In the Divine Liturgy and in all our liturgical prayers, we offer these litanies, presenting our needs to our Almighty God, believing that we will receive what we have asked for.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

— Philippians 4:6

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

— Ephesians 6:8

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

— Hebrews 4:16

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

— 1 John 3:22

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

— Matthew 7:7

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

— John 16:24

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

— James 5:16

Our loving and merciful God delights in our requests, responding with His love and providence for our lives. Although our God knows our needs before we ask Him, He loves for us to talk to Him about these matters, declaring our love for fellowship.

We pray fervently together for our souls, for the baptised, and for all others everywhere, that we may be worthy of knowing the truth. For by doing good works and keeping the commandments, we may obtain eternal salvation.

— St Justin Martyr

During the litanies, we sanctify the world and the entire material creation. We pray for the salvation of the world, the waters, the air, the seeds, the fruits, and the animals. We perform a sanctifying act for all of life.

The power of the litanies and their ability to ascend before the throne of God to be action, lies in the participation of the entire Church. The Church as a whole prays and pleads. The Priest is not a substitute for the people in prayer; rather, he may pray on behalf of the people in some prayers, but all the people participate, ensuring that the prayer of the Priest is ultimately the prayer of the entire Church. The prayers reach their peak strength, and the Church is exalted in her entirety.

The people are responsible for praying for their priests. The prayers of both groups for each other complete the meaning of the Church as living members in one Body, the Body of Christ.

In the Offertory and Liturgy of the Faithful, the Priest prays the short litany:

Those who brought the gifts are the givers themselves, those on whose behalf they have been brought are either the departed, the sick, the distressed, or those who have asked us to offer on their behalf, and those by whom they have been brought are the priest, deacon, and the congregation in attendance. The heavenly reward is eternal bliss.

God has promised us that the reward of service will not be lost.

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

— Matthew 10:42

There is a sincere divine promise of eternal happiness for the pure servants of Christ.

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

— John 12:26

In this Litany of Peace we ask God to grant peace to the Church and to all people and those in power.

In eras of persecution, emperors and kings used to persecute the Church. Nevertheless, bishops, priests, and the people would stand, praying with all their hearts for the Emperor or king, not for the end of the waves of persecution but for their peace, justice, and well-being.

The Church teaches us to submit to authorities, even if they are against the Church. We obey them but in the Lord.

In their peace lies our peace, and stability in political matters of the nation leads to the peace and benefits of the Church.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

— Romans 13:1

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Seek the peace of the land into which I carried you captive. Pray to the Lord for them, for in its peace you shall have peace.

— Jeremiah 36:7

We ask God that He may give us total peace.

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:7

Remember Your congregation You acquired from the beginning,
That You redeemed the rod of Your inheritance,
This Mount Zion, where You encamped.

— Psalm 73:2

He brought them into the mountain of His holiness,
This mountain His right hand acquired;

— Psalm 77:54

In our saying, “we know none other by You”, our consciences must be rebuked for we actually know other foreign gods such as money, people, status, and power. We must reflect on our actions, for our entire reliance must be on our God.

You hate those who maintain their empty vanities,
But I hope in the Lord.

— Psalm 31:6

Many are the scourges of the sinner,
But he who hopes in the Lord, mercy shall encircle him.

— Psalm 31:10

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who hopes in Him.

— Psalm 33:9

The Holy Spirit is the source of the true life, and whoever does not live by the Holy Spirit is dead even if he has the appearance of one who lives.

Let us have strength in Him to defeat all the power of the enemy, the dominion of sin, and death.

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

— Revelation 3:1

In this Litany of the Fathers, we ask the Lord to grant long life and peaceful times to the Pope, and to the bishops, priests and deacons.

The group of people that needs the most prayers in the Church are the clergy. The Church recognises the position and the responsibilities of the fathers, and knows the extent of the spiritual warfare cast by the devil.

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

— Matthew 26:31

We also mentioned the names of the patriarchs of our sister churches like the Syriac Orthodox, Eritrean Orthodox Church, and Ethiopian Orthodox Church, to demonstrate the universality of the Church and her unity in the faith.

When we mention all of the orthodox bishops, we mean those who are not heretics, that is, those who preserve the faith and have not deviated. The word “orthodox” this is not mean bias towards the Orthodox Church but only signifies adherence to the quality of faith. The term ”Orthodoxy” means the Church’s title as well as a description of the faith.

The Bishop leads the Church and is responsible for the sound teaching in it.

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

— 1 Timothy 4:16

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

— 1 Timothy 1:3

We have a promise from God that the enemies of the Church will be subdued under the feet of the fathers.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

— Revelation 3:9

We truly need God to preserve the leaders of the Church and peace and righteousness: peace among themselves, peace with the people, and peace with those outside. Their leadership in the Church should be characterised by truth, justice, and furnace, because the priest and more of the bishop is a judge and the father at the same time. Everyone turns to him for advice and the resolution of problems and dispute. He must be wise, patient, and just so that no one is weary of him.

In this Litany of the Gatherings, we pray that the Lord may bless our gatherings, and allow us to hold them without hindrance. It is prayed for the success of our spiritual, liturgical, educational, administrative, family, and personal meetings.

We seek blessings for all these assemblies so that we may achieve God’s purpose through them and they they may bring forth the desired fruits. We seek the blessing of the number of attendees, with no one absent. We are not merely concerned with the number of attendees but, more importantly, their spiritual benefit.

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

— Hebrews 10:25

It is the Lord who is the one who makes the meeting strong and according to His will. He is enough. Turning to temptations and incentives to make our meetings successful is a declaration of spiritual bankruptcy. True success is always built on God’s work in His church.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

— 2 Corinthians 4:7

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

— 1 Corinthians 3:9

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

— Philippians 2:13

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

— 1 Corinthians 3:5-6

The success of our meetings in the Coptic Orthodox Church is not in eloquence, preparations, attendance, visitations, gifts, or any means of incentivising or attraction. The Holy Spirit works through the most meagre resources when we pray and brings forth the greatest fruits through His works.

God’s will is for us to know His mind, in truth, not according to what appeases the people. St Paul alerts everyone entrusted with teaching in the Holy Church to uphold integrity.

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

— Titus 2:7

Teaching in the Church is the delivery of the correct, true, and orthodox faith. The Church is keen on protecting this teaching from distortion and change.

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

— Jude 3

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

— 2 Thessalonians 3:6

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

— 1 Timothy 4:6

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

— 1 Timothy 6:3-5

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

— 2 Timothy 4:3

holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

— Titus 1:9

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

— Titus 2:1

We pray for future generations, while the prayers of previous generations continue to resonate in the ears of heaven, supporting and strengthening us.

The heretics are the instigators of offences. Many times, people live in the simplicity of faith and spiritual practice until a heretic comes and corrupts the simplicity of their minds. He introduces doubts and philosophies that rob faith of its purity and simplicity. The Church is then forced into a spiritual intellectual struggle against these imposters and doubters to explain and establish pure faith in the hearts of believers.

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

— 2 Corinthians 11:3

The Church does not fear rulers as enemies of faith, but heretics are the true enemies of the Church. Heresies are also the work of Satan. So we pray that the ending of divisions caused by corrupt heresies come to an end.

In a sense, heresies are a form of idol worship because they rebel against faith and resist God the Church. They are the tares sown by the enemy among the wheat to spoil the sacred harvest. Whoever wishes to preserve his peace and safety ought to preserve his faith.

Enemies of the faith are also those who fight against Christian faith and oppose apostolic submission. Either from within or outside the Church.

We pray that their vanity may be stripped since the core of heresy is vanity. The humble person listens to the teaching and corrects his thoughts. But the proud person believes that they are correct and do not accept any revisions or corrections from others. Whoever opposes the Church thinks they are more powerful than God, who is her protector, keeper, and groom.

The enemies of the Church always feel like they are more powerful than God Himself, and that the divine hand of justice cannot touch them. We ask that God may show them their weakness and bring to nothing their methods. The Church does not lose hope in their return, praying for them to realise their weakness, for if they knew their weakness they would return.

We pray for the salvation of the world and every city we dwell in.

Salvation here means deliverance from tribulations, problems, plagues, famines, and wars. The Church prays for the city, even if it is a place of captivity or exile.

The Church considers all places and cities as belonging to the Lord.

The earth is the Lord's, and its fullness,
The world and all who dwell therein.

— Psalm 23:1

Every place is for the Lord and is thus a holy place which is sanctified by prayers. Prayer protects the city from all evil.

for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

— 1 Timothy 4:5

Unless the Lord builds the house,
Those who build it labor in vain;
Unless the Lord guard the city,
Those who guard it stay awake in vain.

— Psalm 126:1

We believe that the presence of faithful praying people protects the country from many disasters.

A city stays upright in the good things of the righteous,
But it is razed to the ground by the mouths of the ungodly.

— Proverbs 11:9

The Church prays for the material needs of people. It prays for water, air, fruits, and crops, asking Christ our God to bless them so that people may be satisfied, and there may be no famines threatening their lives and peace.

The Church prays for the material needs of people. It prays for water, air, fruits, and crops, asking Christ our God to bless them so that people may be satisfied, and there may be no famines threatening their lives and peace.

The Church connects these natural needs with the spiritual concerns of people. Poverty, hunger, and natural disasters distract people from holy spiritual works.

Make a vain word and a lie be far from me;
But give me neither riches nor poverty ,
And appoint what is necessary and sufficient for me;
Lest being full, I become a liar and say, “Who sees me?”
Or being poor, I steal, and swear by the name of God.

— Proverbs 30:8-9

The rising of water to its measure gives an opportunity for crops to grow appropriately. This is a prayer for all rivers in the world because the Church is a mother to the whole world, responsible for the salvation of all.

The Church in Egypt prays for crops during the sowing season and for fruits during the harvest season. As for the Church in the diaspora, we pray for the three types of litanies throughout the year due to the diversity and multiplicity of seasons in each country according to its climactic conditions.

We can consider the earth as our hearts, which need the water of the Holy Spirit to be satisfied, to flourish, and to bear fruit for the glory of God. While we care primarily about the fruits of the Spirit and our eternal life, this doesn’t prevent us from asking God for our temporal needs, especially as there are promises from God of special blessings for His people if they walk in His commandments and judgements. Therefore, temporal blessings may be an indication of the Lord’s blessing for our lives and His satisfaction with His people.

The Church implores the face of God for the sake of the poor, widows, orphans, travellers, and strangers. He has instructed us to serve these vulnerable groups.

He administers justice for the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing.

— Deuteronomy 10:18

“If you should reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the poor and the resident alien and the fatherless and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the works of your hands. If you pick olives, you shall not go back to glean what you left behind you; it shall be for the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow; and remember, you were a servant in Egypt; therefore, I command you to do this. Now if you should gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow.

— Deuteronomy 24:19-21

God set a severe punishment for those who oppress widows, orphans, and strangers.

‘Cursed is he who perverts the judgment of a resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow.’ Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

— Deuteronomy 27:19

As for guests, God has commanded us to serve them with joy.

distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

— Romans 12:13

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

— Hebrews 13:2

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

— 1 Peter 4:10

The Church teaches us to seek contentment. The merciful God fulfils all of our needs abundantly.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to [b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

— Philippians 4:12

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:19

We seek mercy from our good and merciful God. We know that judgement will be according to the actions of the person.

who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:

— Romans 2:6

I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

— Revelation 2:23

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

— Revelation 20:12-13

Our sins are known to Him.

Since He does not trust His saints
And heaven is not pure in His sight?

— Job 15:15

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand?
For there is forgiveness with You.

— Psalm 129:3-4

No matter what righteous deeds we do, we are in desperate need of the mercy of the Lord.

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

— Luke 17:10

Our Lord is merciful and compassionate. We cannot be saved without His mercy, so we earnestly seek it from now and in every liturgy, so that we may enjoy it on the last day. It is not fitting to ask God for mercy while not showing it to one another.

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

— James 2:13

The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

— Psalm 102:8

We are required to perform righteous deeds, alongside faith, and the earnestly plead for God’s mercy, and show mercy towards each other. Only then will we have favour with Him on the day of His appearance.

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

— 2 Corinthians 5:9

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

— Matthew 25:21

for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

— Matthew 25:35-36

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

— Revelation 22:20

A prayer for the hegumen, priests, deacons and all who are in virginity, all the people, and the servants. They need the prayers of all believers for them to be supported by our God in their service, that they may complete their struggle in the Church without reproach.

"Remember, O Lord, to have mercy upon us all" must be said by a Bishop, if present.

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

— 2 Corinthians 6:3

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,

— 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

— 2 Timothy 2:15

Teaching in the Church should be straightforward without deviations, according to the specifications explained by St Paul.

For sound teaching one needs honesty with oneself, avoiding hypocrisy, and speaking beliefs clearly. When the faith and the teaching are upright and true, the congregation are shepherded in peace.

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

— 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

— Titus 2:7

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

— 1 Timothy 4:16

It is noticeable when a parish has priests who have the spirit of discernment and distinction, genuine fatherhood, a sound Orthodox sense. You will find this church thriving in peace and producing a multitude of saints. If the local church lacks this enlightened fatherhood, then strangers might creep in under the false pretext of reviving the church with unusual methods and teachings.

The parish that does not adhere to the spirit of the fathers in prayer, worship, liturgy, teaching, and service in general, cannot produce saints nor present souls ready to bear witness and die for the name of Christ.

It is noticeable when a parish has priests who have the spirit of discernment and distinction, genuine fatherhood, a sound Orthodox sense. You will find this church thriving in peace and producing a multitude of saints. If the local church lacks this enlightened fatherhood, then strangers might creep in under the false pretext of reviving the church with unusual methods and teachings.

The parish that does not adhere to the spirit of the fathers in prayer, worship, liturgy, teaching, and service in general, cannot produce saints nor present souls ready to bear witness and die for the name of Christ.

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

— Colossians 1:28

When I say to the lawless, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you do not give him explicit warning, nor speak to warn the lawless to turn from his ways so he may live, that lawless man shall die in his unrighteousness; but his blood I will require at your hand.

— Ezekiel 3:18

The servant who understands the extent of the responsibility and serves souls with awareness, spirituality, and appreciation, is a pillar in the church, bringing forth new and ancient treasures from his treasure chest.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

— Matthew 12:35

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

— 2 Corinthians 4:7

The true servant always feel unworthy in himself.

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

— Philippians 2:13

The word “clergy” is derived from the Greek word κληρονομία (klēronomía), meaning “inheritance”. It implies that the servants of the church in all ranks are the Lord’s inheritance n earth; that is, their share and inheritance in this life is the Lord Himself.

The Church does not neglect to pray for anyone, even those who have no one to remember them. The Church is concerned for the salvation of all, thus she wishes that all have upright Orthodox faith and lifestyles to fulfil this precious salvation.

Spiritual life requires purity of heart, body, and senses. Without a love for holiness and a hatred for impurity, we cannot establish a spiritual life with our Holy God.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

— 2 Corinthians 7:1

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

— 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

— Hebrews 12:14

because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

— 1 Peter 1:16

Prayed for the king, president, prime minister, rules, and/or ministers.

The Church teaches us obedience to rulers, not out of submission and weakness, but out of respect and support.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will [a]bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.

— Romans 13:1-7

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

— Titus 3:1

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

— 1 Peter 2:13-14

We submit to authorities with awareness, humility, love, sincerity, and a heartfelt desire for the peace of the country we live in, understanding that authority is given by God to rulers, presidents, and governors.

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

— John 19:11

As a flow of water, so is the heart of the king in the hand of God;
Wherever He wills to incline it, there he turns it.

— Proverbs 21:1

The true Christian spirit wishes goodness on everyone, including the rulers, even if they are persecuting the Church and the believers.