Bengaluru, January 21, 2024: The ongoing Unity Octave Week (January 18-25, 2024) witnessed a significant event with the observance of Ecumenical Sunday at St. Andrew’s CSI Church in Shivajinagar, Bangalore. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, participated in the service and delivered an inspiring sermon.
The Unity Octave Week, an annual event in January, is a time when various Christian denominations come together to pray and demonstrate Christian unity.
In his sermon, Archbishop Machado emphasized the importance of not only praying for unity but also actively desiring and working towards it. He highlighted the fundamental Christian principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity, stating that these principles form the bedrock of Christianity.
Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben, the Presbyter-In-Charge of St. Andrew’s Church, commended Archbishop Machado for his advocacy of Christian rights in Karnataka and at the national level. He expressed gratitude for the Archbishop's leadership and sermon, presenting him with a token of appreciation.
The ecumenical prayer service was attended by several esteemed clergy members, including Rev. Fr. Martin Ananda Kumar, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Basilica, Rev. Fr. Lawrence, C.Ss.R., Regional Secretary for the Commission of Ecumenism, Rev. Fr. Pradeep Kumar Z, Secretary of the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenism, Rev. Fr. Jerome D., Secretary to the Archbishop, Rev. Pastor Rohan, Mr. Pericho Prabhu, Secretary of the All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights, and others.
The observance of Ecumenical Sunday at St. Andrew’s CSI Church served as a symbol of unity and collaboration among different Christian communities, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and solidarity that defines the Unity Octave Week.