, the faithful demonstrated Christ’s desire for unity among all his followers.
May the Lord strengthen peace among all churches, turning the unity celebrated in prayer into love, service, and witness—so the world may believe.