OGod, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship
with all living things,
our companions the animals to whom you
gave the earth as their home in
common with us.
We remember with shame that in the past
we have exercised the high dominion of man with ruthless cruelty
so that the voice of the earth,
which should have gone up to you in song,
has been a groan of travail.
May we realize that they live not for
us alone but for themselves and for you,
and that they love the sweetness of life.
St. Basil the Great, 330-379 AD
