Petitions for use during troubled times for our nation distributed to all OCA parishes

November 26, 2001

To: The Very Reverend and Reverend Clergy and Widowed Matushki of the Orthodox Church in America

Dear Fathers and Matushki:

His Beatitude, Metropolitan THEODOSIUS, along with all those who assist him in his primatial ministry by their work here at the Chancery Office of the Orthodox Church in America, have been greatly edified by the outpouring of your concern and support for all those who have suffered as a result of the horrific tragedy of September 11th. Be assured that the letters of concern, prayers, and monetary donations are greatly appreciated by all who have been touched by the horror of these senseless acts.

The times in which we live are troubled, indeed, as we continue to hear of the war on terrorism, of homeland security, and biological warfare on a daily basis. The newspaper headlines and news broadcasts keep these horrors before us in a very real way. Our Christian response to all that is happening is one of trust in the Lord and in His love and mercy for all those who are faithful to Him.

The prayers that were previously distributed in the aftermath of September 11th are now somewhat dated. Therefore, please click here to download a pdf version of new petitions which are to be used at your pastoral discretion as well as in your personal daily prayers.

As we continue to prepare for the celebration of the Lord’s Nativity, we beseech Him to “grant peace to the world… and to our souls, great mercy.”

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Protopresbyter Robert S. Kondratick
Chancellor