The Octave of Christian Unity: Day Two (Jan. 19)

Prayer

Primary Prayer Focus: Orthodox-Catholic Relations
Secondary Prayer Focus: For unity among all Christians and the conversion of non-Christians to the Faith
Specific Request: All Catholic and Orthodox Bishops, Priests, and Deacons

Daily Prayer
Eternal Father,
we praise you for sending your Son
to be one of us and save us.
Look upon your people with mercy
for we are divided in so many ways,
and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love.
We ask this gift, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Christian Unity 1 from Catholic Doors

Other Devotional Activity: offer an activity and/or prayer(s) in petition for Orthodox-Catholic Unity (e.g. fasting, Hail Mary, Jesus Prayer, etc.).

Readings

Western Reading
Against Heresies (Book III, Chapter 4) by St. Irenaeus (Bishop of Lyons)

Eastern Reading
Letter to the Trallians by St. Ignatius (Bishop of Antioch)

Note: Irenaeus (Western) and Ignatius (Eastern) were both bishops and are recognized as Saints in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Practical Activity

If you are Roman Catholic plan to visit an Orthodox Church or Eastern Catholic Church to get an idea about the Eastern Way of theology and practice. If you are Orthodox, visit a Roman Catholic Church. Remember to respect the Eucharistic disciplines in the parishes you visit.