A Prayer for Jobseekers

The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has approved a chanted prayer for jobseekers for use in regular worship services.

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. Photo: iStock via Rabota.ru

The prayer mentions work that will be of benefit and yield worthy fruits, as well as help [the supplicant] to observe the church commandments, RIA Novosti reports. We have previously written about [which saints] to pray to in such instances, but now there is a single standard [for how to pray to them].

Now we humbly pray to Thee: grant Thy servant (insert name) to do good and all that is useful for Thy glory and for the good of Thy house, and make the fruit worthy of his labors, so that, having prospered in Thy commandments and in Thy love, he will sing and thank Thee, and Thine Eternal Father, and Thy Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Text of a prayer for people seeking work

We remind you that after praying, you can make use, among other things, of our urgent job search service.

Despite the fact that there is a record-breaking personnel shortage in Russia now, it can be difficult for young people to find a job, and during a crisis people are afraid of layoffs.

Source: Andrei Gorelikov, “ROC approves prayer for jobseekers: text will be distributed to parishes,” Just Work (Rabota.ru), 18 May 2023. Translated by the Russian Reader

A Prayer for Peace

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“A Prayer for Peace,” Interior Theater, Nevsky Prospect, Petrograd, March 14, 2014

Russia and Ukraine are on the eve of a fratricidal war. This is madness! During these terrible days, it seems that words and actions have lost their meanings. We suggest praying for peace. By dedicating this day to praying for peace, we would like people, regardless of creed, nationality, and political views, to unite and say no to war.