Is It Possible To Pray For Animals That Are Sick Or Dead In Orthodoxy

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

God's Creations: Can You Pray for Animals?

Pets have a special place in the hearts of people. But when a pet is sick or has already left this world, a believer may have a natural desire to pray for the animal. But can you do this?

Is it okay to pray for animals

One of the main purposes of prayer is to ask for the salvation of the soul. But, according to most theologians, animals do not have a soul (in the same sense as humans). The Bible says that God's spark is the most important advantage of man over other creatures inhabiting the Earth, and this is what explains the guardianship of people over animals (Gen. 1:26, 28; 2:19). So can you pray for them?

Yes, you can. This is not only not punished, but also encouraged by the leaders of the church. Sincere prayer for an animal is a manifestation of Christian virtues, and therefore it cannot be punished. Examples of the prayer of saints for animals are also found in sacred texts. So, in the Psalter, the psalmist David says the following words: "Lord, save men and beasts." If a pet falls ill, disappeared or died, then an Orthodox person can turn with prayer to the saints and martyrs.

Orthodox clergy emphasize that the earth suffers because of the fall of man, not animals. Therefore, our responsibilities, according to Christian tradition, include caring for the smaller brothers, which includes prayers for their health.

Who do they pray for sick or missing pets?

If your pet is gone, then Saint Gerasimus of Jordan is usually asked for help. He is revered as the patron saint of all tamed animals, especially felines. This is due to the fact that in his life there are chapters describing the taming of a lion by Gerasim.

The tamed lion was named Jordan

The Great Martyr Gregory is another patron saint of domestic animals. However, he is traditionally prayed for the health and fertility of cattle. However, the church does not forbid praying to this saint for a cat or a dog. In this case, it is customary to sprinkle the pet's forehead with holy water. After all, rockets and cars are sprinkled with it, why are the animals worse? Traditionally, the prayer to Gregory is offered on April 23, the day of remembrance, but this is an optional requirement. You can turn to the saint on any day you see fit.

The Martyrs Florus and Laurus are also considered to be saints who care for animals. In Russia, they were revered as patrons of horses, but now their "competence" in the Orthodox culture has expanded to all pets.

Martyrs Florus and Laurus suffered persecution in Illyricum

The Orthodox Church unequivocally supports prayers for animals - both living and dead. Caring for pets and genuine concern for their fate is encouraged, not punished.