Again we pray for the protection of this holy church, this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasions, civil strife, and accidental death; that our good God Who loves mankind may be merciful, gracious and favorable to us by turning and diverting from us all wrath and sickness impending against us, and deliver us from His just rebuke, and have mercy on us.
These words reflect the care and hope of the Church prayed
during the Paraklesis to the Theotokos and other services of the Church. As I
awoke this morning to the sad news of yet another shooting, my mind immediately
was taken to this prayer. Engaging in a street war between races and economic
classes will not cure the illness which affects our culture. Only the peace of
God and His love will heal the wounds of violence and hatred that are so
rapidly spreading within the streets of our cities.0
Lord have mercy.
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