Prayer for soldiers

Life and death of every person are in the hands of the One who granted life—in the hands of God. During war, when every life hangs by a thread, only the Creator Himself can preserve it. That is why it is essential to pray fervently and persistently for all soldiers on the battlefield, especially for those dear to us—our sons and husbands, who have been called to duty and to defend their homeland.

In Bulgaria, at the Resurrection Skete, a collective prayer is offered for warriors on the battlefield, where the names of all soldiers submitted for commemoration are mentioned during the Akathist to Saint George the Victorious. However, it is crucial not only to submit names but for everyone, especially mothers, to join in prayer at the same time with the Orthodox faithful of Bulgaria, asking for the protection of their sons and husbands so that war does not take them away. Only then does the prayer for the defenders of the homeland truly become a collective prayer.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, told us, “Truly I tell you that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:19-20). This is why collective prayer is considered one of the most powerful.

Prayer to Saint George to save the life in the war. How can a mother pray that her son or husband will not be taken away by the war?

We fervently pray to Saint Georg for the soldiers, for the sons or husbands in the war (especially on Thursdays in 2:30, 8:30, 14:30 and 20:30 Moscow time).

O most praised and holy Great Martyr and Wonderworker, Saint George! Look down upon us with thy speedy help and implore the man-loving God that He not condemn us sinners according to our offenses, but that He treat us according to His great mercy. Despise not our prayer, but beseech for us of Christ our God a quiet life pleasing to God, health of body and soul, fertility of the earth and abundance in all, and that we not turn to evil purposes the good things granted by thee from the AllMerciful God, but that they may be for the glory of His Holy Name, for the glorification of thy mighty intercession. May He grant God-loving soldiers victory over the enemy, and may He secure our land with unchanging peace and prosperity. Especially may He defend us by His holy angels at our departure from this life from the snares of the evil one and his grievous toll-houses of the air, that we may stand uncondemned before the throne of the Lord of Glory. Hear us, O passion-bearer of Christ, Saint George, and pray for us without ceasing unto the Master of All, God in three Persons, that by His Grace and love for mankind, and by thy help and intercession, we may find mercy and may stand with the angels and archangels before the All-glorious Judge, unceasingly praising Him together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for peace

To the Most Holy Theotokos of Kazan on the restoration of peace in the homeland, the cessation and the end of the war (especially on Saturdays in 3:00, 9:00, 15:00 and 21:00 Moscow time).

With heartfelt devotion, with deep repentance, and with mercy for one another, we pray to you, O Virgin of Kazan, our intercessor and a Protectress of Christians over centuries of war and crime. Save us from our own sins and from the sins of others, so that we may flourish because of you and become a grateful people of God. Yet, if we must suffer, since our fallen condition is filled with suffering, then strengthen us in spiritual battle and make us worthy witnesses of the True Faith. We know that you watch over us, and that you will lead us to victory if only we heed your calling and the Commandments of God. Illuminate us, O Mother of God of Kazan, so that we may rejoice under all circumstances and praise you for your wondrous vigilance and unceasing mediation. Amen.

Prayer for reconciliation of those in conflict

The Most Holy Theotokos "Softening of evil hearts" on the increase of love and understanding (especially on Wednesdays in 2:30, 8:30, 14:30 and 20:30 Moscow time).

O much sorrowing Mother of God, more highly exalted than all other maidens, according to thy purity and the multitude of thy suffering endured by thee on earth: Hearken to our sighs and soften the hearts of evil men, and protect us under the shelter of thy mercy. For we know no other refuge and ardent intercessor apart from thee, but as thou hast great boldness before the One who was born of thee, help and save us by thy prayers, that without offence we may attain the Heavenly Kingdom where, with all the saints, we will sing the thrice-holy hymn to One God Almighty in the Trinity, always now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for health of the soldiers and war prisoners

To the Great Martyr Panteleimon for illness and for the healing of the sick, for the health of son and husband (especially on Saturdays in 2:00, 8:00, 14:00 and 20:00 Moscow time).

Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, thou imitator of God’s mercy! Look down in thy loving kindness and hearken unto us, sinners, who offer heartfelt prayers before thy holy icon. Ask for us from the Lord God, before Whom the Angels stand in heaven, remission of our sins and transgressions. Heal the ills of body and soul of the servants of God whom we here commemorate, who are here present, and of all Orthodox Christians who seek thy help. For behold, we, who because of our sins are possessed by bitter ills and have no help or consolation, yet flee to thee for refuge, since thou hast been given Grace to pray for us and to heal every ill and every disease. Grant, therefore, to all of us, by thy holy prayers, health and strength of soul and body, a good growth in the Faith and in devotion, and all that is needful unto this temporal life and unto our salvation: So that, having been granted great and rich mercy thorugh thee, we may glorify thee and Him that bestoweth all good things, our God Who is wondrous in His Saints, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The undying Psalter

Round-the-Clock Prayerful Protection with the Words of the Ancient Prayer Book of the Old Testament – Psalm 90 from the Psalter.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. ‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’