Christian Unity Highlighted Between Sister Churches

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

St Cecilia Catholic Church, Orange County has invited the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East Diocese of Western USA to gather in prayer for Christian unity on a global scale.

His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop of Western USA attended the prayer meeting on 24 January, accompanied by Reverend Ashur, parish priest of St Paul’s Church in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Reverend Youkhana Ajabu, parish priest of St Hurmizd’s Church in San Diego.

Hymns, prayers and poems were offered by all attendees present, striving for peace and unity between all sister churches.

His Grace Mar Aprem impressed the audience with his knowledge of historical events in the Assyrian Church of the East, which he explained had been established by St Thomas, St Addai and St Mari themselves. From there the Church spread to all corners of the globe including India and China, which until today offer worship and honor to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Highlighting unity, His Grace Mar Aprem mentioned previous relations with the Catholic Church and the Vatican where His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church met with the Pope His Holiness John Paul II.

His Grace Mar Aprem then thanked the Bishop of the Catholic Church in Los Angeles, His Grace Bishop Brown, and all other priests, monks and attendees for the invitation and warm welcoming to the memorable meeting. His Grace Mar Aprem stressed that all Christian Churches are one spiritually, requiring peace, love and unity in order to properly and genuinely preach and serve the Lord.

His Grace Bishop Brown of the Catholic Church warmly thanked His Grace Mar Aprem for his peaceful and loving speech towards the Catholic Church. A memorial gift was then presented to His Grace Mar Aprem to commemorate his visit, and His Grace Mar Aprem in turn also gifted books of the liturgy of the Holy Offering in the original language, aramaic, to His Grace Bishop Brown.

At the conclusion of the prayer meeting, a ceremonial dinner was offered for all clergy present where there was an opportunity for fellowship in the love and joy of Christ.