The rally ended as it began -- with a prayer.

"Lord, direct us in our footsteps to bring healing and education to this epidemic," said the Rev. Joachim, a Greek Orthodox cleric, his black robe flapping in a cold wind.

John Beale, Post-Gazette Political and religious leaders pray at a noon service yesterday in Market Square to increase AIDS and HIV awareness. From left are: City Council member Tawanda Carlisle; the Rev. Eileen Smith, pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church in West Newton; Urban League President and CEO Esther Bush; and the Rev. Byron Jordon, pastor at Payne Chapel in Duquesne. Click photo for larger image.

The epidemic, of course, is HIV/AIDS, and the Rev. Joachim joined 10 others -- ministers, community leaders and people living with HIV -- in Market Square at noon yesterday to lift up words of encouragement for men, women and children affected by the virus.

The moment kicked off the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. The Market Square rally was one of many local events organized by the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition, which joined thousands of churches across the nation, in Africa and the Caribbean in efforts to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide a place of compassion.

Now a decade old, the special week of worship and education was started by the New York-based Balm in Gilead to get more black churches responding to the AIDS epidemic.

At times solemn, the rally turned hand-clapping joyous when a trio sang a rousing "Amazing Grace."

AIDS rates for black Americans are worsening. In 2003, HIV rates for black females were 19 times higher than rates for white females.

Black men were seven times more likely than white men to become infected. In Allegheny County, blacks are 12 percent of the population, but in 2002 represented 55 percent of the county's reported AIDS cases.

For information on the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, call 412-242-2441.

Following is a list of public activities:

Today
Mon Valley HIV youth conference, St. Paul AME Church, Mc- Keesport, 412-675-8865; Quartet Legends concert, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., 412-537-0791.

Tomorrow
Grace Kizzie, counselor and black health advocate speaks and HIV testing, St. Benedict the Moor Church, Hill District, 412-281-3142; Gospel dinner buffet, Dowe's on 9th, Downtown, 1-4 p.m., 412-281-9225.

Monday
AIDS awareness lunch, ROOTS School, Aliquippa, 11 a.m., 724-266-5759; AIDS awareness prayer service, Sixth Mount Zion, Larimer, 7 p.m., 412-441-7839.

Tuesday
RAPHA welcomes Renee Hartford, Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, East Liberty, 7 p.m.; 412-363-8082; Church and community leaders AIDS conference, Macedonia Baptist, Hill District, 412-687-8004.

Wednesday
One-night revival, Macedonia Church, Hill District, 412-281-2573; AIDS awareness and prayer service, Zion Baptist, McKeesport, 412-675-8865.

Thursday
Clairton citywide AIDS prayer service, Free Holiness Church, 412-233-0466.

Friday
One Voice Gospelfest, featuring area choirs and soloists, 7 p.m., for more information, call 412-242-2441.

Next Saturday
Virtuous Women of Zion breakfast, with Pastor Eileen Smith, 9 p.m., Mount Zion Baptist, West Newton; "Let's Get Real" teen conference, Ammons Recreation Center, Hill District, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 412-687-8004