Peace Through Liturgy No. 1 | Orthodox Christian Art Poster

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

The People: Lord have mercy!

Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

The People: Lord have mercy!

Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

The People: Lord have mercy!

- The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

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When we have learned how we should approach prayer, we are then taught what we should ask for first of all; that is to say, peace from on high and the salvation of our souls, for thus Christ commanded, saying: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.”' “The salvation of our souls” means “the kingdom” and the “peace from on high” signifies the righteousness of God, of which St Paul says “the peace of God passeth all understanding.” This peace the Lord left to the Apostles when he ascended to the Father. “Peace I leave with you,” he said, “my peace I give unto you.” And in the same way that the word “righteousness” implies more than a strict legality, meaning every kind of virtue, so the word “peace” has a wider implication for it is the fruit of all good and all wisdom. No one is in possession of perfect peace if he lacks any of the virtues, and he who desires to attain this peace can only reach it through them all. We must first strive for the peace which is possible among men and then ask God for his peace as is necessary for each virtue. 

- St Nicholas Cabasilas, Commentary on the Divine Liturgy