Christians from various churches in Pathein gathered together for fellowship and a prayer service for peace and reconciliation on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Resurrection Cathedral of the Anglican Church.

The gathering brought together believers from different Christian traditions in a powerful display of unity, as they prayed for peace in Myanmar and throughout the world.

‘Peace and Reconciliation’

In his homily, Bishop Henry Eikhlein of the Diocese of Pathein reflected on the deep meaning of peace and reconciliation.

“The words ‘peace and reconciliation’ are deeply comforting and are words that everyone longs to hear and desires,” Bishop Henry said. “It is a special grace that believers from different Christian churches can come together in fellowship and pray for peace and reconciliation.”

Prayer and Action Must Go Together

The Bishop emphasized that prayer must be accompanied by practical action.

“One of the most important things we can do for peace is to pray. However, prayer also comes with the responsibility to take practical action,” he said. “We are called not only to pray for peace but also to actively participate in building peace in our daily lives and to become people who promote and foster peace.”

God Desires Peace

Bishop Henry explained that throughout the entire journey of salvation, God is revealed as a God who desires peace.

“Peace does not simply mean the absence of war. Even when there is no war, there may still be no true peace,” he said. “Peace means wholeness, harmony, reconciliation, and right relationships with one another. It is a state in which people live together in mutual respect, understanding, and unity.”

He recalled the words of the angels at Christmas: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.”

Christ Is the Lord of Peace

The Bishop reminded the congregation that Christ is the Lord of Peace and that God brings about fellowship and reconciliation among human beings.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), he quoted. “Therefore, it is important not only to desire and pray for peace but also to become peacemakers ourselves.”

He called on Christians to actively promote and build peace, echoing the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make us instruments of Your peace.”

“Peace must begin with ourselves and be built within our own families,” Bishop Henry said, noting that Pope John Paul II also taught that peace must be built through unity with one another, forgiveness, and respect for human dignity.

An Important Mission of the Church

The Bishop emphasized that promoting and building peace is one of the most important missions of the Church.

“We are called to pray: ‘O Lord, make us peacemakers. Make us people who forgive rather than seek revenge, and servants rather than those who seek to dominate,'” he said. “As Christians, we are called not only to pray for peace but also to become instruments of peace through our words, actions, forgiveness, service, and love for one another.”

A United Program of Prayer

The ceremony began with the first Scripture reading and the opening prayer, with Sayar Sa Hein Thu (Anglican Church) serving as chairperson. This was followed by a welcome address delivered by Bishop Andrew Aung Linn Htin (Anglican Church).

The Prayer of the Faithful and the Penitential Prayer were led by Syama Su Su Kyaw (Myanmar Baptist Convention), while the special prayer was offered by Rev. Win Naing (Assemblies of God). The Pwo Karen Church then led the praise and worship, followed by a donation offered by Sayar Mhan Thu Hlaing (Pwo Karen Church).

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi for Peace was led by Fr. Fidelis (Catholic Church), followed by a Scripture reading by Sayar Saw Lay Wah (Plains Church). The Catholic Church then led the praise and worship, and Bishop Henry delivered the homily on peace and reconciliation.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all participants joined together in singing hymns. Dr. Naw Blu Thaw (Ko Tha Phyu Church) gave the closing blessing, bringing the ceremony to a meaningful and successful conclusion.

The ecumenical prayer service in Pathein reflected a growing spirit of unity among Christian communities in Myanmar, as believers from different traditions came together to pray and work for peace and reconciliation in their nation.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service