Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

prayer_for_unbelievers

Weep for unbelievers; weep for those who differ in nowise from them, those who depart hence without the illumination [baptism], without the seal [chrismation]! they indeed deserve our wailing, they deserve our groans; they are outside the Palace, with the culprits, with the condemned...Let us all weep for these in private and in public, but with propriety, with gravity...let us weep for these, not one day or two, but all our life. Such tears spring from true affection...let us assist them according to our power...How and in what way? By praying and entreating others to make prayers for them, by continually giving to the poor on their behalf...when the whole people stands with uplifted hands, a priestly assembly, and that awful sacrifice lies displayed, how shall we not prevail with God by our entreaties for them? St. John Chrysostom HOMILIES ON PHILIPPIANS, HOMILY III