Take time to ask the Mother of God, in love and prayer,
to intercede in behalf of a perfidious world.
If you have no prayers to offer, then who?
Ukraine/Russia:
This conflict involves significant military operations and has resulted in a high number of casualties and widespread impact. It's one of the largest conflicts in terms of international involvement and geopolitical implications.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Israel vs Hamas):
This conflict has escalated with severe impacts on civilians and involvement from regional players. The United States backs Israel, while Iran supports Hamas. This conflict has broader implications for the Middle East region.
War in Yemen (US & UK's Involvement Against Houthi Rebels):
This conflict, though primarily a civil war within Yemen, has significant international involvement, especially from the Saudi-led coalition supported by the US and UK, and has caused a substantial humanitarian crisis.
Sudan Internal Conflict:
This war has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced, significantly impacting the region's stability.
Myanmar's Internal Conflict:
Following the military coup, this conflict has intensified with various ethnic and political groups involved, causing significant regional instability and humanitarian concerns.
Ethiopia's Internal Conflicts:
With rebellions in different regions and rising tensions with Eritrea, this conflict has serious implications for the Horn of Africa region.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh:
This conflict has seen military escalations and significant displacement of people, affecting the stability of the South Caucasus region.
U.S.-China Tensions:
While not an active war, the rising tensions, especially over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, are significant due to the military and economic might of both nations.
Sahel Region Conflict (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso):
Involves coups and insurgencies with jihadist groups, significantly impacting the West African region.
Haiti's Gang Violence:
Although not a conventional war, the severity of gang violence and the potential for international intervention make this situation critical.
Ecuador's Struggle Against Drug Trafficking:
This is more an internal security challenge than a conventional war, but it has significant implications for the region.
Mexico's Challenges with Drug Cartels:
Similar to Ecuador, this is an internal security issue with significant impacts on public safety and governance.
Political Polarization in the United States:
While this is not a conventional military conflict, the risk of political violence and domestic terrorism, especially surrounding the presidential election, is a significant concern.
THE HOLY APOSTLE JAMES, (Iakovos, Gr.)
THE SON OF ALPHAEUS OF THE TWELVE
THE SAINTS ANDRÓNICOS AND ATHANASIA
RIGHTEOUS PATRIARCH ABRAHAM
AND HIS NEPHEW LOT
After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the lot fell to James to preach the Gospel of Christ in Eleutheropolis and the surrounding areas, and then in Egypt, where he suffered for his Savior. With great power in word and in deed, James disseminated the saving news of the incarnate Word of God, destroying idolatry, driving demons out of men, and healing every infirmity and disease in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His labor and zeal were crowned with great success. Many pagans came to believe in Christ, churches were built and organized, and priests and bishops were ordained.
James suffered in the Egyptian town of Ostracina, being crucified by the pagans. Thus, this great and wonderful apostle of Christ took up his abode in the Heavenly Kingdom, to reign eternally with the King of Glory.
9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Saint Matthew 9:36-10:8 KJV
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Saint Matthew 9:36-10:8 KJV
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
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From the life of Saint Niphon,
Bishop of Constantiana
+ 4th century
from the book by
St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Monasteyr
Florence, Arizona
"THE DEPARTURE OF THE SOUL"
According to the teaching
of the Orthodox Church
Once when St. Niphon was praying with his gaze turned to heaven, a divine light shone in front of him. At the same time a white clad angel, dressed as a Deacon, appeared. He was holding a great gold censor and censed first in the direction of Heaven and then Niphon. Suddenly the gates of Heaven opened and the angels of God ascended and descended like bees, transporting the souls of people who had died. The evil spirits of the air were struggling to grab them and throw them down, but the angels resisted violently, whipping the demons and saving the souls.
Astonished, St. Niphon saw a soul being taken up to Heaven. But as soon as they approached the toll booth of immortality, the demon's leader become wild.
"With what right, he was shouting, do you take that soul which belongs to us?"
The angels answered him: "Prove to us what authority you have over this man."
"Up until his death, the demon said, he was wallowing voluntarily in all kinds of indecencies. And not only this, but he also judged others. What crimes more horrible than these do you want?"
"Yes, the angels admitted, he was a slave to those passions but he cut them off before he died."
"No it's not the way you're telling me, the demon squealed, he died unrepentant. To his last breath he violated the law without ever confessing his sins. He was and still is mine."
Then one of the angels said, "We do not believe you who are entirely wallowing in falsehood. Let us call his (guardian) angel. He will tell us the whole truth."
His angel was still guarding the body until its internment when they called him. As soon as he came, they asked him. "Tell us brother, did this soul repent for its sins or did it die with them? Tell us the whole truth."
Then the Angel answered, "I am neither human nor an impudent spirit to tell lies. I assure you, before God, from the time he became ill, even before he took a turn for the worse, he thought of death. Then he began to cry and confess his sins to God. Continually he would raise his hands toward the Most High asking for mercy. If God wills, He will forgive him. If not, glory to his righteous judgment!"
As soon as the angels heard this, they laughed at the devil. Thus the humble soul was liberated from the snares of its enemies.
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