Apostles' Fast - Prayers

Apostles' Fast

Holy Apostles

Holy Church admonishes us to observe the Apostles' fast from Tuesday, June 16 - Monday, June 29. During this time we fast and pray just as the Apostles did before they embarked up on the missionary journey. This fast reminds us of our responsibilities in the post Pentecostal period. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you [ Matthew 28:19-20]. The fast is observed for 13 days, corresponding to the number of 12 Apostles and St. Paul. The fast ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on Monday, June 29.

Special Prayers during the fast of Holy Apostles

Evening Prayer

Kolo

Lord! The illiterate and ignorant fishermen became scholarly and intelligent and even unassailable to the philosophers of the world, when they followed You, and became Your disciples. Likewise, by the help of Your grace, may we come closer to You and live according to Your will, through our prayers, fasts, and good deeds. Barekmor.

Lord! because of their love, Apostle St. Peter submitted himself for a death with his head down on the cross and Apostle St. Paul submitted himself to the sharpness of the sword for Your Holy name. Likewise, by Your grace, help us to truly love You and bear miseries and difficulties for Your Holy Name, and to not separate from You due to torture or death. By the prayers of Sts. Peter and Paul save us from all the enemies. Lord have mercy upon us and help us.

Bovooso

Lord, through the prayers of the Holy Apostles, like them, make us worthy to overcome the world and its pleasures, and may we long for and become heirs to the joyful eternal life in the other world. By Your grace, help us to be not afraid of those who kill the body, but rather be afraid of the One who can annihilate both soul and body in fiery hell. Lord through Your grace, help us to live a life fitting for Christians, not for the sake of our bodies, but rather for the purity of soul and holiness.