Comments

10 responses to “Many Thanks for Prayers and a Request”

1. 

   Justin Farr

   August 9, 2008

   I am very glad that you are feeling better, Father!

   Thank you for sharing one of my favorite songs. I haven’t heard it for awhile, and I needed to hear such joyous singing today! 🙂

2. 

   ConfesSword

   August 9, 2008

   Father Stephen, it’s good to know you are well.

   I have never heard that beautiful song before…what is it called?

3. 

   Charlie Peterson

   August 10, 2008

   Father Stephen,

   You’ve helped me choose another “category” for my website!

   Thank you!

4. 

   Rick Bowling

   August 10, 2008

   Father Stephen,

   I’m sorry to learn of your illness but glad that you are better now. I’ve been reading your blog for some time and have been greatly enriched by your writing. God bless you and please pray for us sinners.

5. 

   Alice C. Linsley

   August 10, 2008

   God is good. Even in our personal trials and suffering Christ calls us to remember others. In this case we are reminded to pray for those who are enduring terrors in Georgia. May God grant them strength and every grace to remember others also.

6. 

   shevaberakhot

   August 11, 2008

   Truly He is Father Stephen, truly He is!

7. 

   Seraphima

   August 11, 2008

   Father,

   That song — as well as many other of St Nikolaj’s songs — are available in English (and Serbian) on the CD called “Spiritual Songs” by the sisters at St Paisius Monastery in Arizona. It’s very good!

   -Seraphima

8. 

   Theophan

   August 12, 2008

   We indeed need to pray for the Russians and the Georgians. It would, be a great thing to call both Russia and Georgia “Orthodox” countries (I suppose that is true from the historical point of view), but when only 5-10 percent of the populations in both countries are actual consistent church goers, activily participating in the life in Christ, might it be a stretch, therefore, to say this is an Orthodox on Orthodox war? From my perspective, I don’t think so. It seems more like a former soviet on former soviet war. In any case, it is inevitable that there are Orthodox Christians fighting on both sides, what words exist that can express such sorrow?

9. 

   Theophan

   August 12, 2008

   It may be heartening to some to read Patriarch Alexy’s message to the Authorities on both sides of this war:

   Having learnt about the hostilities in Tshinvali and its outskirts, I call upon the warring parties to cease fire and return to the path of dialogue. Blood is being shed in South Ossetia and people are being killed and this makes my heart to grieve profoundly. Among those who have lifted their hand against each other are Orthodox Christians. What is more, those who have come into conflict are Orthodox nations who are called by the Lord to live in brotherhood and love. I am aware of the appeal to peace made by His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Iliya of All Georgia. I also make my ardent appeal to those who have gone blind with hatred: stop! Do not let more blood be shed, do not let today’s conflict be expanded many times over! Show common sense and virtue: sit at the negotiation table for talks with respect for the traditions, views and aspirations of both the Georgian and Ossetian peoples. The Russian Church is ready to unite efforts with the Georgian Church and help in achieving peace. May our God, Who ‘is not a God of disorder but of peace’ (1 Cor. 14:33), be our Helper in this endeavor.

   + ALEXY

10. 

    George Varghese

    August 12, 2008

    Dear Father:

    Thank you for posting this wonderful music. It only brings tears knowing for the first time of the conflict between Russia and Georgia through your website .

    Let us pray God grant the compassionate hearts to all involved

    George