Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), participated in a Holy Mass at Łódź Cathedral on 20 January 2025 at the invitation of Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The gathering, attended by Christian leaders and believers from various traditions, emphasised the shared mission of unity within the Church. In his sermon, Archbishop Nikitas highlighted the need for solidarity, mutual understanding, and faith to overcome divisions. “We gather not as Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestants, but simply as Christians, putting aside all that separates us,” he said.
Drawing from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, the Archbishop stressed, “One cannot hoard the grace and blessings—they are for the common good. The Church, at its core, is a community of believers united in faith.”
Encouraging collaboration, he reflected, “The walls of the past have tumbled down, not because of armies, but because the Spirit has guided us to build bridges of love, understanding, and fellowship.”
Archbishop Nikitas concluded with a powerful call to action: “In those final moments before the throne of God, when we are asked, ‘Did you labour for the good of the Church and the unity of the faith?’—may we answer with courage and truth.”
CEC remains dedicated to promoting Christian unity and engaging in dialogue with European institutions. In partnership with Catholic and other Christian communities, CEC addresses shared concerns such as peacebuilding, human rights, and reconciliation.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed globally from 18–25 January in the northern hemisphere, is inspired by the 2025 theme, “Do you believe this?” John 11:26. This annual event calls Christians worldwide to unite in prayer and reflection.
Watch full sermon of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain
Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025
Photos: Facebook “Conference of European Churches”
