Prayer for the upcoming Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

The Great Feast of Pentecost (source)

   

It is widely known that, in a few weeks, the primates and representatives from all canonical Orthodox Churches will gather in Crete for the first synodal gathering of this scope in many years. This will be a truly unique event, and though there are many who are arguing in support or in opposition to this upcoming council, its participants, the process, and the pre-conciliar documents, it is abundantly clear that all of us must pray deeply for illumination and guidance by the Holy Spirit for our bishops, that they might "rightly teach the word of Your truth". As such, I include hymns below for Pentecost, for the Holy Fathers, and a prayer that we hopefully all can offer, entreating the Lord and His Saints for the strength and wisdom to ever follow His commandments.

Apolytikion and Kontakion for the Great Feast of Pentecost, in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.

 

When the High One descended, confusing tongues, He divided the nations. And when He distributed the fiery tongues He called all to one unity. Wherefore, in unison we glorify the most Holy Spirit. 

(Source)

  

Apolytikion for the Holy and God-bearing Fathers, in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.

(Source)

  

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, send down upon the bishops, clergy, and all those gathered in Thy name the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, for good and profitable counsel unto the benefit of all, and unto the confirmation of the Orthodox Catholic faith and piety, the good order of the Church.

Enlighten their minds with the light of His Divine understanding and truth, and make clear their lips and tongue, that they may counsel, proclaim and order all things unto the greater glory of His holy name.

May their actions be for the edification of the faithful people, the furtherance of good morals, and the uprooting and extermination of every heresy, disorder and wickedness, and do all things perfectly by the power and action and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

To Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Icon of the Holy and God-bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (source)

Christ is risen from the dead, by dead, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly, the Lord is risen!