Prayer Requests: What is important to know in Orthodox Church
What are the prayer requests in Orthodox Church
The commemoration of names is the practice in which priests read the names of the faithful, both the living and the departed, during the Divine Liturgy, specifically during the Liturgy of Preparation (Proskomedia). It is a genuine act of love and spiritual care, through which we ask God to grant health, strength, and enlightenment to our loved ones who are alive, and forgiveness and mercy for those who have passed away. The names of our loved ones are written on a small piece of paper as a humble expression of spiritual concern and remembrance, offering comfort to the living and the hope of resurrection for the departed.
If you need to send names for commemoration by the monks on Mount Athos, you can fill out our online form of commemoration. Once we receive the names, we will immediately forward them to the Holy Monasteries to be included in the commemoration list.
What do “For Health” and “For Rest” mean
“For Health” refers to the commemoration of the names of our living brothers and sisters in faith, asking God to grant them health, strength, and protection. “For Rest” refers to the commemoration of the names of the departed, praying that the Lord may grant rest and peace to their souls. In our online shop, you can find a notebook diptych for the Living and the Dead, featuring two separate columns.
Why is the practice of Prayer Requests important
Our Church teaches that praying “for one another” has great spiritual power. When a name is mentioned, it becomes united with the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist. The commemoration of names serves as spiritual support during difficult moments, while also expressing gratitude for the blessings and benefactions of the Lord. Each of us holds a unique place before God, and through the commemoration of names we are given the opportunity to receive the Lord’s blessing and grace.
What are the spiritual benefits of the Prayer Request
The commemoration of names is an act of love and trust in God, bringing peace and spiritual strengthening to the lives of the faithful. At the same time, it connects the individual with the prayer of the Church and incorporates them into the liturgical life of the Church.
When and how are Prayer Request performed
The Prayer Request of the living and the dead take place during the Divine Liturgy, specifically during the Liturgy of Preparation (Proskomedia). The names are read individually by the priests with prayer and reverence, whether the commemoration is for the living or for the departed. During this service, the priest prepares the Holy Prosphora for the Eucharist. First, The priest cuts out the “Lamb”, the portion of bread that will be used for Holy Communion, symbolizing Jesus Christ. Next, he takes portions for the Virgin Mary, acknowledging her special place in our faith. Then, portions are taken for the Angels and all the Saints. When it comes to the names of the faithful, portions are taken for both the living and the departed. In this way, on the Disk used during the Divine Liturgy are represented all the faithful, living and deceased, Jesus Christ, the Theotokos, Saints, and Angels, all united in the same prayer.
How are the names read during the Divine Liturgy
During the Liturgy of Preparation the priests read the names individually, praying for each person separately. This practice is a sign of solidarity and unity within the Church, expressing the love and mutual support of the faithful for one another.
How to correctly write names for the Prayer Request
To correctly write names of your loved ones, both of the living and the dead, follow these guidelines:
Use only the baptismal Christian name, not surnames.
Write the name in the nominative case (e.g., George, Maria).
Ensure the names are written clear and legible.
Separate the names into two lists: one for “For Health” and one for “For Rest”.
In our online shop, you can find special notebooks for the commemoration of names, featuring separate columns for names “For Health” and “For Rest.”
Why are the Prayer Requests particularly significant on Mount Athos
At the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, prayer is continuous and daily. The Fathers dedicate their lives to worship and prayer, and the memorization of names is carried out with great reverence and spiritual consistency. On Mount Athos, prayer requests are not just a typical process, they are an expression of love, a connection of soul and heart. Daily Divine Liturgies, memorial services, and supplications are held for the health of the living and for the repose of the souls of our departed brethren.
How we handle the names submitted for Prayer Request through our website
The names submitted for Prayer Request are sent directly to the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, where the Fathers commemorate them daily during the Divine Liturgy. The Athonite tradition, passed down through centuries in every generation of monks, places special importance on prayer, recognizing the spiritual significance of commemorating names.
How can I submit names for Prayer Request?
You can easily and conveniently submit names for Prayer Request through the special form on our website. Simply enter the names (for the living or for the departed) along with your basic contact information (full name, email, and phone number). The process is completed when you click the red “Send” button. We receive the names via email and forward them promptly and confidentially to the Holy Monasteries for commemoration.
Can I submit names for commemoration at any time?
Yes, names for Prayer Request can be submitted at any time via our online prayer request form. Once we receive them, they are promptly forwarded to the Holy Monasteries to be included in the daily commemoration schedule.
Can I trust the commemoration of names through your website? Is the process confidential?
The process is completely confidential. The information provided through the prayer request form is used exclusively for the purpose of prayer and is not shared with anyone else, except for the Fathers who perform the commemoration. Names are transmitted with respect and discretion to ensure they are prayed for properly. Our website serves as a communication channel between you and the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, handling the process with respect, discretion, and security. Our role is purely intermediary; we forward the names immediately to the Fathers and ensure that they are included in the prayers. This allows every faithful person to easily include their loved ones in the prayers of the Fathers on Mount Athos.
