Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay
May God grant peace to the Holy Land, Palestine, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Russia!
We pray, O Lord God, for all those who suffer from acts of war. O God our Saviour, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, and salvation for those who are suffering, wounded, grieving, or displaced. We pray for reconciliation, peace, and the end of the war in Ukraine, and for those who have lost their lives because of the war: that the Lord our God may look upon them with mercy, giving them rest where there is neither sickness or sorrow, but life everlasting. To Thee do we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
For the Peace from Above and Peace for the whole world, let us pray to the Lord.
Russia’s 2+ years of war on the sovereign, independent nation of Ukraine continues to physically and spiritually affect everyone.
St. John Maximovich reflects upon the expression “the Soviet Church” from a 1963 sermon.
His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia states that the Russian Orthodox Church is being negatively affected by the fratricidal war in Ukraine, and should be immediately stopped. When asked, “Should the Russians pull out of Ukraine?” He responded: “Is that a question? Yes, definitely! And completely.” When asked his view on the war, Metropolitan Mark answers plainly: “I consider this war a crime.” Metropolitan Mark is certain that the war will change the Russian Orthodox Church, “and unfortunately not for the better.”
… I ask that the hostilities be ceased immediately and that President Putin put an end to the military operations. As Orthodox Christians we condemn violence and aggression… ~ Metropolitan Tikhon Orthodox Church of America and Canada Statement
…There is no greater sin than war. ~ St. Sophrony the Hagiorite
Silence is complicity. Silence is acceptance. Let us all speak out bravely with the Voice of Truth – for the oppressed.
May God shine His Light on those who work for the powers of darkness and destruction of humanity, and on those who are in positions of authority – who either knowingly, or unknowingly, are being used as political tools.
Lord have mercy!