Remember Our Veterans…
As excerpted from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral website.1. Genocide is a global threat.
From at least as early as the time of Moses, acts of Genocide have been inflicted upon mankind. This evil, which leads to the torture, rape and slaughter of innocent men, women and children, is a result of the fallen nature of our world. Although our global society is plagued by these unspeakable acts of terror, in the United States of America we are largely safe. This is something for which we should be thankful, both as Americans and as Orthodox Christians.
2. Genocide affects the living
Genocide must be seen as a significant threat to our world, but not only to those who are directly affected by its evil. For example, the 21 Coptic Orthodox men slain on the beaches of their homeland gave their lives for their faith and have now received the Crowns of Martyrdom. But we must also consider the indirect effect of these atrocities as well. Assume that a young boy witnessed the killings. Let us say that he grows up and makes his way to America. He is educated and forms a life here, with allegiances to our great nation. Despite this new found physical freedom, he is still enslaved mentally and emotionally by what he witnessed as a child. This educated and successful young man has now married the daughter of one of our parishioners. Their union and, by extension, our Cathedral family, is now affected by the torturous memories of his past.
While it may be difficult for us to consider the hypothetical, we are faced daily with a much more real example of the lasting effects of these unthinkable and unnecessary acts of violence. The men and women of our armed forces, for whom we pray during the Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy, are exposed to these terrors as a part of their duties. They are first hand witnesses to violence beyond the imagination of the average person. The stress of these experiences may have a long lasting impact on them and their loved ones, leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The effects of PTSD may have a crippling effect on the soldier, and his altered behavior may impact his entire family and those around them. Perhaps, in some instances, this illness can be hidden from a spouse or children. The veteran is then left to suffer in silence. Additionally, let us consider the emotional impact on a child who sees his or her parent return from battle with a missing leg or arm, not to mention the veterans, whether wounded psychologically or physically, that attempt to re-matriculate into day-to-day life. The genocide going on in our world may be taking place on foreign soil, but it reaches well into the borders of our nation.
3. How can you help? Be Thankful. Now Pray and Fast.
As Orthodox Christians, let us give thanks that we are largely safe from the direct threat of violence and also for the men and women of our armed forces that protect us. They engage in physical warfare, but we should remember that each of us is engaged in a spiritual war. Just as they have weapons and armor, we care called to put on the armor of Salvation and immerse ourselves in prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting are tools that God has given us, through which we can ask for His blessings for the welfare of all humanity.
As a parish family, let us send our petitions to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and consider praying the prayer below each day and also fasting from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year. We do this not only in remembrance of our Lord’s suffering, but also in remembrance of those who serve, our veterans, those living under threatening circumstances and all the victims. Please ask first that God forgives each of us our own sins, then that He enters the hearts of those doing evil and brings His peace which surpasses all understanding to our world.
Let us pray as a parish family every day the following Prayer :
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord, our God, pre-existing before all ages, Creator of all things; Who are compassionate and an uncontainable power; Who because of Your ineffable mercy bowed the heavens, came down on earth and became man for the salvation of sinners; Who put on and immortalized our nature and ascended in glory; hear us we pray and have mercy to all those who cry out to You with their hearts.
We pray for:
The peace from above and the salvation of our souls. For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God and the union of all men especially those who serve and have served our great country, those being persecuted, being held captive and that are sick and suffering. Show us how to rise above both the visible and invisible enemies. Place in us a power from on high; encompass us with Your almighty right hand; keep us under the protection of Your wings; fortify us with love for one another and grant us unshakable peace. But before all and above all, instill in us Your mercy and Your love that Your Holy Name may be glorified in us. For You are Holy and our God, always now and ever unto the ages of ages. Amen.