And now, Lord of hosts,
awesome majesty, unwavering vision,
all expansive will, undiminishing bounty,
how can our dances and songs of joy
do honor to even one drop of your goodness?
You earnestly strive to prepare for my salvation,
but let me write what is greater, that it might be
told in the future.
You have not been called "angel lover,"
although the founder of their kingdom.
And of the heavens with their luminaries,
all your handiwork,
never have you been described as loving them.
Rather to your greater honor and praise,
you preferred the love of mankind.
For this reason you doubly magnified your name
beyond telling,
with frightening mystery.
You called the heavenly host dressed in light,
your servants and stewards of special missions,
and us mortals, born below,
you adorned with your worshipful, lordly, and
godly name,
exceeding again all bounds of measure and weight,
by the flow of your power and exceeding goodness,
your inspired endless praise.
And by becoming man, you, one of "the One who is,"
your gifts of life, diverse talents,
splendid divine works and miracles,
poured down abundantly upon some who
asked for themselves, and others who
asked blessings for others.
St. Grigori Narekatsi, 10th-11th Century