Press releases

GRODNO, 21 January (BelTA) – Representatives of different confessions will gather for the Universal Prayer for Christian Unity at St. Francis Javier Cathedral in Grodno, BelTA learnt from the Grodno Diocese of the Roman-Catholic Church of Belarus.

The church service will take place on Saturday, 23 January. Partaking in the prayer will be the Roman-Catholic, Greco-Catholic, Orthodox priests and a Lutheran pastor. Representatives of different confessions are invited to attend the service. In a sign of unity the worshippers will light candles from the Easter candle that symbolizes Jesus Christ. The priests and the faithful will greet each other with hugs and bows which will serve as a symbol of peace. The service will be followed by a universal prayer for the unity of Christians of different confessions

Bishop of Grodno Alexander Kashkevich called for joining the Universal Prayer for Christian Unity. His message is read out to parishioners in all parishes.

The service in St. Francis Javier Cathedral will be held during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The week is "an expression of the search for ways for salvation and reconciliation”, reads the Bishop’s message. St. Francis Javier Cathedral will hold such a unifying event for the sixth time.