Prayer to the Holy Apostle & Evangelist Matthew

With compunction of heart let us all entreat the holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew who, when called by the Lord to His service, cast away all greed and avarice and forsook all that he possessed, that he might sit at the Savior’s feet and imbibe His ineffable teachings. And let us offer to him supplications when we are beset by affliction and distress, crying out to him amid the pain of our souls and bodies: O holy one, look down from heaven, and see how we are oppressed by the demonic powers and the wicked men who do their bidding, for they seek our death and damnation. Wherefore, come thou quickly to our aid as a mighty ally, repelling their crafty assaults and putting them utterly to flight, that, preserved by thee in peace and tranquillity of heart, we all may adore the one true God Who is worshipped in Trinity—the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit—to Whom be glory, honor and worship, now and for endless ages. Amen.