In an ecumenical effort, the bishops, moderators, pastors, priests, deacons and faithful from different denominations gathered in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Allahabad at 5 pm on 21^st January 2014 for the Unity Prayer Service in view of the Unity Octave, keeping in mind the prayer of Jesus: “that they all may be one”( Jn 17:21). Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly, the Catholic Bishop of Allahabad, Rev. Collin. C. Theodore, the Moderator Episcopal Commissary Diocese of Lucknow, Rev. Pastor Dawood (C.N.I.), Rev. Rajan Das (B.S.I), various priests and laity took part and prayed together for the Christian unity during this hour long service.

In his message, Rev. Collin said that Christian Unity means to come together in the need of one another and pray for each other in the name our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. He emphasized that the essence of Christian unity is based on love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although we belong to different denominations we are united in the name of Christ. We have to march ahead in this life journey by co-operating one another and showing love and sacrifice towards our brethren on earth. We are united because we bear the same witness of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Rajan Das, representative of Bible Society of India, prayed for the different intentions of Christian Unity that all may be one and spread the Good News and the moral values of Jesus Christ. He also prayed for the people of Allahabad city that all people may understand the human dignity and proceed towards the kingdom of heaven.

Most Rev. Bishop Raphy Manjaly, after the gospel reading by Rev. Fr. Francis D’Souza, the rector St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad delivered his valuable message to all the faithful present there. He said that the basis of our Christian Unity is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect example of love and sacrifice for us. After washing the feet of His disciples, at the last supper He prayed for the unity. He also emphasized that the Holy Spirit is the basis of Christian Unity and the value of prayer in our life. He said that Holy Spirit is the one who binds us together in one spirit and unity. He summoned to the people gathered to pray to the Holy Spirit that he may guide us that we all may remain one.

The choir from St.Joseph’s Regional Seminary kept the atmosphere prayerful throughout the prayer service. With the joint blessing from Bishop Raphy Manjaly and the gathered pastors prayer service came to an end.