openjoe:
Essence beyond essence, Nature increate, Framer of the world, I set Thee, Lord, before my face, and I lift up my soul unto Thee. I worship Thee on my knees, and humble myself under Thy mighty hand. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee, my soul gaspeth unto Thee as a thirsty land. I smite on my breast and say with the Publican, God be merciful to me a sinner, the chief of sinners; to the sinner above the Publican, be merciful as to the Publican. Father of mercies, I beseech Thy fatherly affection; despise me not, an unclean worm, a dead dog, a putrid corpse, despise not Thou the work of Thine own hands, despise not Thine own image though branded by sin.
at 11:52AM 12/25/08
openjoe:
Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean; Lord, only say the word, and I shall be cleansed. And Thou, my Saviour Christ, Christ my Saviour, Saviour of sinners, of whom I am chief, despise me not, despise me not, O Lord, despise not the cost of Thy blood, who am called by Thy Name; but look on me with those eyes with which Thou didst look upon Magdalene at the feast, Peter in the hall, the thief on the wood;— that with the thief I may entreat Thee humbly,
at 11:54AM 12/25/08
openjoe:
Remember me, Lord, in Thy kingdom; that with Peter I may bitterly weep and say, O that mine eyes were a fountain of tears that I might weep day and night; that with Magdalene, I may hear Thee say, Thy sins be forgiven thee, and with her may love much, for many sins yea manifold have been forgiven me. And Thou, All‑holy, Good, and Life‑giving Spirit, despise me not, Thy breath, despise not Thine own holy things; but turn Thee again, O Lord, at the last, and be gracious unto Thy servant.
openjoe:
Thanks Yana. Do you have your Christmas the 25th or in January?
at 04:03AM 12/26/08
yana:
not really, officially we celebrate on the 7th of January, and Christmas Eve is on the 6th... Ukraine follows Orthodox calendar...
at 12:40PM 12/26/08
openjoe:
Well then, happy Christmas now and also: веселого Різдва! I hope and pray for you, Alex and Alisa every blessing of healing and provision now and in the new year.
at 01:35PM 12/26/08
yana:
Thank you Joe!! I loved your Ukrainian.. Thank you so much!!!!