Christians Unite in Dubai for Ecumenical Prayer Vigil Amid Global Conflict

Christian leaders and faithful from six denominations gathered in Dubai’s St. Mary’s Church to pray for peace, unity, and reconciliation amid ongoing global conflicts.

Newsroom (30/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) On the evening of April 29 in Dubai, a rare expression of Christian unity unfolded as believers from six different denominations gathered under one roof to pray for peace in a world marked by war and suffering. The vigil, held at the Catholic Church of St. Mary, brought together clergy and faithful in a shared act of worship described as praying “as one body in Christ.”

The event took place during the pastoral visit of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, and was organized through a collaborative effort between the Gulf Churches Fellowship, the Interfaith & Ecumenical Dialogue Office (IFEDO) of the Vicariate, and St. Mary’s Church. It reflected both the diversity and the cohesion of Christian communities across the region.

Senior leaders representing a wide spectrum of Christian traditions were present, underscoring the ecumenical character of the gathering. Among them were Archbishop Mesrob Sarkissian of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Abune Dimetros of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Bishop Sean Semple of the Anglican Church, Archimandrite Father Ishaq Zakhur of the Greek Orthodox Church, and Father Mina Hanna of the Coptic Church. Each represented communities that, while distinct in liturgy and heritage, came together in a unified appeal for peace.

The vigil centered on shared prayer and symbolic acts of faith. Participants recited the Nicene Creed collectively, affirming a common foundation of belief that transcends denominational lines. Biblical readings were delivered, and prayers were offered in various liturgical languages, reflecting the global and multicultural nature of Christianity in the Gulf region. The lighting of candles served as a visible expression of hope and solidarity.

In his opening address, Bishop Martinelli emphasized the spiritual dimension of peace, describing it not as a purely human achievement but as something rooted in divine grace. “Peace cannot be simply a human construct; it is a gift from God, to be sought, welcomed, nurtured, and spread in society through our good relationships,” he said. His message framed the gathering not only as an act of prayer but also as a call to cultivate peace through everyday interactions and communal life.

The Apostolic Vicar extended the scope of the prayer beyond the immediate context, inviting participants to intercede for peace across multiple regions. The intentions included the United Arab Emirates, the wider Gulf, the Middle East, and the global community—areas deeply affected by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

Acknowledging the local context, Bishop Martinelli also expressed gratitude toward civil authorities for ensuring safety and stability. “We thank our civil authorities, who have protected us during these months; we continue to pray for them,” he said. His remarks highlighted the interplay between religious life and civic responsibility, particularly in a region where diverse communities coexist.

The vigil concluded with a collective plea for reconciliation and harmony. “May the Lord hear our common prayer; may he grant us peace and reconciliation, harmony and prosperity,” Bishop Martinelli said, encapsulating the shared hope that brought the assembly together.

In a time marked by division and violence, the gathering in Dubai stood as a visible testament to unity across traditions. Through prayer, shared belief, and mutual presence, participants offered a quiet yet powerful response to the turmoil affecting women, men, and children across the world.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News

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