July The Eighteenth

ETERNAL God, Maker of all creatures, Thou fathomless Abyss of loving kindness, suffer now the light of Thy countenance to rise upon us! Shine into our hearts, O Thou true Sun of righteousness, and fill our souls with Thy beauty. Direct according to Thy will the work of our hands, and lead us in the right way to do that which is pleasing in Thy sight; so that through us, unworthy though we be, Thy holy Name may be glorified, to whom be praise, honor and glory for ever and ever - Amen.

-- ST. BASIL (A.D. 330-379)
Photo of St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia, May 1958, by Howard Sochurek