A Prayer of St. Dimitry of Rostov (+1709)

 

I know that my ascent is headed toward descent, my life unto its cessation, my youth toward old age. Because I live, I shall die, and, after death, I know not where I will be found. I blossom forth in youth, I dry up in old age, I rot away after death. If I am mortal, why do I live as if I never had to die? If I will die, then why does evil and sinfulness not die within me? If I shall have to return to dust and worms, to stink and evil stench, then why do I not return to what is better? If I shall be diligently tried and shall hear a firm answer, then why do I not soak all my members with tears and tremble with my whole body? For I shall go to my grave with great sorrow and affliction of heart, and there I shall see how my nature is changed, how my wretched body stinks from corruption, eaten by worms, and my bones are returned into the dust. And I shall ask my grave, and inquire diligently, “Where is the good appearance of my countenance, where is the brightness of my eyes? Where is the eloquence of sweet speech? Where are deeds most glorious? Where is that most sweet and most cheerful conversation with my friends? Where is every vain adornment and enjoyment of this world?” But I hear from my grave, “Here, here in this grave is all your comeliness: dust and ash, worm and evil stench. Look, look,” it says, “at your comeliness, look, and diligently attend, and kiss me, your grave, with a loving embrace, for you will be dwelling in me until judgment day, awaiting the righteous judgment.” When I shall stand and appear before the judgment of my unhypocritical judge and God, what shall I, the unhappy one, then say? To whom shall I flee? What shall I say for my vindication? Oh, oh! Woe, woe! Alas, alas! For if there even the righteous is scarcely saved, then I, very sinful, altogether most defiled, like a stinking dog—how shall I appear, having no wedding garment? But I, roused to attention, shall finish reading, wash my face with tears, and altogether fervently I shall entreat the most merciful God, my Creator: grant me, who am the very most sinful, the altogether most defiled, like a stinking dog, forgiveness of my sins, and, according to your ineffable goodness, to receive eternal life after my end; to be joyfully raised with body and soul together; to be counted worthy of standing at your right hand; and to praise you unto the ages without interruption, in accordance with the prayers of my irrefutable hope, our most holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all your saints. Amen.

O man! Attend,

And never forget the hour of death.

Even if someone does not remember death,

Torment does not pass from him.