armies and their allies, for the sick and the afflicted; and, in a word, we pray, and offer this Sacrifice for all who want assistance. We next commemorate those who are gone before us; the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs; begging that, through their prayers, God would receive our supplications. We then pray for the holy Fathers and Bishops that are dead, and for all the faithful departed, believing that their souls receive very great relief by the prayers that are offered for them while this holy and tremendous victim lies upon the altar."-Catech. Mystag. v. n. viii. ix. p. 327, 328.
St. Basil, G. C.-In celebrating the Feast of the forty Martyrs, he thus addressed his hearers:—“These are they, who, having taken possession of our country, stand as towers against the incursions of the enemy.—Here is a ready aid to Christians. Often have you endeavoured, often have you toiled, to gain one intercessor. You have now forty, all emitting one common prayer. —Who is oppressed by care, Alies to their aid, as does he that prospers: the first to seek deliverance; the second, that his good fortune may continue. The pious mother is found praying for her children; and the wife for the return and the health of her husband.—O ye common guardians of the human race, co-operators in our prayers, most powerful messengers, stars of the world, and flowers of Churches, let us join our prayers with yours.”(Hom. xix. in 40 Martyres, T. ii. p. 155, 156.
ST. JAMES OF NISIBIS, G.C.-On the words of Christ (Matt. v. 23.): Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, says : “Let not then the hatred, which thou hast against any one, re-enter thy mind. For be assured, that
