Praying for All
Praying for All

Elder Zacharias offers advice on the Ukrainian conflict

War is tragic but when it is between two countries that share the Orthodox Faith it is even worse.  Contradictory news coming from the West and Russia compound the issue even more and create division amoung Orthodox believers.  Elder Zacharias, who is no stranger to St. Tikhon's, offered this advice recently:

We do not know everything about the conflicts of this world, nor is it necessary to know. We just pray with a compassionate heart for the peace of the world and for all. We do not take sides, because each side will be responsible for crimes, and we do not want to share in these crimes and be condemned. If we pray for those who are more wrong than right, well, we perform the commandment to love even enemies. And if we pray for those who are more right than wrong, we do well. Therefore, we cannot go wrong if we pray that God save all and grant peace to the world.

Especially for us, priests and monks, it is very important not to be political at all, because we offer our sacrifice to God, the Holy Liturgy, for the whole world; and if we are for some and against others, our sacrifice is annulled. I think that when there is a war, the best is not to be judgmental, but to have compassion and pray that the Lord may spare all from suffering. If my Liturgy is to have any value, no one should be missing from my heart when I stand before the altar of God and say to Him, ‘Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, in all and for all.

- from Pemptousia

Share This:



< PreviousNext >
You might also like:
image
Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
175 St. Tikhon's Road
Waymart, PA 18472
570-937-4067 (Phone)
  • Mon
    4Dec

    6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
    4:30 Vespers & Matins
  • Tue
    5Dec

    6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
    4:30 Vigil
  • Wed
    6Dec

    St. Nicholas
    7:40 Hours, & Liturgy
    4:30 Vespers & Matins
  • December News & Events
    11/29/23
    The Feast of Nativity brings joy to close out 2023
  • 2023 Fall Newsletter
    11/26/23
    The newsletter and personal note from Archmandrite Sergius to close out 2023.
  • Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good!
    11/21/23
    Make the Thanksgiving celebration a daily event in your life.

Bookstore

Coffee

Seminary

Museum

© 2021 Saint Tikhon's Monastery