Jacksonville, Fla. – Churches and congregations throughout Northeast Florida are encouraged to join parishes within the Diocese of St. Augustine for a Week of Prayer for Christian unity, beginning on Jan. 18 through Jan. 25.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a collaboration of various Christian communities in Northeast Florida, who come together in unity and prayer, and coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vatican II and its landmark Decree on Ecumenism, which paved the way for dialogue and Christian unity between the Catholic Church and other denominations and ecclesial communities.
New this year, Bishop Felipe J. Estévez of the Diocese of St. Augustine will preside over an Ecumenical Vespers Prayer Service with other bishops and faith leaders in Northeast Florida and beyond, on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine.
Vespers or evening prayers are solemn prayers observed since the 6th century, and are practiced by Roman Catholics, Eastern-rite Catholics and Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Lutherans and Presbyterians.
For more information, contact Dr. Chau T. Phan, associate diocesan ecumenical officer at (386) 264-3380.
*See accompanying list of faith leaders that will be in attendance for the vespers prayer service.