1Then the high priest Simon, bending his knees before the sanctuary and extending his hands with calm dignity, prayed thus:
2Lord, Lord, King of the heavens and Ruler of all creation, Holy among the holy ones, sole Sovereign, Almighty, pay attention to us who are oppressed by this impious and profane man.
3You are, O Creator of all things and Lord of all, who are righteous in governing all things with righteousness.
4You judge those who do anything with arrogance and pride.
5You destroyed those who formerly practiced injustice, among whom were giants who trusted in their strength.
6You destroyed the inhabitants of Sodom, who distinguished themselves by their arrogance, exposing them as an example to future generations.
7You put to the test the arrogant Pharaoh, who enslaved your holy people, punishing him with many and various plagues.
8When he pursued Israel with chariots and a numerous army, you submerged him in the sea.
9But those who trusted in you, Sovereign of all creation, you caused to pass through safely.
10And they, seeing the works of your hands, praised you, O Almighty.
11You, O King, when you created this immeasurable earth, chose this city and sanctified this place for your glory.
12You who need nothing, were pleased that the temple of your glory should remain in this place.
13You consecrated it for your holy name, even though you needed nothing.
14And now, Holy among the holy ones, forever blessed, deliver us from this anguish.
15Because, if this happens because of our sins, we purify ourselves.
16Do not, however, deliver us into the hands of foreign enemies.
17Do not punish us through this insolent people.
18If we have practiced impiety, may we be punished by your merciful hand.
19Do not abandon us to the profanation of this impious and proud one.
20Let not the pagans exult and say: Not even their God saved them.
21You who can do all things and dominate all things, do not now ignore our supplication.
22With his gaze fixed on heaven, and with his heart in prayer, he finished his prayer.
23All the people, together with the priests, cried out to the God of heaven.
24What happened next caused great astonishment to all present.
25Philopator was seized with a strong tremor and became paralyzed.
26His companions, seeing him prostrate, feared that he would die.
27Hastily they carried him out.
28After some time, he recovered, but did not yield to repentance.
29He departed uttering grave threats.
30Arriving in Egypt, he increased his wickedness, counseled by his friends who had abandoned all justice.