Before the prayer, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said: “According to the established tradition, every time we celebrate Holy Saturday… we pray for peace in Jerusalem, for peace in the city in which the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and has risen, in which the great Divine mercy was revealed, and which has seen no peace up to this day. All Christians of the world pray today to the Lord, asking Him to show mercy to the Holy Land and to the city of Jerusalem and to grant it lasting and inherent peace.”
His Holiness prayed:
“Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who suffered on the Cross and died for the salvation of humanity, who descended into hell and trampled down death, abolished devil and destroyed the wall of enmity, please, accept the prayer of Your humble servants who together with David the Psalmist are pleading with You for peace of the Holy Zion, the Throne of the Great King, the Mother of Churches, the Most Glorious Jerusalem.
“Having granted peace to humanity, suppress every discord and strife in the Holy Land, calm the spite of enemies, bless those who are now coming to Your Life-Giving Sepulchre, and illuminate us, who venerate it in our souls, with the light of Your Countenance, the light coming from Your Sepulchre.
“Inflame our hearts with love of You, and we will love You and our neighbour with all our soul and with all our strength.
“You are our peace and we render glory to You, with Your Eternal Father and Your Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.”
The prayer for peace in the Holy Land is annually said on Holy Saturday in all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church.
