For an End to the Crisis in Russia

You will probably know better than me, but I genuinely do not believe this will begin a civil war in Russia. Prigozhin made a huge mistake and will probably be dead within the next few days and the revolt destroyed. I simply can't see the military or government siding with him.

Regardless of what happens, there will likely be terrible bloodshed, possibly even on the streets of Moscow. The Russian people have suffered so much bloodshed in their history, which is what makes this more tragic.


Russia needs our prayers, I think. Our deep, fervent prayers. Every time war has come to Russia itself in the last two centuries - civil war or foreign invasion - it has led to millions of deaths. 

Here are prayers that I have on Laudate under 'My Prayers' which I use to ask God for His help for peace in troubled times. The first is short and to the point. The second is longer and more poignant. The third a novena from Pope JPII is specifically concerning the Ukraine. I join in these pleas for peace and hope that these prayers may be used by others towards that end. 🙏

A Christian Reflection on Peace

Lord God,
Remember Christ, your Son, who is peace itself,
and who has washed away our hatred with his blood.
Because you love all men and women,
look with mercy on all who are engaged in battle.
Banish the violence and evil within all combatants
so that one day, we may all deserve to be
called your sons and your daughters.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

- Author Unknown



A Christian Prayer for Peace in Our Time

O God, author and giver of peace,
in whose image and likeness each of us has been created
with a human dignity worthy of respect on earth
and destined for eternal glory,
Listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth,
from our human family torn by violent conflict:

Give peace in our time, O good and gracious God,
that peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us
and as we have experienced in these days,
is a peace which the world cannot give.

To world leaders grant the wisdom
to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and nation
to that common humanity that makes us all your children
and brothers and sisters to one another.

To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge
or even in the cause of justice
grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue
and constructive collaboration.

To the innocent who live in the shadow of war and terror,
especially the frightened children,
be a shelter and strength, their haven and hope.

And to those who have already lost their lives
as victims of human cruelty and chemical warfare,
open wide your arms and enfold them all
in the embrace of your compassion, healing, and everlasting life.

Grant this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord.
Mary, Mother of all and Queen of peace, pray for us.

- Peter J. Scagnelli


NOVENA TO
OUR LADY OF ZARVANIZA

Repeat the following Novena prayers every day for 9 consecutive days.
Prayer of Pope John-Paul II

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Zarvaniza,
I thank you for the gift of my visit to the Kyivan Rus’
from where the light of the Gospel spread through this whole region.

Here before your miraculous icon,
kept in this church of Saint Nicholas,
I entrust to you, Mother of God
and Mother of the Church,
my apostolic journey to Ukraine.

Holy Mother of God,
spread your maternal mantle over all Christians
and over all people of good will
who live in this great nation.

Lead them to your Son, Jesus,
who is for everyone the way, the truth and the life.

Amen.

[Source: Prayer of Pope John-Paul II to Our Lady of Zarvaniza on Saturday, June 23, 2001, during his visit to the Greek-Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas in Ukraine.] Amen.

[Mention your intention(s) here...]

Our Lady of Zarvaniza
Pray for us.

Our Lady of Zarvaniza
Pray for us.

Our Lady of Zarvaniza
Pray for us.

Our Lady of Ukraine
Pray for us.

Let us pray for the Church

Say 3 Our Father...

Say 3 Hail Mary...

Say 3 Glory Be...

Father please bring peace to these two countries. May they live strong in Christ and follow your message of peace and love. In your name, Jesus amen!