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Stritch celebrated Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at Jan. 25 Prayer Service

Cardinal Stritch University hosted an ecumenical prayer service to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

The prayer service focused on the struggle for peace and justice in the world, especially in Ukraine and Armenia. Joseph Spolowicz, from St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, shared practical ways to support refugees and displaced persons from the war in Ukraine. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, from St. Mesrob's Armenian Apostolic Church in Racine, offered a reflection on the quest for peace in Armenia and Artsakh. Music was shared by members of the Congregation of the Great Spirit, the Native American Catholic Church in Milwaukee, and by the Central City Youth Choir. 

The theme for the 2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is “Do good; seek justice." and is taken from the first chapter of the Book of Isaiah, reflects his concern for the oppressed who suffer from injustice and inequality fed by hypocrisy that leads to disunity. He teaches that God requires righteousness and justice from all of us, to create the peace and unity that God desires. These virtues originate in God's love for all, and racism runs counter to this vision. Isaiah's challenge to do good and seek justice together applies equally to us today.

“Stritch and our founders and sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, have long been committed to ecumenical efforts that demonstrate our Franciscan values and serve as a source of hope, peace and joy for all,” said Stritch President Dr. Dan Scholz. “The prayer service offered the opportunity to join Christians in the greater Milwaukee area and around the world to recognize our shared commitment to justice and mercy.”

Representatives from the following churches and organizations participated in the prayer service:

  • Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
  • Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
  • St. Mark Episcopal Church, Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
  • St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church
  • St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church
  • St. Sharbel Maronite Mission
  • Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi
  • Wisconsin Council of Churches