Categories: orthodox-life
Date: 12 May 2007 01:30:15
Please see Michael's post on his blog Sarisburium regarding the upcoming (Ascension Day, May 17 this year on the Western Calendar) restoration of normal relations between the Church in Russia and the Russian Church Abroad. While, I believe, it is truly a joyous occasion, there are many difficulties and hurtful splits occurring on the way. Lord, have mercy.
Michael also makes mention of a live webcast of the services on Russia Today. The greeting of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus is to take place at 9.15 a.m. Moscow time (click here to find your local time if interested) -- apparently 15:15 NSW time.
Prayers from Michael's post:
O Master all-good, watch over Thy flock and all the children of the Russian Church Abroad, that we may bring about the structuring of our Church in a manner well-pleasing to Thee. Grant us the spirit of wisdom and understanding; instill in our hearts the spirit of the fear of God, the spirit of piety and zeal for the glory of Thy holy Name. Guard us against all temptations, stumbling-blocks and divisions, that, bound together, one to another, by the bond of love for Thee, our Master, we may without hindrance perform the work of our ministry for the edification of the Holy Church as the one Body of Christ. We pray Thee, O greatly Merciful One: hearken and have mercy!O good Shepherd, Who hast promised to gather Thy scattered sheep into a single flock, put down scandal and division within the Church; all who have strayed from Thy path do Thou lead to repentance and a knowledge of the Truth, and return them to Thy fold; and confirm us all in the Orthodox Faith and the doing of Thy commandments. We pray Thee: hearken and have mercy!