The faithful from Christian denominations across the region gathered Jan. 22 in St. Christopher Church, Rocky River for the annual ecumenical prayer service during the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which was Jan. 18-25.
Father John Chlebo, St. Christopher pastor, welcomed about 100 attendees, ranging in age from an infant to senior citizens. Deacon Mike Hayes, who ministers at St. Christopher and serves as the diocesan delegate for ecumenical and interfaith affairs, helped lead the service.
(See photo gallery above.)
Other clergy included the Rev. Dr. Laura Barbins, bishop, Northeastern Ohio Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Rev. Barry Chance, general presbyter and stated clerk, Eastminster Presbytery; Rev. Rosalind Hughes, canon for Beloved Community, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio; Dr. Stephen Knisely, pastor, United Methodist Church of Berea, UMC East Ohio Conference chair of the Office of Christian Unity and Inter-religious Relations; Rev. Dr. Elena Larssen, Transitional Association general minister, Living Water Association, Ohio Northeast, Heartland Conference, United Church of Christ; and Ruling Elder Judy Mitchell, stated clerk and acting head of staff, Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Mayumi Naramura, St. Christpher music ministry director, and Layra Avdey, St. Christopher cantor, also participated.
Deacon Hayes noted that Bishop Edward Malesic regretted he was unable to attend.
He said he appreciates the opportunity to gather with other faith leaders, adding that he and the bishop recently attended a Jewish holiday celebration along with clergy from other faiths.
“It’s good to be with those from other denominations,” he said, adding, “Isolation can breed fear and fear can breed contempt.” He also noted that chaplains from all denominations serve together in hospitals, prisons and elsewhere, ministering to people of all faiths. “The walls of prison are no match for the Gospel of the Lord.”
Faith leaders also may offer consolation, support and words of hope to immigrants – including those facing deportation – and their loved ones, bringing them the light of Christ.
“Do we see the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters who are not of our denomination?” he asked.
Deacon Hayes also shared the story of the four chaplains – a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, a Methodist minister and a Dutch reformed minister – who were on the USAT Dorchester, a troop transport ship carrying 597 soldiers and 171 civilians. It was traveling from Newfoundland to Greenland in World War II when it was hit by a German torpedo and sunk on Feb. 2, 1943. The four clergymen worked side by side assisting survivors by offering hope, consolation, aid and even their own life jackets. All four chaplains died.
“They didn’t let their denominations get in the way of their faith and action … We are called to be the light of Christ for all,” he said, transitioning into the hymn, “Christ, be our Light.”
As the service concluded, attendees were reminded to “Go in peace. Share the light of Christ with the world.”
A social followed the prayer service.