The Patriarch's Prayer Poem by Anastasia Rhobolonskaya

You have set their souls in my hands, Lord,
Given their faith to my keeping.
I am to shepherd them,
Lead them forward through spear and sword.

Have you never doubted me, Lord?
Am I truly worthy of such a role?
Do you trust me so, to never fear
That my human thought profane your word?

They turn to me in the darkness,
Seeing in me, you and your truth.
Elsewhere, men are broken.
Only in their past lives hopefulness.

Give to me your words for this man.
Help your people, o gracious Lord.
In the absence of you, we are nothing;
With your grace, we stand.