Dubai: Christian leaders from different traditions came together in St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a national ecumenical prayer for peace, offering a strong message of unity and hope at a time of global tensions.
The gathering brought together clergy and faithful from six Christian denominations in a shared moment of prayer, reflection and fellowship. The initiative was organised by the Gulf Churches Fellowship in collaboration with the Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue Office of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and St Mary’s Church.
In his opening address, Bishop Paolo Martinelli reminded those present that peace is not something that humans can create on their own. He said peace is a gift from God that must be welcomed and nurtured through good relationships in daily life. He invited everyone to pray not only for the United Arab Emirates but also for the wider Gulf region, the Middle East and the whole world.
He also expressed gratitude to the authorities for ensuring the safety and protection of communities in recent months. He assured them of the continued prayers of Christians living in the region and expressed hope for reconciliation, harmony and prosperity for all people.
The event also marked an important moment for the local Christian community as churches in Dubai have recently reopened, allowing the faithful to gather again more freely. The celebration of the Resurrection added a joyful tone to the occasion, reminding participants of hope and new life.
The prayer service was carefully structured in three parts. It began with the profession of the Nicene Creed, a shared statement of faith that unites many Christian traditions. This was followed by prayers for peace, which included readings from the Bible, prayers offered in different languages and traditions, and the lighting of candles as a symbol of hope. The final part was the Litany of Peace, ending with the exchange of the sign of peace among those present.
Several prominent Christian leaders joined Bishop Martinelli in leading the prayer. Among them were Archbishop Mesrob Sarkissian, Archbishop Abune Dimetros, Bishop Sean Semple, Father Ishaq Zakhur and Father Mina Hanna. Their presence reflected the diversity of the Christian community in the region and their shared commitment to peace.
The gathering stood as a sign of unity among Christians of different backgrounds. It also highlighted the importance of dialogue, cooperation and faith in building a more peaceful world. Participants left with a renewed sense of responsibility to carry the message of peace into their families, communities and workplaces.