Prayers

Lord Jesus Christ, Who Thyself was once a child, and Who loved and blessed children, have mercy on and save the children of our time, that the unbaptized may be baptized, and the baptized be strengthened in faith and love toward Thee. Save, O Lord, those children whose unbelieving or heterodox parents corrupt with godlessness or false belief and draw them away from Thee, Who alone art their Salvation and Deliverer. Save, O Lord, also those children whom heartless, wicked teachers, godless or heterodox, lead away from Thee their Creator, and bring into the company of those corrupted in soul. Save, O Lord, those children whose pure souls are defiled by every immorality of the street and depravity on screens. Deliver them from these impurities. Save also, O Merciful One, those children without parents who have fallen into the hands of cruel guardians, stepfathers and stepmothers; save them from hearing blasphemous words and seeing evil deeds. Help, O Almighty One, that children may grow and mature for sonship to God and citizenship in the Heavenly City unto eternal salvation, and to Thy glory and praise. Amen. Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.