O Dionysos Dēmosios, Thesmophoros, Stheneus;
I call to you on behalf of my community, my city,
my country, O breaker of chains and companion
of the forgotten; teach us, I pray, to see one another
clearly and without contempt, even if the other person’s
beliefs are stupid and wrong.
May no person be lifted up through the humiliation of another.
May no voice be silenced by fear, poverty, hatred, or power.
Help us to remember that every soul carries dignity,
and that justice without compassion becomes cruelty.
Where there are walls between people,
teach us how to build tables instead.
Where prejudice has taken root,
plant understanding and civility.
Where inequality causes suffering,
stir hearts toward courage and change.
Let us celebrate the full humanity
of one another, as we would celebrate
sacred wine shared among companions.
Break down ignorance, iniquity, and injustice,
and help us to see one another as worthy
of respect, solitude, equality before the law,
and liberty above all. Dionysos Pareinaios,
may we build a society shaped by compassion,
fairness, and freedom, in the image of your blessed Nysa.
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