“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” an ecumenical prayer service, will gather Christians from different traditions in a common act of prayer on Sept. 30, in solidarity with the International Day of Peace.

Ecumenism Metro Chicago, of which Northern Illinois Conference is a member, is sponsoring the event.

The service will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

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,” UN 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, 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 Chicagoland.

The service intends to 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 and prayer in the church courtyard.

EMC members are the American Baptist Churches USA, Armenian Orthodox Church, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Church of the Brethren, Church of God in Christ, The 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 The United Methodist Church.

The prayer service is open to the public. Buchanan Chapel, which seats around 200  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 North Michigan garage for entry after 5 p.m. at the rate of $11. Validation tickets must be picked up from the church reception desk inside the Chestnut Street entrance after parking. The chapel is also accessible from the church entrance at 115 E. Delaware Place.

For more information, contact Michael Terrien, Obl. OSB.