Prayers concerning abortion

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear All,

Would anyone know of any prayers concerning abortion that could be used in the setting of a service of intercession (moleben)?

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Matthew Panchisin]

Dear Father,

Did you check the Book of Needs?

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Matthew,

The only Book of Needs that I have besides the Slavonic Trebnik is the abbreviated Book of Needs from St. Tikhon's Monastery & various booklets from St John of Kronstadt Press. I do not have the full set of Book of Needs from St. Tikhon's Monastery- perhaps there is a prayer in there?

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Herman Blaydoe]

You might find something useful here:

Office for the Victims of Abortion (http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/prayers/abrtpryr.html)

[Matthew Panchisin]

Dear Father,

I think we have the full set, though things have a tendency to disappear, I can check in a few hours and let you know.

In Christ,

Matthew Panchisin

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Herman,
I checked out the link. It looks wonderful. God bless you & preserve the innocents.
In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Matthew Panchisin]

Dear Father,

We checked in the Book of needs, there are some prayers but it seems Herman has conveyed a very good prayer. It seems we don't have the complete set, so I'm not sure how extensive the entire collection is.

See that Herman, if my memory serves me correctly perhaps that suggested pickle situation you suffered or placed yourself in, directly or indirectly has helped out quite a bit.

Glory to God for all things!

In Christ,

Matthew Panchisin

[Irene]

I wondered if the service to the Mother of God Nurturer of Children could be used/adapted at all, perhaps just for people at home to pray for those who are in need. http://www.serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm

[Father Anthony]

Herman=20 Blaydoe wrote: You might find something useful here:

Office for the=20 Victims of Abortion

The work referenced is available in printed form in two color text,=20 complete with music and directions for clergy and singers. It may be=20 purchased from the publisher, Oklahoma Orthodox Christians for life=20 http://www.orthodox.org/oocl or the Saint John of Krostadt Press. The new=20 edition uses the Boston Psalter and is completely redone. Proceedes from=20 the sale of the booklet are used to support the pro-life efforts of=20

[Maximos Darnley]

I read the prayer for the unborn and was greatly moved by it. Nonetheless it raises a difficulty for me in present circumstances. I have two friends, he is Orthodox, she is non-Orthodox, I think Roman Catholic. They have just lost a child.

I read the prayer to the Orthodox member of this small family over the telephone, he appreciated it greatly. He wants me to email it so she may read it. I'm not so certain that she will appreciate it. I feel this for two reasons. First the prayer refers to Orthodox mothers, secondly it refers to 'difficult birth' and 'some carelessness' as the two possible reasons for the infant's death. I'm not sure that either of these two causes apply since the infant was very far from the date of expected birth and I can discern no carelessness on the mother's part.

Am I missing something here? I don't want to offend my friend by sending her a prayer that appears to only apply to Orthodox mothers and might suggest carelessness on her part.

I'd be grateful for any comment.

In Christ

Maximos

[Irene]

Maximos, don't send the prayer as it is, adapt it slightly to be more appropriate. I am sure this is alright because my Priest told me to adapt the Jesus Prayer if I want to to pray for someone else so instead of Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. I would say Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on (name) for the same length of time.

For private prayer it is ok to just make up a prayer if you don't have one appropriate or just talk to God - so I am quite sure that small alterations to published prayers are ok.

If the some of the wording of a particular prayer could lead another to further despondency then it is far better to be a little cautious. Don't use the carelessness part.

[Irene]

Yes I just re-read the Akathist and I see what you mean. I have used this Akathist before but never realised it says Orthodox mothers - it is not just the Orthodox we are supposed to pray for! I pray for my non-Orthodox relatives and friends so I'll re-word this a little for my own private use.

irene
http://www.serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm
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[Irene]

Prayer for Unborn Infants
(Perhaps..........)
Remember, O Lord, Lover of Mankind the souls of Thy departed servants, infants who died accidentally in their mother's wombs from unknown causes, and who therefore did not receive the Mystery of Holy Baptism. Baptize them, O Lord, in the sea of Thy compassions, and save them by Thine inexpressible grace. Amen

[Herman Blaydoe]

Prayer After a Miscarriage
O Sovereign Master, Lord our God, Who was born of the all-pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and as an infant was laid in a manger: do You Yourself, according to Your great mercy, have regard for this Your servant (Name) who has miscarried that which was conceived in her. Heal her suffering, granting to her, O Loving Lord, health and strength of body and soul. Guard her with a shining Angel from every assault of sickness and weakness and all inward torment. You who accept the innocence of infancy in Your Kingdom, comfort the mind of Your servant and bring her peace. Amen.

Prayer for a Dead Child
O Lord who watches over children in the present life and in the world to come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell: receive in peace the soul of Your little servant (name), for You Yourself have said, "Let the little children come to Me, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Amen.

[Maximos Darnley]

Irene, thank you for your comments. I think adapting the prayer is the best way to go.

In Christ

Maximos

[Irene]

Beautiful prayers Herman, Thankyou.

In Christ
irene

[James H.]

Office for the Victims of Abortion

http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/prayers/abrtpryr.html