Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko): How the Church Should Pray During Times of Persecution

In his new publication, Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol reflects on the Christian duty to pray for those in authority, especially during times when those in authority are hostile toward the Church. His Eminence emphasizes that the Christian attitude toward government leaders should be based not on political submission or fear, but on the sincere love commanded by the Apostle Paul. This is reported by the “Zhivot Tsrkve” portal at .

Metropolitan Luke notes that the biblical command to pray for “kings and all who are in authority” stems from the desire for universal peace, which is necessary for believers to live “in quietness and godliness.” At the same time, he draws an important theological distinction between the formal commemoration of those in authority—which can turn into an act of servility or dependence—and true prayer from the heart. Citing the works of the holy martyr Arkady (Ostalsky), the author asserts that praying for persecutors does not mean approving of their actions, but rather asking for their enlightenment, repentance, and deliverance from evil.

His Eminence calls on the faithful to avoid two extremes: hatred toward persecutors and blind submission to authority. On the contrary, in times of trial, the Church is called to preserve inner peace and pray that the Lord may guide those in authority onto the path of truth and peace. ““True prayer for persecutors,” notes Metropolitan Luke, “ is a heartfelt plea that the Lord may deliver them from all devilish delusion and lead them to repentance.”