O Dionysos who appeared
to the Theban people
as a Lydian religious specialist,
a vagabond prophet and sacrificer
who knew the songs and dances
that turn the hearts of the Gods
away from wrath and chastisement
and instead incline them
to provide innumerable blessings
for the community, I pray,
give special thought and care
for those who have taken up
the craft of the sacred,
those who lead your ceremonies,
those who counsel your people
in times of doubt and confusion,
those who interpret the lore,
those who studiously observe
all of your prescriptions and prohibitions,
those who guide the initiate
through your mysteries,
and organize the spectacular
communal celebrations you adore;
all these and those who fulfill the many
other duties they’ve taken upon themselves
and bound themselves with terrible oaths to perform.
Watch over them, inspire them, help them to always
maintain their piety and professionalism,
Dionysos Isodaitēs, and lighten their way
should they struggle with their vocation,
become mired in pollution,
or lose sight of your treasured revelations,
so that they can return to the path of liberation,
and once more be the kind of righteous clergy
you modeled for us, and which
we are in desperate need of.