Thy Kingdom Come 2021 update

TKC observes the Orthodox calendar for the first time. Plus a catch up of regional highlights from May.

Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) 2021 is going to take place from the Feast Of Ascension to the Feast of Pentecost as observed by Orthodox churches, from 10 to 20 June. This is the first time that the TKC 11 days of prayer have been run twice in one year.

CTE’s Orthodox President Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, said “I am overjoyed that the Thy Kingdom Come team has decided to run the initiative again over the period of the Feast of the Ascension to the Feast of Pentecost according to the Orthodox calendar. This is a wonderfully ecumenically minded gesture and brings to the core what I have always highlighted, that we all celebrate one Incarnate Risen and glorious Lord regardless of when we celebrate Him.

“We believe that our Lord is eternally Risen and so we, as the Body of Christ, celebrate Him together on every occasion, projecting His love and His joy into the world as one.” 

Thy Kingdom Come Project Director, Emma Buchan,  said “Thy Kingdom Come are delighted to be uniting in prayer from Ascension to Pentecost for a second time in 2021. Joining with our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ who celebrate this time from 10 to 20 June, according to the Julian Calendar.

“Thy Kingdom Come in future years will also run twice in accordance with the Gregorian and Julian Calendars.”

WATCH: Archbishop Angaelos and Emma Buchan in conversation about the Orthodox churches in England and why their calendar differs from the Western churches

2021 is the sixth year of this global prayer movement which was started by the Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury and York. It has now grown into a worldwide initiative in more than 170 countries, supported across many denominations. CTE Presidents Pastor Agu Irukwu and Cardinal Vincent Nichols also took part this year.

Churches Together and TKC

Comprehensive central resources combined with the creativity of church leaders from our Member Churches led to a wide range of activity across England. Here are just a few moments captured on social media:

Great Ayton Churches Together (in North Yorkshire) starting their 24 hour Wave of PrayerGreat Ayton Churches Together (in North Yorkshire) starting their 24 hour Wave of Prayer

Bishop Mike Royal (Apostolic Pastoral Congress) for Birmingham Churches TogetherBishop Mike Royal (Apostolic Pastoral Congress) for Birmingham Churches Together

Church leaders in Chester gathered in the city centre to pray togetherChurch leaders in Chester gathered in the city centre to pray together

Christians in the Armed Forces shared a series of personal reflectionsChristians in the Armed Forces shared a series of personal reflections

Market Harborough (Leicestershire) churches shared outdoor prayer resourcesMarket Harborough (Leicestershire) churches shared outdoor prayer resources

Families in Hertfordshire recorded videos for #HowareyouprayingFamilies in Hertfordshire recorded videos for #Howareyoupraying

Pray for Leeds held an ecumenical, multi-lingual prayer meeting Pray for Leeds held an ecumenical, multi-lingual prayer meeting

Churches Together in Hertfordshire asked #Howareyoupraying for Thy Kingdom ComeChurches Together in Hertfordshire asked #Howareyoupraying for Thy Kingdom Come

Birmingham Churches Together held 24 hours of continuous prayerBirmingham Churches Together held 24 hours of continuous prayer

Staffordshire Churches recorded their own daily reflections Staffordshire Churches recorded their own daily reflections

Churches Together Winchester holds a #BowDown in seven placesChurches Together Winchester holds a #BowDown in seven places