The longest-running division between Christians comes from the Great Schism of 1054, when the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches parted ways. Since Patriarch Athenagoras I and Pope Paul VI lifted the mutual excommunications in 1965, much progress has been made in laying the groundwork for reunion, but more is still necessary.

In this prayer, we recall the importance of the Churches of the East and look forward to the day when we will all once again be one.

To Obtain the Reunion of the Christians of the East

O Lord, who has united the various nations in the confession of Thy name, we pray Thee for the Christian peoples of the East. Mindful of the high place they held of old in Thy Church, we beg of Thee to inspire them with an ardent desire to regain that place, in order to form, with us, one only fold under the guidance of one and the same Shepherd. Grant that their hearts may be docile to hear the voice of their holy Doctors, who are likewise our Fathers in the faith. Let a spirit of concord and charity, which is a sign of Thy presence among the faithful, hasten the day when our prayers shall be united to theirs, so that every nation and every tongue may acknowledge and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.