In the heart of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, a significant ecumenical musical event named "Beirut 2024" marked the commencement of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Over the weekend, patriarchs, bishops, priests, and lay faithful from diverse Christian ritual traditions congregated, aiming to instill hope through a night of praise and worship.

Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches, the event witnessed the participation of around 10,000 individuals, united in their desire for peace in Beirut and the broader Middle East. Christians, representing various denominations, came together to sing hymns and worship during this momentous occasion.

Mark Merhej, a young Lebanese Catholic, led a choir of 400 singers, blending voices in different languages and church musical traditions to praise the Lord. Bishop Cesar Esayan, apostolic vicar of Latins in Lebanon, emphasized that while unity might not directly emanate from the choir, it serves as a powerful example. He believed the event showcased the possibility of Christians uniting in worship, emphasizing that genuine unity emerges when individuals dedicate their lives to God and unite with Jesus Christ. The bishop highlighted that Lebanon's symbolism of ecumenism extends beyond its borders, influencing the entire Middle East and the world.

Bishop George Baqouni, metropolitan of Beirut, Byblos, and their Melkite Catholic dependencies, praised the initiative initiated by a young Catholic a year and a half ago. He expressed joy at the cooperation among choir members and various church leaders from different denominations. Notably, this event, a first of its kind in Lebanon, saw participation from leaders of Catholic, Orthodox, and evangelical churches, signifying a positive step and a call to action.

Sister Jinan Farah, a consecrated member of the Antonine Sisters, stressed the necessity of Church unity amid the ongoing regional crisis. She viewed the diverse choir, representing Christian communities from across Lebanon, as a tangible expression of unity and a significant stride towards strengthening it. Lebanon, she described, is a symbol of diversity and religious coexistence.

A Jesuit monk named Daniel highlighted the significance of Christians praying together across denominations, deeming it an essential starting point for unity. He underscored Lebanon's unique richness in diversity, emphasizing the need to protect this treasure.

Jihan Khoury, another participant, succinctly summarized the importance of Christian unity, stating that it is embodied when churches and Christian youth gather around Jesus Christ. In a time of turmoil, war, crisis, and division in the Middle East, the ecumenical night of praise and worship served as a beacon of hope, bringing together leaders and attendees from diverse Christian congregations to pray for unity, truth, justice, and peace during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.