Reflection text
This week’s service was prepared by a group of brothers and sisters of the Community in Poland.
Extracts from: A letter from Christians from Germany, Poland and Ukraine to the Christians of the Orthodox Church in Russia
Full text: https://www.lettertorussia.eu
It is difficult to address these words in times of war when brothers and sisters are being murdered. But as Christians, we pray “Our Father” on both sides of the front line. We believe that God created all people and never stopped loving them, even when they became sinners and criminals. ….
War means that the aggressor and the victim can no longer talk to each other, can no longer look each other honestly in the eye, they hate each other and don’t want to have anything to do with each other anymore. In times of war, there is a chasm between us where there are no bridges, no relationships, no face-to-face dialogue.
Christ conquers hatred. He gave his life to bridge the chasm that divides us. ….
We fight for an end to hate and crime, but not to people who – before God – are our brothers or sisters. Ultimately, forgiveness means an outstretched hand, an offer of a renewed relationship to the perpetrator. …. In the mystical tradition we find the image of God hiding his face when he weeps.
Intercessions
1. Lord God, we humbly ask you for the gift of unity and peace in all corners of the world where the noise of war still resounds, and where brother raises his hand against his brother.
Today more than ever we implore you to give peace to tormented Ukraine, to put an end to the violence, and to bring a gleam of hope for all those who are suffering from the war.
2. Lord, renew the ties between nations and communities, reconcile those which are separated by hostility and prejudice.
Teach us to recognise that each person you put in our path is a brother or a sister, children of the same Father.
3. Lord, strengthen the Christians of Russia and Ukraine who in spite of the violence proclaim peace, and suffer because of it.
Give them perseverance, faith and an unshakeable trust in your Providence.