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Led by the stewards, who had held different roles in supporting the meeting all week, the closing prayer was an intergenerational experience.
Rev. Nicolas Kazarian delivered a homily in which he expressed a spirit of gratitude for the journey that has unfolded. He also reflected on the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
“This is more than a historical celebration,” he said. "It is a renewal of our commitment to unity, a reaffirmation of the creed that binds us together, and a call to continue our common pilgrimage.”
Throughout its meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, the WCC governing body underscored its commitment to the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.
“May our ecumenical pilgrimage continue with humility, perseverance, and thanksgiving—until the day when all the stones, shaped by the Spirit, form one dwelling place where we would all at unison glorify God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” concluded Kazarian.
Video recording of the Closing prayer
WCC Central Committee, June 2025
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21 June 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: Evening vespers led by people from the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
