In May, 1935, the Church of England engaged in special services on behalf of the Russian Church and Academy, notably that which was conducted at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields in London by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. In view of the example thus given by our brethren overseas and in response to the request that a similar opportunity be offered to the people of our Church in America I recommend Sexagesima Sunday, the sixteenth of February, and the Sundays immediately following as a time for such services as the bishops may appoint when prayers shall be offered on behalf of our brethren of the Russian Church with special intercession for their Theological Academy in France. I would suggest also that local Orthodox prelates or clergy, and their choirs, be asked to join in these services.

The American General Committee, working in the interest of the Academy, asks that opportunity be given for those present at these services to make contributions toward the $10,000 which it is endeavoring to raise in America during the current year, equalling the amount annually given by the Russian clergy and the Church Aid Committee in England.

LITANY OF SUPPLICATION

Adapted from the Litanies of the Orthodox Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

IN PEACE let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy. O Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

That He may aid us, and subdue every foe and adversary under our feet, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

For the land of Russia, and for those that in faith dwell therein, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

For those suffering under oppression, for those in danger of death, in pain, or in captivity, and for their salvation, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

That He remember not our sins and iniquities, and that He have compassion and be merciful unto them that are in necessity and persecution, who fly to His almighty aid for protection, and that He deliver them from their enemies, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

That they may be delivered from all wrath, danger, necessity, and tribulation, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Have mercy, O Lord.

Assist, preserve, pity, and keep us, O Lord, by Thy grace.
Have mercy, O Lord.

Making our petition for the Unity of the Faith, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life to Christ our God.
To Thee, O Lord.

HAVE MERCY upon us, O Lord, according to Thy great goodness: we pray Thee, hear and have mercy upon us.
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord.

Again we pray for all bishops, especially for the Bishop of this diocese, for all Orthodox prelates, for all the clergy, and for all our brethren in Christ.
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord.

Stretch forth Thine hand, O Lord, from on high, and touch the hearts of our enemies, that they may turn unto Thee, the God of peace who lovest Thy creatures.
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord.

That Thou mayest reveal unto all men the Gospel of Righteousness, and unite them to Thy Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church,
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord.

Again, for the mercies of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of sins of His departed servants, to Christ our Immortal King and God, let us pray.
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy, O Lord.

BISHOP: For Thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto Thee is due all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and ever, world without end. Amen.

The Bishop and people shall say the Lord’s Prayer.

BISHOP: O Lord, deal with us not after our sins.
ANSWER: Neither reward us after our iniquities.

Let us pray.

O LORD GOD, the help of the helpless and the hope of those who are in despair; grant mercy, relief and refreshment to all our Christian brethren in Russia, who yet are in danger, affliction and anxiety. Have compassion upon the oppressed people who are called by Thy Name; strengthen and defend the Bishops and Clergy in body and soul; heal the sick and wounded, comfort the sorrowful and the bereaved, feed the hungry, protect the fatherless, save the little children, give light to those who are in darkness, bring back those who have gone astray, and of Thy goodness lead them all into the way of safety; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Adapted from the Liturgy of St. Mark.)

CHOIR: O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for Thy Name’s sake.

CANTORS: O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that Thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for Thine honour.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son; and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

CANTORS: From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
Graciously look upon our afflictions.
Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts.
Mercifully forgive the sins of Thy people.
Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.

BISHOP: O Lord, let Thy mercy be shown upon us;
ANSWER: As we do put our trust in Thee.

Let us pray

O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who saidst unto Thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church; and grant her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy will. Who liveth and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer on behalf of all who have suffered martyrdom in Russia, or died in affliction and captivity for the Name of Christ. (From the Byzantine Office. Kiev melody. English Hymnal No. 744.)

(All kneeling)

GIVE REST, O CHRIST, to Thy servants with Thy saints; where sorrow and pain are no more: neither sighing but life everlasting. Thou only art merciful, the Creator and maker of man: and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return: for so Thou didst ordain when Thou createdst me, saying, Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return. All we have gone down to the dust: and weeping o'er the grave, we make our song: Alleluya, alleluya, alleluya. Give rest, etc.

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison

BISHOP: Our Father, etc.
The Lord be with you . . .
And with thy spirit.

Let us pray

O LORD, Lover of mankind, look with mercy upon Thy suffering servants. Show them the light of Thy countenance, that it may banish the darkness of godlessness and corruption, and that they may behold Thee, the One True God. Strengthen and glorify the Holy Russian Church, mercifully defend her against her enemies, grant wisdom to her bishops and clergy, that they may direct her in truth and virtue. Confirm in her both peace and single-mindedness, and let there be brotherly love in Christ. Strengthen, comfort and mercifully look upon Thy servants in prison, in banishment and in exile; grant release unto those who are captive; return to the homeland unto those who sit in exile. Grant Thy peace, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have laid down their lives for their faith and fatherland, martyred in prisons, slain in cities and villages. O most merciful Lord reveal unto us all Thy rich mercy, and let Thy righteous anger be removed from us, throughout ages of ages. Amen. (Composed by the Most Rev. Eulogius, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Russian Churches in Western Europe.)

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy Name Thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop give the Blessing.