Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Chicago Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity

Sponsored by Ecumenism Metro Chicago
Sunday, June 3, 2012
St. Hedwig Catholic Church

On Sunday, June 3, 2012 Christian clergy and judicatory leaders came together with a congregation of 200 people to pray for Christian Unity at the 12th Annual Chicago Ecumenical Prayer Service. The annual observance is sponsored by Ecumenism Metro Chicago, comprised of nineteen Christian communities in the Chicago area.

The prayer service is normally held in January during the week of prayer; however EMC moved the date to June. Another significant change in 2012 was the addition of a reception and exhibit in St. Hedwig's Church Hall, prior to the prayer service. The exhibit highlighted community-based endeavors from several local parishes and congregations who hosted ecumenical observances during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Sunday's reception was also an opportunity for the guests to dialogue with people from different churches.

Music for the service was provided by the Youth Choir at St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church, under the direction of Jolanta Wasco and St. Ambrose's Catholic Church Choir, under the direction of Dr. James Hunter. Patricia J. Weidner was the organist. Please review the following links for more details.

  • Chicago Tribune Article – "Prayer service promotes Christian unity, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant followers gather to strengthen ties." <<Click to Read>>

  • Complete text of homily delivered by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos <<Click to Read>>

  • 2012 Ecumenical Prayer Service Photo Gallery <<Click to View>>