Prayer for God's Blessing on Saint Andrew Academy

O Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, the Wisdom, Word and Power of God, true Light from the True Light - Who illumines every human being who believes in Thee, it was Thou Who didst command Thy disciples saying, "Let the children come to Me, for to such belong the Kingdom of God" and it was Thou who didst say, "Whoever receives one such child in My Name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

We thank Thee for the gift of the children of our parish, and with Thy help we embrace the sacred responsibility for their care. Send down the grace of Thy Holy Spirit upon us to make us adequate for the continuation of this great work. Steady us in our unwavering commitment, that we might not falter when faced with adversity. Enable us to run the race with endurance both in our joy and commitment.

Protect us from the many temptations that encircle us as we negotiate the Orthodox Christian education of our children. Keep far from us, O Lord, the complaining of the ancient Hebrews in the wilderness that so sorely grieved Thee and banned them from the Promised Land. Inspire us to expect constant challenges in so great a task as the proper upbringing of our youth, and to greet these challenges with faith, devotion, creativity, and calm.

As we nourish our youth grant also that the sense of community, mutual responsibility, and love might grow between all who are co-laboring, especially between our Headmaster, faculty, staff, parents, and supporters.

We sincerely thank Thee, gracious Lord, for providing us all the resources we have needed in these first years—and do now, O Lord, open the windows of heaven in Thy great generosity and provide us in our need all the resources we need to continue and expand the St. Andrew Academy.

Give to St. Andrew Academy, O Lord, Thy blessing so that in all things needful we might abound and be wholly Thine and bring honor to Thine All-Holy Name, together with that of Thine Unoriginate Father, and Thine All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen.