Image by Enrique from Pixabay
With heavy hearts, we pass the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion into the sovereign and independent nation of Ukraine. Lord have mercy! Let us pray for the cessation of the war against Ukraine… which globally and spiritually – affects everyone, everywhere.
Special Lenten Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: At the beginning of Great Lent, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine, called upon and blessed the faithful to fulfill a special rule of prayer for peace. ~ Western American Diocese
Another Orthodox Prayer for Peace ~ We pray, O our Lord God, for all those who suffer from acts of war. Especially for the victims and all those involved in the struggle in Russia and Ukraine. We pray for Thy peace and Thy mercy in the midst of the great suffering people are now inflicting on each other. Vouchsafe to accept the prayers of Thy Church, so that by Thy goodness, peace may return to all peoples. Hear us and have mercy on us. We also pray, O Lord our God, to remember and have mercy on our Orthodox Brothers and Sisters in Russia and Ukraine who are involved in violent conflict. Remove from their midst all hostility, confusion and hatred. Lead everyone along the path of reconciliation and peace. We pray Thee, hear us and have mercy on us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
…There is no greater sin than war. ~ St. Sophrony the Hagiorite
War is Negatively Affecting Russian Church, Must Stop Immediately ~ Metropolitan Mark of Germany ROCOR
… 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
An Orthodox Prayer for Peace in the World ~ (From Full of Grace and Truth Blogspot an amateur translation)… O God and Master, Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth, Who for our salvation was born of a Virgin, and taught men to have love and peace among each other, send down Your heavenly grace and have mercy on us, according to Your great mercy, and deliver us from every want. Cease the fragmentation of the nations, grant peace to our lives, deliver us and Your world from every danger that faces us, and teach the leaders of the nations to resolve their differences in peace and to be in all ways peace-makers, deposing all barbarian nations who desire war. Send down the dove, bearing the olive branch in its mouth, as a symbol of reconciliation, deliver our brothers in captivity, keep our rulers in peace and harmony, and grant to us deep and inalienable peace, which surpasses all understanding, that we might live our life in peace and silence, praying to You for the peace of the whole world, and for our nation, having your alliance as a weapon of peace, and invincible standard. For You are the King of peace, and the Saviour of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Video by Александр from Pixabay
Besides prayer of course – when there’s a conflict of conscience, we have a moral obligation to take action… Otherwise our silence is complicity, and we’ll be held spiritually accountable. May God give help to the distressed faithful, and to all who are affected during this heartbreaking war.