The Octave of Christian Unity: Day Three (Jan. 20)

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 Religious (monks, nuns, etc.)

Daily Prayer
Jesus Christ, our Lord and our brother,
you have called us to be your one Church.
Make us one in our faith and hope,
and one in our loving service.
Make us one in worship and in daily living.

Lord Jesus
Send Your Spirit to make us one
as You want us to be.

We ask this, Jesus,
for you are our Lord and Savior forever. Amen

Prayer for Christian Unity 2 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
Perpetual Virginity of Blessed Mary (Long, but good for Western thoughts on this subject) by St. Jerome

Eastern Reading
Hymn II (On the Nativity of Christ) by St. Ephrem the Syrian

Note: Jerome and Ephrem were both ascetics who were forerunners of the monastic movement. They are recognized as Saints in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Practical Activity

For the Catholics, visit an Orthodox monastery; for the Orthodox visit a Catholic monastery. Take note of how many things are the same and how much the religious of both Churches share in common.