From Fr. Joseph Varghese, The Syrian Orthodox Church
St. Paul said in the book of 1 Corinthians that “There has no temptation taken you but such as man can bear; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor. 10:13)
Our Heavenly Father, we believe that any trial or sufferings that come to us are ordered by you which is measured by you, be light and bearable. You have, in your providence, had a purpose in each and every event that happened. And also, we believe that your Justice always coexists with your love for us. St. Paul reminds us, “You are faithful”. We knew that the Christian life is full of suffering as seen in the life of early Christianity. Christians are called to serve. In the Roman Empire at the time of early Christianity, there was a big plague, and as all the healthy Romans fled, whereas the poor Christians stayed and served the needy, even at the cost of their own lives. Orthodox spirituality taught us to understand in terms of paschal mystery. It is an affirmation of the Cross and sufferings for a joyous resurrection.
We commit all our front line workers, healthcare professionals, and our leaders in government, to guide them properly so that they can be proper instruments in thy hands for thy purpose.