(from the Chetya-Menya of St. Demetrius of Rostov)
Woe to me, Lord! Who will I be like? Neither to the birds of heaven, nor to the beasts of the earth: for they too bring their fruit to You, Lord God, but I alone am barren. Woe is me, Lord! I am alone, a sinner, without offspring. You, who once gave Sarah the son Isaac in her old age. You, Who opened the womb of Anna, the mother of Your prophet Samuel, look upon me today and hear my prayers. Stop the sadness of my heart and open my womb, and make me, barren, fruitful, so that we bring what I have born to You as a gift, blessing, singing and glorifying Yours. mercy.
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