Prayer of Renewed Vigilance Against Plague

“The God Apollo”, by Roberta Montagnini.

Lord whose knowledge of the body’s vagaries are intimate, and whose skill in averting illness and mortality is a grand treasure, for which we supplicate ourselves in worship and reverence, hear us again this day!

Upon You, O Paian, we rely! Upon Your immense knowledge have we built a vast network of aid, working tirelessly toward the prevention and curing of countless plagues, which threaten our mortal lives!

In this work, we have bowed in reverence to Asklepios and Hygieia– have prayed to the All-Curing Panakeia– and our prayers were answered in the form of inspiration, which taught us the many works of cleanliness and right-medicine!

And yet, in these times of far-reaching ambition, and medical knowledge that has surpassed much of what was known by many of our ancestors, we now find ourselves at the mercy of greed that outstrips all reason, and are held hostage to the works of evil men and women, whose care is not for our survival, but for the depth of their purses!

To these whose schemes threaten the health and order of the world, we ask that You, O Despota, open them to the consideration of others, that they be made to see within– the humanity of their fellows– and that we may all, one day soon, understand the price we pay for failure to heed Your basic tenets– [Maxim #30: Exercise nobility of character; Maxim #136: Gratify without harming]— for we are all one body in the hand of Fate, and the Gods!

We beseech You, Katharsios! Be merciful toward them who have dealt harm, and let them not feel the sting of loss that haunts so many, due to carelessness and selfish pride!

We beseech You, Apotropaios! Allow us to correct the course we have been steered upon, and to answer for the complacency of our brethren with newfound vigor, and the willingness to value the lives of all humankind!

Apollon Phosophoros, we beseech You to light our way, and set us all toward right-action, that we might quell the viruses running rampant within our communities, and across the world!

If ever our Love has been known to You, Khrysáoros, who wields the Sword of Righteousness, accept our prayers, and these libations [Pour Libations], that they might refresh You during this time of accountability and renewed purpose!

All hail Apollon, our Lord, Prince, and King!

— Columbine, 12/22/2022