“Our world still bears the deep scars of division which, without prayer and without God’s help, lead to an increasingly alarming rise in misunderstanding and a sense of spiritual disconnection,” Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said on Sunday.
The hierarch represented Patriarch Daniel at the final prayer gathering of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held at Cașin Monastery in Bucharest.
According to the bishop, the week of prayer does not end “as a mere calendar event, but as a renewal of our commitment to be witnesses and workers of unity.”
He noted that this year’s theme — “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope” (Ephesians 4:4) — is linked to the witness of Christians in Armenia.
“This ancient apostolic community reminds us that, despite suffering and historical challenges, unity is not an abstract ideal, but a reality lived in the Holy Spirit,” he said.
The need for prayer
Bishop Paisie added that healing the scars of division requires prayer and God’s help.
“We are also convinced that, in the current context of our society, so fragmented and divided, there is a great need for prayer and action for unity and solidarity.”
“Our world still bears the deep scars of division which, without prayer and without God’s help, lead to an increasingly alarming rise in misunderstanding and a sense of spiritual disconnection,” he added.
More than a statement
In closing, Bishop Paisie stressed that “we who claim to be disciples of Christ, all of us who call ourselves Christians, have a duty to fulfil His commandments and become artisans of unity.”
“This must not be only an annual statement, a January promise, but must become a mission to confront division with courage, to confront indifference with compassion, and to bring healing where there have been wounds,” he concluded.
Photo: Mihnea Păduraru / Lumina Newspaper
