As violence and suffering continue to afflict the Middle East, the need for prayer and solidarity is more urgent than ever.
In response to this crisis, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain has issued a heartfelt appeal to all clergy, monastics, and lay faithful across the Archdiocese.
On Sunday, 21st September, coinciding with the feast of the Leave-taking of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he calls the entire Archdiocese to unite in a moment of silent prayer for peace, reconciliation, and the protection of all human life.
This message, rooted in the timeless petitions of the Divine Liturgy, reminds us that the Church’s first and greatest offering in times of turmoil is prayer to Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Find below the Archbishop’s message
For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Beloved in Christ, on Sunday 21st September, as we keep the feast of the Leave-taking of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I call you all, clergy, monastics, and lay faithful, in every parish and community of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, to join with me and with all who strive to follow Jesus Christ in these lands, to offer one minute of silent prayer when you light your candle before the holy icons, for peace in Palestine, Israel, and the wider Middle East, and for an end to the violence which is destroying countless precious human lives and ravaging God’s creation.
Together with Christian communities from across the country who, with our Archdiocese, are members of Churches Together in England, let us petition our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the only hope of our broken world, for an end to hostilities, for unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza and the West Bank, for the release of all Israeli hostages, and for a true, just, and lasting peace in the land, with repentance and reconciliation, so that the peoples may live together in harmony.
At the prayers of Mary the Most Holy Theotokos, of the Holy Apostles, of Saint Porphyrios of Gaza, and of all the Saints, may the Lord our God have mercy on us all and save us.
