Save my pet, O Lord

[JustinHesychast]

I know it's alright to pray for pets and whatnot. But is it OK to ask Him to save and have mercy and show grace to our pets and to all animals? Or does this go too far, perhaps elevating animals to an equal platform?

Thanks! :)

God's clarity, peace, serenity,
In Christ,
Love,
Justin

[JustinHesychast]

Bump? :o

[Philothei]

We pray for all God's creation I do not see why not for our pets? We pray for the abudance of the fruits of the earth etc in every liturgy. Since they are included in creation we too pray for their well being. In the old times my grandma would tell me that the priest would come out every year and bless with holy water all her family's land. The vineyard and the olive trees and their livestock in the island of Samos. I inherited the "special" water vessel that was out of clay that they had set it apart for the blessing. So I do not see why it would be wrong to pray for the well being of our pets.

God bless,
Philothei

[JustinHesychast]

Alright. Thanks. :) Would it be going too far to also pray for salvation of your pet and all animals?

Must've taken a long time to bless all that land. :P

[Philothei]

Considering the fallen state in which our world lives in I think it would be more profitable to spend time to pray for OUR salvation rather than the creation's. We, humans need more prayers since we consiously "disobey" God's commandments. Animals are driven by instict and have no free will.

And yes it took a lot of time considering they blessed the whole island :)...lol...I am sure the priests were invited to share a meal and were given some gift especially wine after offering their "land blessing". lol....


Philothei

[Prawnik]

I had to take my dog to the vet clinic yesterday after he sprained his knee chasing a ferocious ball.

On the wall of the clinic was a notice from that an Akathist for sick or injured animals is said int he local Orthodox church every Saturday. The church in question is located in the Central State Hospital on Basseinaya, if you are interested.

To echo what Philothei said, I was told (first-hand, by an Orthodox bishop) that animals do have souls. However, as an animal cannot be said to "sin", they presumably have no need to be saved from this sin.

[JustinHesychast]

Ah, alright. Is there a specific Orthodox prayer used for pets?