The exchange after a recent post reminded me of the history of ROCOR praying for "the Orthodox episcopate of the suffering Church of Russia". The "suffering", of course, would not usually be used but was inserted because of the situation in that land over the last century. There is a piece on this on the ROCOR website.
It doesn't appear in our newer prayer books, but in looking at one of the older prayer books, I found this wonderful prayer. I've seen it before but don't remember having paid it much attention. It is no longer used but it used to be inserted after the Augmented Litany at the Divine Liturgy, where there is provision for petitions for specific needs. I read it aloud just now and began to choke up. I suppose it's because of hearing more about the atrocities that happened to the Russian people. I just thought I'd share it here in the run-up to Thursday.
O Lord Jesus Christ our God: accept from us, Thine unworthy servants, this fervent supplication, and, having forgiven us all our sins, remember all our enemies that hate and wrong us, and render not unto them according to their deeds, but according to Thy great mercy convert them: the unbelieving to true faith and piety, and the believing that they may turn away from evil and do good. By Thine all-powerful might, mercifully deliver all of us and Thy holy Church from every evil circumstance. Free the Russian land from the cruel godless ones and their power; hearken unto the painful cry of Thy faithful servants who cry unto Thee day and night in tribulation and sorrow, O our most merciful God, and lead their life out of corruption. Grant peace and tranquility, love and steadfastness, and swift reconciliation to Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy precious Blood. But unto them that have departed from Thee and seek Thee not, be Thou manifest, that not one of them perish, but that all of them be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth; that all in harmonious oneness of mind and unceasing love may glorify Thy most holy Name, O patient-hearted Lord Who art quick to forgive, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Monday, May 14, 2007
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3 comments:
I was taught to pray for Russia before I even knew what Russia was. We prayed for Russia morning, noon and night in our house. When my Great Uncle Charlie was in a nursing home, c.1974, he would always pray for the Tsar. A kindly young nurse tried to explain the Tsar was dead and Uncle Charlie stood up from his wheelchair, grabbed his neighbour's walking stick and proclaimed the Tsar would never die! Several old guys (and an old VAD) who had been in WW1 all shouted "Yayyyyyy". My mum was embarrassed but I thought it was great.
Ty for telling us about the broadcast. Being EP an' all now I never would have known ;-)
Margi, that story's wonderful! You're great uncle may perhaps have misunderstood the situation but I doubt that his prayers fell on deaf ears. Still, what a character!
Yes, I, too, will be up at stupid o' clock on Thursday morning sitting right here in front of the computer. I can't wait.
It has happened: thanks and praise be to God.
I'm still listening to Russia Today for all news and coverage; marvellous.
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