A Service of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine April 9, 2022 6 p.m. Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We have a socially distanced and masked seating section available. The east transept is reserved for those who choose both to physically distance and wear masks. If you’re sitting in that designated section, you are expected to wear masks and sit socially distanced. For others who wish to mask, we have masks available at all welcome tables. To learn more about the ministries we share in this place, you are invited to fill in one of the cards found in the pew rack.
A Service of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Dean Officiant The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil. Hymns and service music (S) are in The Hymnal 1982 The dove has long been a symbol of peace — today we invite our children to construct a “Dove of Peace and Prayer” with the ribbons provided in the bag. Use these ornaments to remind you to pray for peace in all of God’s creation — and especially Ukraine. Bags can be found at both entrances. The service begins in silence. All are invited to use this time for prayers and petitions for those affected by the ongoing violence in Ukraine.
Opening sentences All Stand. Officiant People
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. And also with you.
The officiant prays, O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The officiant continues, Beloved in Christ: St. Paul writes, in his letter to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We gather together tonight, mindful of the suffering of the Ukrainian people, of the threat of nuclear war, and of the shattered peace which so many have, for so long, taken for granted. In the midst of our own fear and anxiety, we gather
together tonight to follow the advice of St. Paul and offer to Almighty God our prayers and petitions, casting out fear through the Lord Jesus Christ, in the hope for that day when, at his advent, war shall be no more. But let us first kneel, and with penitent hearts, confess our sins to God. The priest and people together say, Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. The priest, or bishop when present, pronounces the absolution, Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The officiant says Having been forgiven of our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, let us with boldness approach the throne of grace interceding for the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and all who know the violence of war.
A Litany for Peace The leader and people pray responsively Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy on us. Holy and Mighty, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. Holy Immortal One, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy on us. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice. Hear us, O Christ. Give wisdom to Joseph, our President. Hear us, O Christ. Surround those fleeing war and violence with your holy angels, guard their paths, protect them from every danger, and grant that they may be welcomed as you have welcomed us into your heavenly kingdom. Hear us, O Christ. Pour out your mercy on the aged and the infirm, the widow and the orphan, the imprisoned and the poor. Hear us, O Christ.
Comfort the injured, receive the innocent who have died into your embrace, and bless those who mourn. Hear us, O Christ. Protect the people of Ukraine from despair and embolden them with courage. Hear us, O Christ. Adorn with every grace and favor the doctors, nurses, and humanitarian workers serving the people of Ukraine. Hear us, O Christ. Turn the heart of Vladimir, the President of Russia, that he would lay down his weapons. Hear us, O Christ. Steel the hearts of all those imprisoned for their conscience. Hear us, O Christ. O Lord, stir up in us a holy anger, a righteous compassion for all victims of war, violence, and oppression. We beseech you, O Christ. O Lord, free us from the violence of our hearts. We beseech you, O Christ. O Lord, strengthen us to be peacemakers. We beseech you, O Christ. O Lord, plant in us a holy longing for that day when your kingdom shall be established on earth as it is in heaven, when swords shall be beaten into plowshares, when we shall study war no more. We beseech you, O Christ. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us.
The Lord’s Prayer and Supplication Officiant and People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. O Lord, arise, help us; And deliver us for your Name’s sake. O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared to us, the noble works that you did in their days, and in the old time before them. O Lord, arise, help us; and deliver us for your Name’s sake. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O Lord, arise, help us; and deliver us for your Name’s sake.
From our enemies defend us, O Christ; Graciously behold our afflictions. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts; Mercifully forgive the sins of your people. Favorably with mercy hear our prayers; O Son of David, have mercy on us. Both now and ever hear us, O Christ; Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ. The officiant concludes Let us pray. Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The First Reading
Isaiah 2:2-4 read by Philippa McCord
In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Reader People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 469 The Holy Gospel Deacon People
St. Helena John 14:25-31a
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” Deacon People
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn 593 The Reflection
Dickinson College Guy Hagstette, Senior Warden
The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Sufferages Verse Response Verse Response Verse Response Verse Response Verse Response Verse Response Verse Response
Show us your mercy, O Lord; And grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; Let your people sing with joy. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.
The Collects The officiant leads the people in prayer, saying the following collects O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen. Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Anthem
John E. West (1863-1929)
Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, O Lord, and give thine angels charge concerning me; that I may lie down in peace, and take my rest, for it is thou, Lord, only, that makest me to dwell in safety.
The Blessing
—Psalm 17:8; Luke 4:10; Psalm 4:8
The priest, or bishop, blesses the people saying The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be on you now and forever. Amen.
The Dismissal Officiant People
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. Exit quietly.
You are invited to join us in Reynolds Hall for a time of fellowship.
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas The Rt. Rev. Jeff W. Fisher, Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso, Assistant Bishop The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Dean The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar The Rev. Simón Bautista Betances, Canon Missioner for Latino Ministries and Outreach The Rev. Becky Zartman, Canon Missioner for Evangelism and Formation The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry The Rev. Edward L. Stein, Assisting Priest Robert L. Simpson, Canon for Music Daryl Robinson, Cathedral Organist Matthew R. Dion, Organ Scholar Lucy Chambers, Bookstore Manager Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly. Please be advised that our services are livestreamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children.