Ecumenism Metro Chicago to mark International Day of Peace Sept. 30
Sept. 30 prayer service will unite Christians from across denominations at Fourth Presbyterian Church
“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” an ecumenical prayer service, will gather Christians from different traditions in a common act of prayer on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in solidarity with the International Day of Peace.
The service will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, located across from the John Hancock Center on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
The United Nations has observed the International Day of Peace each year since 1981.
“Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighborhoods and everywhere people meet with open minds and open hearts,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said.
“September is often a time for reflection and renewal, making it a fitting month to pray for peace,” said the Rev. Andreas Garabedian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Orthodox Church and chair of Ecumenism Metro Chicago (EMC), sponsor of the event. “Our aim is to build bridges where there is division, bring hope where there is fear, and strengthen our commitment to love our neighbors.”
EMC is a coalition of 22 Christian denominations, congregations and ministry leaders working together to strengthen relationships across traditions and foster Christian unity throughout the Chicago area.
The service will demonstrate the unity of churches and Christians for peace and justice in the face of Christian nationalism, of which Pope Leo XIV has said: “Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for ‘security’ zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms.”
The event will conclude with a peace walk on Michigan Avenue and community, with closing prayer in the church courtyard.
The prayer service is open to the public. Buchanan Chapel, which seats around 250 people, is located on the second floor of the church’s Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St.
Dedicated in 2012, the chapel is a contemporary worship space that complements Fourth Presbyterian's historic Gothic Revival architecture. A labyrinth in the limestone floor inspired by Chartres Cathedral and a striking sculpture by Chicago artist Richard Hunt serve as focal points, creating a serene setting for prayer, reflection and quiet contemplation.
Validated weekday evening parking is available at the 900 N. Michigan garage for entry after 5 p.m. at the rate of $11. After parking, pick up a validation ticket from the church reception desk inside the Chestnut Street entrance. The chapel is also accessible from the church entrance at 115 East Delaware Place. Additional parking and public transit options are available.
For more information, contact rsupinger@fourthchurch.org.
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Ecumenism Metro Chicago members include the American Baptist Churches, Armenian Orthodox Church, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Church of the Brethren, Church of God in Christ, Episcopal Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Greek Orthodox Church, Orthodox Churches of America, Polish National Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Roman Catholic Church, The Salvation Army, Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA, Syriac Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Catholic Church, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church. Visit facebook.com/ecumenismmetrochicago/.