Prayer for enemies is probably the most difficult thing commanded to us by the Savior.

This is largely out of whack with human nature. And though, Christ said unequivocally: «You have knowledge that it was said, Have love for your neighbour, and hate for him who is against you: But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you…»(Matthew 5:43-44).

And this is really out of whack withhuman nature — only with the fallen nature. But we, as Christ says further, must be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is.

Of course, it's not that easy. And in general, it's not easy, and exactly rightthere and right now. Now, when the Ukrainian Orthodox Church shares all the sorrows of its people, when, despite any circumstances, it continues to serve people, when our churches, as well as the homes of civilians, are destroyed by war, when our priests die in fulfilling their duty to the end.And it is imputedin all conceivable and unthinkable crimes, and someone try to ban it, take away churches, not allow service. Those who do so violate all laws — both Gods’ and humans’.

And nevertheless, we must pray for our persecutors. When Christ was dying in terrible agony, He said: "Father, let them have forgiveness, for they have no knowledge of what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). And this is an example for all of us.

Because it's even scary to imagine what fate awaits unrepentant persecutors of the Church. And many of them received terrible retaliation in earthly life. You can remember the fate of ancient persecutors — Herod, Nero, Domitian... You can also remember the most recent persecutors of the Church from godless authority, many of whom basements waited for, where recently they had brutally tortured and killed new martyrs. But the fate of these people behind the coffin is much more terrible.

It would seem, here it is, the justice. For the sinful world — yes. But for us,christians, no, it’s not.

Let's also remember that one of the chief apostles, Paul, was himself numbered among the persecutors. But he was able to repent and become the most fiery helper of the same Lord, whose servants he had pursued before. And there are many such examples in church history, and in our national history too.

Let's remember the pagan past of Prince Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles, who not only strengthened paganism — the Magi, whom he supported, killed the christian young guy John, whom they wanted to sacrifice to idols, and his father Theodore, who tried to bring the Izuvers to senses — they were the first martyrs in Ancient Rus. But Vladimir was able to overcome the bloody darkness of pagan blindness and turn to Christ. For any persecutor, there is always an opportunity to repent and, as examples show, even become a saint.

That’s why we need to always restrain anger and indignation, endure and pray, no matter what happens. The Lord sees all our sufferings, all sorrows, all the injustice done to us. And He is able to turn all sorrows into joy. "But he who goes through to the end will get salvation" (Matthew 24:13).

Recorded by Natalia Goroshkova