On Saturday, 17 January 2026, the Ecumenical Prayer for the Unity of Christians was held at the Cathedral Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos of the Stavrodromi Community, with the participation of representatives of Christian denominations and communities of the City.

His All-Holiness was represented by His Grace Bishop Paisios of Xanthoupolis, while the Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon, His Eminence Emmanuel, was addressed by the Patriarchal Overseer of the Region, His Eminence Metropolitan Andreas of Saranta Ekklisies.

The theme of the Ecumenical Prayer for 2026 was: “One body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). The service was presided over by the Grand Archimandrite of the Holy Great Church of Christ, Father Iakovos. Concelebrating in prayer were His Eminence Metropolitan Gregorios of Ankyra, His Excellency the Roman Catholic Bishop (Apostolic Vicar) of the City, Massimiliano Palinuro, and His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Tralleis, together with the clergy of the region, members of the Community Council, and a large number of faithful.

A distinctive feature of the evening was the active participation of representatives from a broad spectrum of Christian Churches based in Constantinople, who read passages from Holy Scripture and offered supplications. Specifically, the following took part:

• The Roman Catholic Church
• The Armenian Apostolic Church
• The Syriac Orthodox Church
• The Coptic Orthodox Church
• The German Evangelical Church

At the conclusion of the Prayer, refreshments were offered to the participants by the Stavrodromi Community.