Ecumenical prayer for persecuted Christians in Michaelerkirche

Ecumenical prayer for persecuted Christians in Michaelerkirche

In the Michaelerkirche in Vienna, numerous Christians gathered on Wednesday evening from various denominations to pray together for their persecuted siblings worldwide. This ecumenical service, organized by the aid organization "Church in Need", took place as part of the annual "Red Wednesday". Among those present were also high-ranking representatives, including the Armenian-Apostolic Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, the Viennese Auxiliary Bishop Franz Scharl and the Anglican canon Patrick Curran.

Bishop Petrosyan turned directly to the believers and called for international solidarity. "The ecumenism of the blood connects us," he said, emphasizing the need for both material help and prayer for the oppressed Christians. The bishop explained that prayer was "a powerful instrument" that can tear down walls and change heart. His words reminded of the history of the Armenian Christians, which is shaped by persecution and martyrdom.

confession of hope and support

In the course of the service, Auxiliary Bishop Scharl has expressed his joy over the growing attention for the “Red Wednesday” Initiative. He explained that more than 200 million Christians are pursued, threatened or discriminated against in around 50 countries worldwide. This oppressed community, so scarc, should not be forgotten.

The service was not only an opportunity to pray for Christians, but also for people of other beliefs who suffer due to their beliefs. Leading representatives such as the Greek Orthodox Arch priest Ioannis Nikolitsis and the Syrian Orthodox Choir Piscopos Emanuel Aydin joined this prayer and also called on to pray for the pursuers so that they may reflect and experience a change in their hearts.

"Our help makes a difference," emphasized Michael Spallart, President of "Church in Need" Austria, in his final words. He encouraged everyone present to get involved and participate in the support of the persecuted Christians. "Everyone can move something."

The Red Wednesday was launched to draw attention to the human right to religious freedom and the increasing persecution of Christians worldwide. This year, around 230 churches, monasteries and other church facilities in Austria shine in red light - including important buildings such as the Dome in Eisenstadt, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg and Vienna. The Federal Chancellery and the Presidential Chancellery in Vienna also set a “red sign” to support persecuted religious minorities.