On Sunday, August 18th, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, prayers were offered for the suffering people of Egypt, Syria, and throughout the world, especially those who are being persecuted for their Christian faith:

Again we pray for the suffering people of Egypt, Syria, and throughout the world who are being persecuted for their Christian faith, especially the bishops Metropolitan Paul and Archbishop Gregorios, who have been kidnapped: for the families, friends and communities who are wounded and grieving; that the Lord Our God will look upon them with mercy and will heal, comfort, strengthen and shelter them in His love.

Again we pray to Thee, O Lord and God, for the repose of those who have departed this life in these ungodly, horrific and evil persecutions; especially those whose earthly sojourns have ended suddenly, without repentance; give them rest where all sickness, sorrow and sighing have passed away: hear us, O Lord, and have mercy.

Again we pray for all those working to bring peace, security, relief and recovery to those injured in body, soul and spirit and who are in desperate need; and for all who are anxious and fearful; that they may persevere in their struggles and find consolation, hope and courage in Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Our God.

Again we pray that the Lord God will preserve this city and this holy house, and every city and land from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, the invasion of enemies, terrorist attack and from civil war; and that our good God, who loves mankind, will be graciously favorable and easy to be entreated, and will turn away from us all the wrath stirred up against us, and deliver us from all His righteous chastisement, which impends against us, and have mercy upon us.