"O Holy Master, Almighty Father and Pre-Eternal God, Who alone made and directs all things; Who rise up quickly against
the evil of the impious ones; Who, by Providence, teach Thy people preservation of Justice and the obliteration of the sword
on earth; Who condescend to raise up military columns to help the people: O God, Who commanded the Forerunner John to say
to the soldiers coming to him in the desert, '
Do not intimidate anyone... and be content with your wages':
We entreat Thee with compunction, that Thou gavest Thy child David the power to defeat Goliath,
and as Thou didst condescend, through Judas Maccabeus, to seize victory from the arrogant pagans who would not call on Thy
Name; so too, grant protection in righteousness and truth to these Thy servants against the enemies rising against them, and
by Thy heavenly loving-kindness, strength and might for the preservation of faith and truth.
Condescend, out of Thy mercy, O Master, to grant them the fear of Thee, together with humility,
obedience and good endurance; that they kill no one unrighteously, but rather preserve all righteousness and truth; that they
may fear Thee and honor Justice; that they run in friendship to those who are scattered, extending thy love to those near
them, serving the elderly with justice; and that their ranks fulfill all things righteously;
For thou art our God, and to Thee do we ascribe glory; to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen."
-- Fr. Steven Armstrong
