O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

— Book of Common Prayer

Photo: The Rev. Canon Susan Russell on Thursday at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park. A prophet and innovator in The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena, Canon Russell notes that her ministry, like all of ours in the church, is build on the strength and protection of an institutional foundation — in her case, baptized by Bishop Eric Bloy, confirmed by Robert Rusack, and ordained by Fred Borsch.