The Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches came together on Thursday to pray for unity.

Prayers were said at a service held by the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum (COORF) in central London celebrating forty years of common statements by the Churches.

Prayers were also said for the ongoing work by the two Churches towards unity.

The service was joined by COORF Catholic Co-Chair, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, who spoke of the historical connections between the Churches.

Oriental Orthodox Co-Chair Bishop Angaelos referred to John 17 as he spoke of the importance of common witness in the UK and throughout the world.

Metropolitan Seraphim read from the letter of St Paul to the Galatians, after which the Hymn of The Annunciation of The Mother of God was sung by the Choir of St Gregorios' Indian Orthodox Church.

A spokesperson for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK said: "This was a historic night of fellowship and witness that will continue the valuable work of this forum throughout the United Kingdom."