To all those in fear, may the Holy Mother comfort you
For those in harm, may She protect you
Refugees weary and searching for safety, may She find you welcome arms.
Most Holy Theotokos guide your people and all those who suffer in these days of war and strife. May the prayers of the world find you and your mercy and hope flow like a river of peace over all the people of the Ukraine.
Reading from Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, he maketh me lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul, he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of death I fear no evil, for though are with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Reading from II Thessalonians
But the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil ones
Chapter 3, Verse 4
Reading from Deuteronomy
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave or forsake you.
Chapter 31, Verse 6
Gospel of II Corinthians
We are hard-pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.
Chapter: 4, Verses 8 and 9
Homily
War is the ultimate injustice and it is our duty as those faithful to the word and works of Christ to do all we can to ease the suffering of those in such strife. Today we must do our duty and fervently pray to end the conflict and pain of war in the Ukraine.
From the men, women, and children of the Ukraine we must offer prayers for a swift and peaceful resolution. We must be merciful and help refugees in any way possible. Call upon God often and with the truest intent until the war is resolved. Injustice is universal and our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine need all we can offer to end their most heinous injustice.
