IN CONJUNCTION WITH the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18 to 25), the Diocese of Orange is organizing an ecumenical service on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at
Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano that will highlight reflections on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church from different faiths and feature a musical performance.
Sponsored by the Very Rev. Alfred S. Baca, Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs, the free event also recognizes the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed — a unifying, defining statement of belief for greater Christianity, including the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Lutheran denominations.
The concert portion will feature the locally based De Angelis Vocal Ensemble, led by Mathew Gray, with an evening of sacred music that celebrates the Nicene Creed. The ensemble’s members are Patrick Kohlieber, Natalie Van der Roest, Allison Albright, Stephanie Wright, Sarah-Nicole Carter, Jonathan Alvarado, Sam Miller and Eric Carter.
The program includes “Exsultate justi in Domino” by Ludovico da Viadana, “St. Teresa’s Bookmark” by Louie L. White, “God Be in My Head” by John Rutter and the traditional Gregorian chant “Missa de Angelis.”
Guest speakers include Fr. Steve Tsichlis of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church (Irvine), Chorbishop Ashur Elkhoury of St. Paul Assyrian Church of the East (Anaheim), Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim of the St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church (Irvine) and Very Rev. Alfred Baca of the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Kevin Vann will express his gratitude and provide the closing prayer.
Authentic ecumenism works toward a vision of the Church where in the essentials we are united, and in all non-essentials, charity and flexibility prevail,” said Fr. Baca. “In particular, the Catholic Church views the essentials as unity with the revealed dogmas of the Church and the recognized authority and ministry of the pope.
“Please join us as we give praise and honor to God for the Creed that unites us all in the Christian family. Invite your family and friends, especially those who are not Catholic. This free evening is for all believers in Christ to give thanks to God for His revelation of Himself to us, and His love for us and the Church.”