MOSCOW (Fides): Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow emphasised the importance of unity during a prayer service at the Catholic Cathedral on Tuesday, 20 January. Speaking as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which ran from 18 to 25 January, Archbishop Pezzi stated, “Unity is not a utopia. Only facts make it possible to overcome divisions.”
The event was attended by representatives of various Protestant ecclesial communities, highlighting the ecumenical nature of the celebration.
Archbishop Pezzi acknowledged the particular challenge the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity poses for Catholics. “The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a particular challenge for us Catholics, because praying for unity is only possible if we already experience this unity in Christ in some way,” he said.
He elaborated on the meaning of unity, saying, “To experience it, one must experience the love of Christ, the love given by the Father that united Jesus and his disciples, as well as all those who will believe the word of the Apostles. Secondly, it is a challenge for society: when we live this love, this unity, it spreads, and when it spreads, one cannot remain indifferent; one must take a stand.”
The archbishop explained that individuals face two choices: to embrace unity, thereby building relationships and bridges, or to reject it, which can result in violence and persecution. He cautioned that such rejection occurs when people do not accept God’s intervention in human affairs. Despite conflict and division, Archbishop Pezzi emphasised that unity with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit remains possible and enables believers to bear witness to love even in difficult circumstances.
On January 24, a prayer for Christian unity took place at the Catholic parish of Saints Peter and Paul, organised by and for young Christians in the Russian capital.
