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The annual "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" takes place from 18-25 January – the Octave of St Peter and St Paul.

The occasion reminds Christians of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years, in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. Christians are encouraged to come together during the week to pray for unity, with congregations and parishes all over the world exchanging preachers or arranging special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services.

Supporting materials have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. These resources draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer and petitions used by the Armenian people, along with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia, some of which date as far back as the fourth century.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to delve more deeply into our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide.

You can access useful resources for the week here, with a supporting booklet from the World Council of Churches here.

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‍Join Brighton's "Monks in the City" at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Kemptown, on Sunday 25 January for Vespers for the Octave, with hymns, psalms, readings and prayers at 4pm.