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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomewrisu.org.ua - Addressing the current difficult situation in the country, Patriarch Bartholomew asked the Almighty God to "calm and dispel the dark clouds of division and tribulation in Ukraine".

"In our historical and paternal love for our beloved people of Ukraine, especially after their recent joyous celebrations of the 1025th anniversary since the baptism of the Kievan Rus, we cannot but express our heartfelt sorrow as well as our compassionate concern at the unfortunate and painful events unfolding over the last days in Kiev. It is deeply heartbreaking for us to witness through the media how the festive joy that only months ago assembled the crowds in religious processions has been eclipsed by the shocking violence encountered today in the very same streets.

Therefore, we appeal to God’s mercy and grace that He may protect and illumine all people involved so that no further hurt might be inflicted and all disagreement may be peacefully resolved. Even as we are on pilgrimage at Myra of Lycea (in Asia Minor) for the commemoration of the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is celebrated for “pacifying stormy seas,” we pray that he might intercede to the almighty God that calm and reason may prevail in dispersing the dark clouds of division and tribulation in Ukraine", reads the statement published on official web-page.

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

04 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)