Church Unity Octave (Jan 24)
January 24, 2026
DAY 7 (Jan 24)
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift (Eph 4:7).
Invocations (St. Gregory Narek)
Lord, my Lord, grantor of gifts, root of goodness, ruler of all equally, creator of all from nothing, glorified, awesome, awe inspiring, beyond understanding, dreadful, mighty, stern, unbearable, unapproachable, incomprehensible, inconceivable, ineffable, invisible, unexaminable, untouchable, unsearchable, without beginning, outside of time, unclouded knowledge, bold vision, true being, exalted and humble, blessed existence, shadowless dawn, ray shining upon all, light professing to all, unwavering assurance, undisturbable calm, indelible seal, infinite image, witnessed name, taste of sweetness, cup of bliss, soul-nourishing bread, love in dark exile, unambiguous promise, covering most desirable, garment most protective, cloak most worthy, ornament most glorious, great help, trustworthy refuge, undiminishing grace, inexhaustible treasure, pure rain, glittering dew, universal cure, free healing, health restored, sublime spur, undeceiving call, good news for all, king who lifts up the slave, defender who loves the poor, giver of endless wealth, safe harbor, unyielding command, hope without bounds, long in vision, unsparing in generosity, just right hand that dispenses to all, impartial eye, voice of comfort, consoling tidings, harbinger of bliss, living name, finger of foresight, unstumbling start, sincere course, life-giving will, candid advice, unenvying honor, broad possibility, narrow restriction, track without trace, path without markers, image indescribable, quantity immeasurable, model inimitable, unparalleled compassion, inexhaustible mercy, humility celebrated, kiss of salvation.
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-9
Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
Before you were born, I sanctified you.
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord[b] Yahweh! Behold,[c] I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.” 7 But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you. 8 Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says Yahweh. 9 Then Yahweh stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. Then Yahweh said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
Psalm Response
Reflection
The churches and all local communities are diverse in their God-given unity, with grace given according to the gift of Christ building up God’s kingdom. These spiritual gifts are granted by one Lord, in one baptism, for one purpose. Diversity in unity: this is the unique Christ-centred richness and power of the Church in the movement of the Holy Spirit.
A question to consider
How will our relations change if we accept that diversity of gifts is not a reason for opposition and competition but for mutual strengthening and sharing?
Confession of Faith (St. Gregory of Narek)
Truly, you hear, kind God, You listen, king. You lent an ear, life and light. You paid attention, heavenly one. You respected us, almighty. You noted, knower of secrets. You saw, keeper. You empathized, Lord beyond telling. You humbled yourself, exalted one. You became meek, awesome one. You were revealed, Lord beyond words. You were defined, boundless one. You were measured, unexaminable one. You focused light, radiant one. You became human, incorporeal one. You became tangible, immeasurable one. You took shape, you who are beyond quality. You truly fulfilled the yearnings of those who pray to you. With the voice of the blissful,16 you were even for me, miserable soul that I am, a kind intercessor, a living mediator, an immortal offering, an endless sacrifice, a gift of purity, a priceless burnt offering, an inexhaustible cup. Merciful Lord, who loves mankind, may you always show the favor of your life-giving will and your long-suffering patience toward me, a sinner. To you glory forever. Amen.
Music Selection
We are many parts
We are all one body
And the gifts we have
We are given to share
May the spirit of love, make us one indeed
One, the love that we share
One, our hope in despair
One, the cross that we bear
God of all, we look to You
We would be Your servants true
Let us be Your love for all the world
All you seekers great and small
Seek the greatest gift of all
If you love, then you will know the Lord
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
by the action of the Holy Spirit in the one baptism,
you have bestowed wonderful graces and multiple gifts upon us
for the sake of building up your Body, the Church.
Grant us now the willingness to fully appreciate the richness of their diversity
and use them fully to further the spread of the Gospel.
In your name we pray. Amen.