Source: The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
November 14, 2015
Dearly beloved clergy and faithful entrusted to our pastoral care:
CHRIST IS AMONG US!
As terrorists continue their evil and barbaric attacks in France, we are once again forced to witness the resulting death on our television screens. It is difficult to believe that once again the actions of evil people force us to relive the moments of the terrorist attack upon our own people in the United States of America, with the loss in 2001 of nearly 3,000 human beings in the World Trade Center attack.
We address you in the faith, love and hope that we share in our Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather in our places of worship on this Sunday. The dreadful acts of terrorism and the tremendous destruction have shocked the entire world and burdened every heart with pain and sorrow as this tragedy in France is unveiled in before our eyes.
As we now pause to remember the lost lives of so many innocent victims, let us also remember the great acts of self-sacrifice, heroism, and compassion that will never be forgotten, as so many offered their lives for the safety and well being of others.
We call upon the leaders of all nations to stand strong in their common efforts to put a decisive end to this evil, which endures in so many countries around the world: France and other European nations, the Middle East and Ukraine.
We direct our clergy in the parishes of the Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA to conduct a memorial service at the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday - 15 November - and to join with others throughout our nation and the world in making this solemn day of remembrance. We offer prayers for the eternal memory and repose of the innocent victims of the barbaric attacks and for those who heroically fell while attempting to help and save lives. We shall also offer prayers for the families who lost loved ones during these attacks.
We offer the following prayer as a guide for your personal prayer:
"Lord God, Lover of bless the Republic of France and our United States of America and all their people people on this difficult day and forgive those who hate and wrong us. Do good to those who do good and grant all our people safety, health, salvation and eternal life. Visit those who suffer from the terrorist activity around the world, specially in France, and heal them. Guide those in armed forces, in fire, police and rescue services and in government. Upon those who have asked us, unworthy though we are, to pray for them, have mercy.
Remember the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have fallen asleep in the Lord under the most horrific of circumstances and grant them rest where the light of Your Countenance shines shines upon them in a place where there is no more pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering. May their memory be eternal before Your Throne.
Remember us, O Lord, your humble, sinful and unworthy servants and enlighten our minds with the light of Your Knowledge and guide us in the way of your Commandments, through the prayers of our Most-Pure Lady, the Birth-Giver of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Your Saints, for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen."
May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with each of you as we pass through these moments of prayerful reflection. You are in our continued prayers.
+ ANTONY, Metropolitan
+ DANIEL, Bishop
