The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2022, which comes from the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, is the Epiphany. It was selected by the Middle East Council of Churches and originates from the churches in Lebanon. Present times in Lebanon are extremely difficult and economically disastrous. All this combined with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made the situation quite stressful for the people there. The power of prayer in solidarity with those who suffer is a demonstration of Christian unity and a sign of communion.
The artwork for the 2022 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity visualizes the Epiphany, a time each January when the Church recalls the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem, highlighting God’s invitation to all of humanity to a new covenant in the Incarnation of Christ. In the Eastern Churches, Epiphany is joined to the mystery of the Baptism of Christ, a baptism all Christians hold in common as testimony to their faith in the Son of God. The thematic art depicts the star in the east high above Judea that led the Magi to Christ’s birthplace, with each facet representing those who have accepted God’s new covenant, set upon a night sky that evokes the swirling waters of creation and those of our Baptism into Christ.
Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, continuing the work of Servant of God, Fr. Paul Wattson and Mother Lurana White of Graymoor, is pleased to once again produce materials for the observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the United States in English and Spanish. Please check our website, geii.org, for more information soon. We will start providing materials in October.
Celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in your community from January 18-25, 2022. “That they all may be one.”