“As one Body in Christ”: Churches in the Emirates pray together for peace in Dubai

Dubai – Praying for peace “as one body in Christ,” in a time and a region plagued by war and the bloodshed of women, men, and children. This was the experience shared on the evening of Wednesday, April 29, in Dubai by many Christians from six different denominations, who took part together in a prayer vigil for peace held in the Catholic church dedicated to St. Mary. The prayer vigil took place in the context of the pastoral visit to Dubai of the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, Bishop Paolo Martinelli.
The initiative was promoted by the Gulf Churches Fellowship, in collaboration with the Interfaith & Ecumenical Dialogue Office of the Vicariate and St. Mary’s Church. Among the leaders present were Archbishop Mesrob Sarkissian , Archbishop Abune Dimetros , Bishop Sean Semple , Archimandrite Father Ishaq Zakhur , Father Mina Hanna , representing their respective communities.
After reciting the Nicene Creed together, those present implored the gift of peace by sharing biblical readings, prayers from various Christian traditions and liturgical languages, and the lighting of candles. In his opening address, Bishop Martinelli recalled that “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.” The Apostolic Vicar invited everyone to pray for peace in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf, the Middle East, and throughout the world.
“We We thank our civil authorities,” added the Apostolic Vicar, “who have protected us during these months; we continue to pray for them. May the Lord hear our common prayer; may he grant us peace and reconciliation, harmony and prosperity.”

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