Many Orthodox definitely have a friend, neighbor, relative or acquaintance who confesses Islam. In such a case what must one do? How must one conduct oneself? What are our Christian duties with regards to him?

First of all it is necessary to acknowledge that, without Christ none may be saved and in accordance with the testimony of the Holy Fathers, eternal ruin awaits Muslims, if they do not turn from their error. And namely with us lies responsibility before God for ringing the bells of truth to our neighbors and the duty to witness before them God's blunt truth.

1. It does not follow that you yourself ought to begin a conversation about faith, but only when your neighbor himself asks. If he asks questions, you must "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15), striving to select in this such words and expressions which would help your neighbor adequately understand what you say.

2. It does not follow to abuse his faith; it is incumbent to use criticisms of Islam only in an instance of extreme necessity, for example, if he out of ignorance begins to revile the true faith.

3. Our most important sermon on Christ must be a sermon not only of words, but of deeds, of one's own life. If our Muslim neighbor doesn't see in our deeds and in our life genuine virtue and piety, then any, even the most beautiful, strong and persuasive words about Christ, that don't corroborate with the example of life, are left empty for the listener.

4. With meekness and the realization of our own unworthiness we must fall back on the Saying, "Ask, and it shall be given you" (Matthew 7:7). If we are not indifferent to the eternal fate of our neighbor, then it is necessary to incessantly pray for his salvation.

A prayer to St. Serapion of Kozheozero

for the conversion of relatives and neighbors who confess Islam.

O our most wonderful and glorious Father Serapion! Reject the evil faith, and the fervent love of Christ, penitent exploits, labor and temperance give, for the sake of our neighbor that he might attain grace and communion of the Divine essense: glorified by the Father, justified by Christ, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit; for this we cry to thee: intercede for us to the Lord for the correction of our hearts, and teach us to fulfil the will of God Most High and the Kingdom of Heaven that his love might give greater blessing to the Earth, to our neighbor and kinsman according to the flesh, may the All-gracious Lord by thy prayerful intercessions deliver him from the darkness of Agarianian delusion, may he be enlightened by the light of true faith, may he come to His Holy Church, may he be set on the path of truth,

It is truly meet and right to give honor and worship to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages,

Amen.

translated by J. Hargrave