Pastoral Declaration: For the Observance of a Year of Prayer

For the Observance of a Year of Prayer

Upon the Occasion of the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America

"If my people, who are called by my Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14

By the Grace of God

The Right Reverend Brent E. Whetstone, Ordinary, The Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George

To the Reverend Clergy, Religious, Chaplains, and all the Faithful of the Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George: Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved in Christ,

In the good providence of Almighty God, our Nation has reached a singular moment in its history as we commemorate the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Such anniversaries are not merely civic observances, but occasions for the Church to offer thanksgiving to Almighty God, to confess her dependence upon His mercy, and to renew her vocation as a people of constant prayer.

Holy Scripture reminds us:

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." — Psalm 33:12

And again,

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." — Proverbs 14:34

From the earliest centuries, the Church has understood that no kingdom, republic, or commonwealth endures by human wisdom alone. Every nation stands beneath the providence, judgment, and mercy of Almighty God.

Therefore, while we rightly give thanks for the blessings of liberty, the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms, and the institutions that have served this Republic for two and a half centuries, we acknowledge that our first duty is not celebration, but prayer.

Episcopal Declaration

Wherefore, by virtue of the Office entrusted unto Us as Ordinary of the Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George, and relying wholly upon the grace and mercy of Almighty God,

We do hereby declare and appoint the period beginning on the Fourth Day of July in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six and continuing until the Fourth Day of July in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Seven to be observed throughout the Anglican Ordinariate of George as

The Year of Prayer for Our Nation

During this holy observance, We earnestly call upon every parish, mission, chaplaincy, religious community, ministry, household, and member of the Ordinariate to unite in continual prayer for the spiritual renewal of our Nation and for the peace of the whole world.

The Duty of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ is not established to advance the interests of earthly kingdoms, political parties, or temporal ambitions.

Her citizenship is in Heaven. Her King is Christ. Her mission is the proclamation of the Gospel. Her greatest labor is prayer.

Therefore this declaration is made not to encourage political activity, but to renew the apostolic practice commanded by Saint Paul:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority…" — 1 Timothy 2:1–2

The Intention of Our Prayers

Throughout this Year of Prayer, let continual intercession be offered before Almighty God for: The President of the United States; Members of Congress; the Judiciary; Governors, legislators, and local officials; Members of the Armed Forces; Veterans; Law enforcement officers; Firefighters; Emergency medical personnel; Physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers; Chaplains serving throughout our Nation; Teachers and educators; Families and children; the unborn and their mothers; the elderly and those approaching the end of earthly life; the poor and forgotten; those burdened by illness, addiction, or despair; peace among nations; justice within our communities; the unity of Christ's Holy Church; the conversion of sinners; an increase in holy vocations; and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

Our Exhortation to the Clergy

We direct the clergy of the Ordinariate, insofar as it is pastorally possible, to: include prayers for our Nation at every celebration of the Holy Eucharist; offer the Daily Office faithfully; observe Ember Days and other traditional days of fasting and prayer; hold parish Holy Hours, Vigils, and Services of Intercession; encourage regular reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation where available; teach concerning the Christian duty of prayer for those in authority; and encourage works of mercy within every parish.

May every parish become a house of prayer.

Our Exhortation to the Faithful

Beloved children in Christ, pray daily. Read the Holy Scriptures. Receive the Blessed Sacrament frequently. Love your neighbors. Forgive your enemies. Honor lawful authority. Serve the poor. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the dignity of every human person from conception until natural death. Live lives worthy of the Gospel entrusted to you.

Our Hope

As we commemorate the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of our Nation, We are reminded of the beloved hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, whose words beautifully express the proper ordering of Christian patriotism.

We rightly love our earthly homeland. We rightly give thanks for the blessings of liberty. Yet our supreme allegiance belongs to another Kingdom—one "whose King is God."

May our patriotism never become idolatry. May our love of country always be purified by charity. May our hope remain fixed not upon earthly powers but upon the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

Episcopal Blessing

May Almighty God, Who rules over the nations of the earth and whose Kingdom hath no end, look with mercy upon this Nation.

May He grant wisdom to those entrusted with authority, courage to those who serve, comfort to those who suffer, peace to our communities, and renewal to His Holy Church.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, ✠ the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

Given under Our Hand and Episcopal Seal at the Chancery of the Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George, this Fourth Day of July, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six, being the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.

✠ The Right Reverend Brent E. Whetstone Ordinary The Anglican Ordinariate of North America