GALLERY: Christians unite in Tipperary church for special Christian Unity Week service

An ecumenical prayer service marking Christian Unity Week took place in St Patrick’s Church, Puckane, on Thursday evening, bringing together members of the Catholic Odhrán Pastoral Area and the Church of Ireland Nenagh Union of Parishes, along with Christians from a range of traditions.

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The service was rooted in material prepared by members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, alongside contributions from Armenian Catholic and Evangelical communities. Armenia holds a unique place in Christian history, having become the first nation to formally adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301AD, predating the Roman Empire’s conversion by several decades. The resources used on the night were circulated through Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

The theme of the service drew inspiration from the Nicene Creed, with particular focus on light as a symbol of faith, unity and hope in a divided world. Elements of the liturgy were adapted from the traditional Sunrise Service of the Armenian Church, a form of prayer dating back to the 12th century and associated with the Armenian patriarch St Nersess.

A central moment of the gathering involved the sharing of light throughout the church, as flame was passed from the Paschal candle to individual candles held by members of the congregation, gradually illuminating the space. Participants also affirmed their shared Christian faith through the recitation of the Nicene Creed in its original form, reflecting the historical foundations common to all Christian traditions.

The service emphasised the idea of unity rooted in diversity, highlighting the belief that while Christian communities may differ in worship style and theological emphasis, they remain connected through a shared faith. The gathering was presented as an opportunity for reflection, mutual respect and cooperation among churches, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and prayer in fostering understanding across traditions.