Prayer for the Prosperity of the Russian Church

Pastoral Zeal.

Liturgical Renovationism.

A three sided coin.

 

Friday after Ascension, May 16/29 2009

 

 

 

I am always full of things I want to say to my flock, and there is so little time. There is so much to say about Ascension, which, together with Pascha and Pentecost, I consider to be different sides of a “three sided” coin. I hope to discuss the readings for this feast, and survey the incredible service texts. There is no doubt that the Pentecostarion is on my “desert island[1]” list of books. It should be on yours too!

 

Our church reads a beautiful prayer during the Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Ascension. It commemorates a historical moment for our church, but also is one the finest expressions of pastoral zeal I have seen in a long time. It is included below.

 

Of course, I forgot the prayer at its appointed time, so I engaged in a little liturgical renovationism and included it during after the prayer behind the Ambo, which is said just before the end of liturgy. Maybe I will remember next year!

 

Prayer for the Prosperity of the Russian Orthodox Church

Also at:

https://www.orthodox.net//services/prayer-for-the-prosperity-of-the-russian-orthodox-church.rtf

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, accept from us, Thine unworthy servants, these words of thanksgiving:

For Thou hast given unity to the Church of Russia and transformed into joy the greatly painful cry of Thy servants. 

Hearken now to our supplication:

 

Bring Thine own laborers unto the harvest, that the Church may not lack good pastors to enlighten so great a multitude of those who have not been taught the Faith or have fallen away therefrom.

 

Instill obedience to Thee in those who govern, and justice and mercy in their judgments; compassion in the rich, and long-suffering in the weak:

 

That in our land the kingdom of Christ may thus grow and increase, and that Thou, O God Who art wondrous in Thy saints, may be glorified therein.

 

Unto those who are led astray by heresies and schisms, who have fallen away from  Thee or seek Thee not, show Thyself forth as almighty, that not one of them may perish, but that all of  us may be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth:

 

That all, in harmonious oneness of mind and constant love, may glorify Thy most honored name, O kind and patient-hearted Lord, unto the ages of ages.

 

On May 13, 2008, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia adopted the Prayer for the Prosperity of the Church of Russia, to be read during Divine Liturgy on the Ascension of the Lord; and, as desired, on the feast day of All Russian Saints; the feast days of St Vladimir, St Olga and especially-venerated Russian saints. This prayer replaces the Prayer for the Salvation of Russia.

 

Priest Seraphim Holland 2009.     St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, McKinney, Texas

 

https://www.orthodox.net//journal/journal/2009-05-29.html

https://www.orthodox.net//journal/journal/2009-05-29.doc

 

 

 

New Journal entries are posted on our BLOG: http://www/.orthodox.net/redeemingthetime

 

Archive of Journal Entries: https://www.orthodox.net//journal

 

Use this for any edifying reason, but please give credit, and include the URL were the text was found. We would love to hear from you with comments!