Welcome to the Weekly Eastern Churches News!
Join us this week as we dive into the latest news from the Eastern Churches, brought to you in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient. From prayers for unity to celebrations in the Holy Land and beyond, there is much to explore in the rich tapestry of Eastern Christian traditions.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
From January 18 to 25, the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is in full swing, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and fraternity among Churches. This special event holds particular significance for Eastern Churches, highlighting their unique spiritual and liturgical traditions that enrich the global Christian community.
In Ukraine, a country marked by divisions among Orthodox Churches, a powerful moment of unity was witnessed at an interfaith prayer gathering at the Greek Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk reminded attendees that faith in the Resurrection is the cornerstone of hope for all believers.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Invitation
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Fr. Francesco Patton, leaders in the Holy Land, are extending a warm invitation to Christians worldwide to embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In a video message published by Terra Santa News, they assure that the region is safe for visitors, thanks to a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Patriarch Pizzaballa emphasizes the importance of supporting local Christian families whose livelihoods depend on pilgrims, while Fr. Patton calls on Christians to be “pilgrims of hope” during this special jubilee year.
Timkat Celebrations
From January 18 to 20, Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians of the Ge’ez Rite came together to celebrate Timkat, a vibrant feast commemorating Christ’s baptism and the Epiphany. The highlight of the celebration is the procession of replicas of the Tablets of the Law from each Ge’ez church, known as Tabots, carried in colorful attire on the heads of priests.
The procession culminates in a blessing of water, which is sprinkled on the faithful as they renew their baptismal vows. Accompanied by traditional songs and dances, Timkat is a joyous event that attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has been recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Eastern Churches next week!
