HONG KONG (SE): Christians were urged to stand together in solidarity with the suffering as an expression of unity during an ecumenical prayer service on January 18 at St. Ignatius Chapel in Yau Ma Tei. The gathering marked the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed annually from January 18 to 25. This year, the prayer service also commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, where the foundational Nicene Creed was first adopted.
The service began with an entrance procession featuring over 20 leaders from different Christian denominations. Among them were Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming and Bishop Matthias Clement Der Tze-wo of the Anglican Church; Reverend Tim Lam Chun, president of the Methodist Church; Reverend Ray Wong Ka-fai, general secretary of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China; Bishop Jackson Yeung Yau-chi of the Lutheran Church and Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong.
Readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Gospel were proclaimed by Father Chan, Bishop Der, and Jesuit Father Stephen Law, rector of the chapel. Prayers were led by pastors and laypeople from various denominations, embodying the shared commitment to Christian unity.
The event was co-organised by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission and the Church Unity and Relations Committee of the Hong Kong Christian Council, supported by the Joint Ecumenical Working Team.
This year’s theme for the Week of Prayer was “Do you believe this?” [John 11:26], drawn from the dialogue between Jesus and Martha before he raised Lazarus from the dead. It encourages believers to not only trust in the promise of future resurrection but to embrace eternal life in the present through faith.
In a joint statement issued by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, the Ecumenical Patriarchate Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and the Hong Kong Christian Council, Christians were urged to strengthen their unity in commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325
In a joint statement issued by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, the Ecumenical Patriarchate Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and the Hong Kong Christian Council, Christians were urged to strengthen their unity in commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325. The statement reaffirmed the importance of core Christian beliefs, particularly Christ’s divinity and resurrection. It called for unity that transcends divisions, urging Christians to offer meaningful support to those in need and to embrace their responsibility to protect the environment as part of God’s creation.
The statement also emphasised the need for sincere reconciliation rooted in faith, describing it as the legacy of the First Ecumenical Council.
In his sermon, Reverend Ray Wong explored the historical and theological differences that have shaped Christianity, such as the division between Eastern and Western Churches over whether the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone or from the Father and the Son. This disagreement, which influenced revisions to the Nicene Creed in the sixth century, underscored the challenges of achieving unity. Reverend Wong noted that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity serves as a test of whether Christians can truly come together in God, despite doctrinal differences.
Reflecting on the theme of Lazarus’s resurrection, Reverend Wong addressed varying perspectives on miracles and healing. He acknowledged that while miracles are often viewed as signs of strong faith, some interpret reliance on medical treatment as a lack of trust in God. However, he emphasised that true faith is demonstrated through action and compassion, rather than theoretical beliefs.
Reverend Ray Wong explored the historical and theological differences that have shaped Christianity, such as the division between Eastern and Western Churches over whether the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone or from the Father and the Son
Reverend Wong invited attendees to draw inspiration from the lives of saints, who continue to inspire and bless others through their words and deeds. He stressed that unity among Christian denominations must extend beyond ceremonial gestures, urging Churches to collaborate in addressing global crises and supporting those in distress.
“The Church connects God’s people with those who suffer in the world. As we are all created and loved by God, when churches come together, it should not be limited to symbolic ceremonies but should involve genuine outreach to provide warmth and support. This is the true meaning of universal unity,” Reverend Wong said.
The evening concluded with a symbolic candle lighting ceremony. Around 300 attendees were invited to approach the altar to receive a lit candle, bearing this year’s theme, from leaders of various denominations. The raised candles, representing hope and faith, created a powerful visual display of solidarity. Together, participants recited the Nicene Creed as an affirmation of their shared beliefs.
The service ended with a blessing and a commissioning ceremony, sending participants out to live the message of unity in their communities.
The Church connects God’s people with those who suffer in the world. As we are all created and loved by God, when churches come together, it should not be limited to symbolic ceremonies but should involve genuine outreach to provide warmth and support. This is the true meaning of universal unity
Reverend Ray Wong
Father Chan, who is also chairperson of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, told the Kung Kao Po that the prayer service highlighted the Nicene Creed’s enduring significance as a foundation of Christian faith. He explained that reciting the creed together serves as a reminder of the common ground shared by Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
As part of Christian Unity Week, additional activities were planned to deepen connections between Christian communities. On January 23, a joint ecumenical communion service was scheduled at Sham Shui Po Tsung Tsin Church, featuring Colonel Philip Maxwell of the Salvation Army Hong Kong and Macau Territory as the speaker.
During the week, Churches were encouraged to exchange pulpits, allowing clergy from different denominations to share their reflections and foster mutual understanding.
This series of events serves as a reminder that, despite historical and theological differences, Christians are called to unite in their shared mission of love, compassion, and service to the world.
