Church Unity Octave (Jan 18)
January 18, 2026
Introduction
The prayers and reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic, and Evangelical Churches. The Armenian Apostolic Church, recognized as one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, has played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and historical identity of the Armenian people for nearly two millennia. The Armenian Apostolic Church is part of the Oriental Orthodox tradition, characterized by distinctive theological and liturgical practice. Ephesians 4:1-13 is the biblical text chosen for 2026 and summarizes the teachings of Paul about unity, emphasizing that the followers of Christ represent “one body and one Spirit,” united in a single hope. The services offered here are adapted from the ones developed by the Armenian Church, the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. I have added additional texts each day from the Armenian monk, mystic and poet, St. Gregory of Narek, whom Pope Francis named a Doctor of the Church in 2015.
DAY 1 (Jan 18)
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner
worthy of the calling to which you have been called (Eph 4:1).
Invocation
May the name of the Lord be blessed forever, for his name is before the sun. R/. All the nations of the earth will be blessed through him and all generations will extol him.
Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, the only worker of wondrous deeds, the holy name of his glory is forever blessed. The whole world will be filled with his glory. R/. Amen! Amen!
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. R/. Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In peace let us beseech the Lord. Heed our prayers, raise us to life and have mercy on us. R/. Blessing and glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Scripture: Micah 6:6-8
How shall I come before Yahweh,
and bow myself before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams?
With tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my disobedience?
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.
What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Psalm Response: Psalm 133
Reflection
In Ephesians 4:1, Paul emphasizes the significance of living a life worthy of the “calling to which you have been called”, which is intrinsically linked to the unity of the Christian community. In the midst of a divided society, the Gospel calls believers to overcome barriers and foster reconciliation. This divine calling invites us to embody God’s values within the fellowship of believers. By aligning our conduct with this calling, we not only reflect Christ’s teachings but also contribute to the unity and growth of the Body of Christ. Recognizing and embracing this calling is essential for living out the true essence of Christian community and nurturing a harmonious, supportive fellowship.
A question to consider
How does reflecting on the “calling to which you have been called” as described in Ephesians 4:1 inspire you to actively contribute to unity within your local and wider church communities?
Confession of Faith (St. Gregory Narek)
I pray to your unchanging, almighty Spirit: Send the dew of your sweetness upon my soul to rule over the impulses of my senses. Send the all-filling gifts of your merciful grace and cultivate the reasoning fields hardened by my heart, that they might bear the fruit of your spiritual seeds. All gifts that flourish and grow with us, Teacher, come from your all-encompassing wisdom.2 You who laid hands on the apostles, filled the prophets, taught the teachers, made the speechless speak, and opened the ears of the deaf. You, of the same family as the first and only begotten Son of your consubstantial Father, carry all this out through your mutual effort. You proclaimed as the co-equal of your Father, grant me, a sinner, to speak boldly of the life-giving, mystery of the good news of your Gospel, that I might follow with soaring mind, the infinite course of the inspired breath of your testament. And when I embark upon the solemn interpretation of the Word, send me first your compassion, and let it speak through me in a manner worthy, useful and pleasing to you, in glory and praise for your Godhead, and in the silence of the universal church. Extend over me your right hand, and fortify me with your grace. Clear my mind of the fog of forgetfulness, dispelling the darkness of sin, that I might rise above this earthly life through wisdom. May the dawn of that unobscured miracle, the knowledge of your Godliness, shine within me again, Almighty. To be worthy to do and teach and be an example of goodness for god-loving listeners. To you all glory in all things, with your Father almighty and your only begotten and benevolent Son, now and forever, without end. Amen.
Musical Selection
Prayer
God of light,
you have called us out of darkness into your light.
May our response to your call lead us to actively seek reconciliation
and share your light in the world. Amen.