{"id":513267,"date":"2025-01-22T12:25:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T10:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=513267"},"modified":"2025-01-22T12:25:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T10:25:14","slug":"bishop-varlaam-urges-rediscovery-of-christian-unity-during-prayer-week-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/bishop-varlaam-urges-rediscovery-of-christian-unity-during-prayer-week-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Bishop Varlaam urges rediscovery of Christian unity during Prayer Week celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploie\u0219ti represented His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the fourth evening of prayer for Christian unity this year, which took place Tuesday evening at the Armenian Archdiocesan Cathedral \u201cArchangels Michael and Gabriel\u201d in Bucharest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held worldwide from January 18-25, is focused this year on the theme \u201cDo you believe this?\u201d (John 11:26).\u00e2<\/p>\n

Bishop Varlaam encouraged prayer to Jesus Christ for Christian unity during the gathering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith strong faith, let us ask Jesus Christ, who died for His bride, the Church, to make her holy and blameless and to grant us the light to rediscover Christian unity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, which we commemorate this year on its 1,700th anniversary, can serve as a divine instrument in our efforts to rediscover the unity we have lost,\u201d His Grace emphasized.<\/p>\n

Do You Believe This?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Auxiliary Patriarchal Bishop reflected on this year\u2019s Prayer Week theme<\/span>, \u201cDo you believe this?\u201d (John 11:26), drawn from the Gospel account of the Raising of Lazarus.<\/span> This question, addressed by Jesus to Lazarus\u2019 sister Martha, carries profound significance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMartha told the Teacher, \u2018If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that <\/span>even <\/span>now<\/span> God will give you whatever you ask.\u2019 Despite her despair, convinced that <\/span>her brother was lost<\/span> forever, she clung to a glimmer of faith: \u2018I know that God will give you whatever you ask.\u2019 Jesus encouraged her, saying, \u2018Your brother will rise again.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMartha, a devout woman well-versed in the teachings of the Old Law, testified to the truth of the resurrection of the dead, replying, \u2018I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.\u2019 At this, Jesus made a fundamental declaration: \u2018I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen He asked her the pivotal question: \u2018Do you believe this?\u2019 Together, they went to the tomb, where Jesus, the Creator of all things, called Lazarus forth from death, saying, \u2018Lazarus, come out!\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Model of Unity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bishop Varlaam pointed to Jesus\u2019 prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a model for unity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the raising of Lazarus, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, with sweat like drops of blood, that His disciples and all who believe in Him might remain united, just as the Father and the Son are one: \u2018May they all be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChrist prayed for the unity of Christians with <\/span>sweat-like<\/span> drops of blood. Yet, throughout history, Christians have often forgotten this and have divided themselves further, continuing to do so even today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He noted the proliferation of Christian denominations that proclaim Christ yet refuse to testify to their faith together. \u201cThis shared testimony would have irresistible power in today\u2019s world,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prayer and Faith<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bishop Varlaam urged believers to emulate Martha\u2019s faith:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we have strong faith, like Martha, who witnessed her brother\u2019s resurrection through her faith and God\u2019s plan, then we too can trust that Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church, will find a miraculous solution to our divisions. He will enlighten our minds, warm our hearts, and one day we will rediscover the unity we have lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThis unity is essential in a world marked by constant division, a process evident at every level of society,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gratitude and Participation<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bishop Varlaam of Ploie\u0219ti <\/span>expressed gratitude to<\/span> Bishop Datev Hagopian of the Armenian Church in Romania for hosting the fourth evening of prayer for Christian unity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Representatives of various Christian Churches and denominations from the capital attended the religious event.<\/span><\/p>\n