Agabus
The user formerly known as Agabus.
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Faith: Pan-American Colloquial Convert Hybrid Orthodoxy.
Jurisdiction: Forgive us our trespasses.
Posts: 1,241
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« on: March 14, 2011, 09:29:11 PM » |
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This lenten season, rather than just participating in the fasts of the Church, I am fasting in preparation of reception into the Church. Lord willing, I -- along with my wife and two children -- will be received into the Church at the end of Great Lent. This is a good thing four years in the making.
But during this time of final preparation, I find myself plagued with doubts and -- worse than passions, because it is the worst of the passions -- spiritual listlessness. It is harder to pray now than it ever was (and if there was ever a soul that understood faithlessness, it is me), and sometimes I fear I will not run this race to the end.
Pray for me, a sinner.
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Blessed Nazarius practiced the ascetic life. His clothes were tattered. He wore his shoes without removing them for six years. Headscarves cover a multitude of sins.
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quietmorning
Quiet Morning
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Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: Antiochian
Posts: 1,586
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« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2011, 09:30:55 PM » |
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Lord have mercy!!
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2011, 09:56:31 PM » |
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The Cross has conquered, and Christ is risen. Therefore, strive to carry your cross and work out your salvation with fear and trembling. But when you fall, remember the glorious Resurrection and arise with faith in the unfailing mercy of God.
"One thing I do, forgetting what is behind and striving towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 3:13-14]
"Lord have mercy."
Selam
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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LizaSymonenko
Христос Воскрес!!! Christ is Risen!!!
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Faith: God's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church
Jurisdiction: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.
Posts: 7,485
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« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2011, 10:31:20 PM » |
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Don't give up. You CAN do it! You don't have to "run" the race. Walk over the finish line, or crawl if you have to....just cross it.
Lord, have mercy!
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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2011, 11:10:10 PM » |
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Don't give up. You CAN do it! You don't have to "run" the race. Walk over the finish line, or crawl if you have to....just cross it.
Lord, have mercy!
Amen to that! "...just Cross it."  Selam |
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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ozgeorge
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« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2011, 07:31:42 AM » |
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Lord have mercy.
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If you're living a happy life as a Christian, you're doing something wrong.
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recent convert
Orthodox Chrisitan
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Faith: Christian
Jurisdiction: Antiochian (N.A.)
Posts: 1,645
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« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2011, 08:03:42 AM » |
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Lord, have mercy.
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Antiochian OC N.A.
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SolEX01
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« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2011, 02:40:05 PM » |
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Lord have Mercy.
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orthonorm
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« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2011, 05:55:13 PM » |
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This lenten season, rather than just participating in the fasts of the Church, I am fasting in preparation of reception into the Church. Lord willing, I -- along with my wife and two children -- will be received into the Church at the end of Great Lent. This is a good thing four years in the making.
But during this time of final preparation, I find myself plagued with doubts and -- worse than passions, because it is the worst of the passions -- spiritual listlessness. It is harder to pray now than it ever was (and if there was ever a soul that understood faithlessness, it is me), and sometimes I fear I will not run this race to the end.
Pray for me, a sinner.
Those who keep constant track of my posts and print them out and tack them to their walls, as they should, know that I've had a little more than a bit of fear and trembling and embarrassment along the way. Since the beginning of Lent and since my Priest told me the probable day of my possible Baptism and certain Chrismation, two things have happened. Anxiety: Not so much can I make through Lent, but can I really live out what I "know" to be the Truth and should I jump into the Church to my greater condemnation. Other thoughts similar to this come and go, but there is a general anxiety. The anxiety seems "reasonable" to me and to others I have discussed this with. The accompanying thoughts, not so much. My Priest makes it simple. Cross yourself and cling to the positive. The first saying of St. Anthony the Great has been of immense help. Doubt: This has been ratcheted wwwaaayyy up. I mentioned above I "know" what the Truth is. And by this, I mean what I feel in my gut or heart. But boy has my head not done a number on me lately (the following are honest, if you are too pious don't read) (MODs: redact as you see fit): Who are you kidding? This is all nonsense and BS. What is the big deal about making that phone call (sex)? . . . . Like if there is a God, He would really care about such stuff. It's consensual . . . *Looking at a photo of some clergy or church on OC.net* Sheesh, what pompous, gaudy nonsense. Maybe I just like my parish. But really, all this idiotic make-up? Would God really care about this either? And, and, and, . . . use your imagination. Again work has exploded, so that first saying of St. Anthony the Great has been of immense help. Again my Priest makes it simple. Cross yourself and cling to the positive. Also, making every service possible at my parish and trying to fit into my schedule whatever charitable act they afford me to participate in has helped the above. And being honest about the above with more than one person who knows me and cares about me. They help put those moments into a larger context I can easily forget. My Priest, therapist, and couple friends and family members. They all ain't Christian and certainly ain't Orthodox and some just know I've been "going to church", but they have seen the difference made in my life over the last few years of the beginning of my inquiry in earnest and are mighty glad for it. If this is over self-indulgent or in anyway offensive, I apologize. Mods, redact or delete as you see fit. |
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We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts. We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage. |
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Agabus
The user formerly known as Agabus.
Elder
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Faith: Pan-American Colloquial Convert Hybrid Orthodoxy.
Jurisdiction: Forgive us our trespasses.
Posts: 1,241
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« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2011, 12:15:03 PM » |
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I have made my first confession. By God's mercy I will make it another five days.
Please continue to pray for me.
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Blessed Nazarius practiced the ascetic life. His clothes were tattered. He wore his shoes without removing them for six years. Headscarves cover a multitude of sins.
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2011, 12:26:34 PM » |
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"Lord have mercy."
Selam
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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Melodist
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« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2011, 01:07:17 PM » |
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Lord have mercy and many years.
Keep your head down, and keep moving. And listen to your priest.
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stashko
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« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2011, 01:19:31 AM » |
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Prayers......
Lord Have Mercy....Amen Amen
Lord Have Mercy....Amen Amen
Lord Have Mercy ....Amen Amen
May the Bless Lord, Grant You And Your Family Strength,
to over come all obstacle's the evil one put in you Path....
The Closer on get's to the light ,thats when the battle begins.....Amen Amen
Prayers to The Most Blessed Theotokos ,Holy Mother of God,
To shields you and your family ,under Her Mantle Of Protection....Amen Amen
Prayers to Your Holy Guardian Angels and The Holy Arch Angel Michael
to defend you and your family, against the fiery Dart's of Satan
and His Demons, seeking the Loss of our Salvation....Amen Amen
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 ГОСПОДЕ ГОСПОДЕ ,ПОГЛЕДАЈ СА НЕБА ,ДОЂИ И ПОСЕТИ ТВОЈ ВИНОГРАД ТВОЈА ДЕСНИЦА ПОСАДИЛА АМИН АМИН. |
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Alveus Lacuna
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« Reply #13 on: April 12, 2011, 02:15:11 AM » |
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Kyrie Eleison
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Altar Server
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Faith: Orthodox Christian(as of 12/18/10)
Jurisdiction: OCA
Posts: 682
Most Holy Theotokos Save Us!
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« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2011, 12:07:30 AM » |
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+Lord Have Mercy!
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Through the Prayers of the Theotokos O Savior Save Us!
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LizaSymonenko
Христос Воскрес!!! Christ is Risen!!!
Global Moderator
Toumarches
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Faith: God's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church
Jurisdiction: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.
Posts: 7,485
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« Reply #15 on: April 14, 2011, 12:47:35 AM » |
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I have made my first confession. By God's mercy I will make it another five days.
Please continue to pray for me.
Yippy! ...I mean, congratulations! Many, many, happy and blessed years! Welcome home! |
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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
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biro
Ursus maritimus
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Faith: Raised Roman Catholic; now attend GOA
Jurisdiction: Metropolis of Atlanta
Posts: 9,575
Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου
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« Reply #16 on: April 14, 2011, 06:15:36 AM » |
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Congratulations, Agabus.  |
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phthalyl.podomatic.com
the-cornet.blogspot.com
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Agabus
The user formerly known as Agabus.
Elder
Offline
Faith: Pan-American Colloquial Convert Hybrid Orthodoxy.
Jurisdiction: Forgive us our trespasses.
Posts: 1,241
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« Reply #17 on: April 16, 2011, 05:52:20 PM » |
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I am now an Orthodox Christian.
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Blessed Nazarius practiced the ascetic life. His clothes were tattered. He wore his shoes without removing them for six years. Headscarves cover a multitude of sins.
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KBN1
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Faith: EO
Jurisdiction: OCA
Posts: 802
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« Reply #18 on: April 16, 2011, 06:54:57 PM » |
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I am now an Orthodox Christian.
Congratulations! |
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quietmorning
Quiet Morning
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Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: Antiochian
Posts: 1,586
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« Reply #19 on: April 16, 2011, 07:09:37 PM » |
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Awesome!! May the Lord grant you MANY YEARS!!
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FormerReformer
Convertodox of the convertodox
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OC.net guru
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Faith: Eastern Orthodox
Jurisdiction: I'll take (e) for "all of the above"
Posts: 2,202
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« Reply #20 on: April 16, 2011, 07:43:30 PM » |
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Many years!
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"Funny," said Lancelot, "how the people who can't pray say that prayers are not answered, however much the people who can pray say they are." TH White Oh, no: I've succumbed to Hyperdoxy! |
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biro
Ursus maritimus
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Stratopedarches
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Faith: Raised Roman Catholic; now attend GOA
Jurisdiction: Metropolis of Atlanta
Posts: 9,575
Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου
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« Reply #21 on: April 16, 2011, 08:34:06 PM » |
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Many years! |
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phthalyl.podomatic.com
the-cornet.blogspot.com
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IsmiLiora
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« Reply #22 on: April 16, 2011, 09:47:46 PM » |
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Many years!  As someone still waiting in line, I sincerely feel such joy for my brothers and sisters entering the Church! CONGRATS! |
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She's touring the facility/and picking up slack.
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"For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." Ecclesiastes 1:18
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I once believed in causes too, I had my pointless point of view --
Life went on no matter who was wrong or right
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Cognomen
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Faith: Orthodox Catholic
Jurisdiction: Phyletism Rules, OK
Posts: 1,767
You can run...
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« Reply #23 on: April 16, 2011, 09:56:53 PM » |
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Congratulations and Many Years, Agabus. Delighted to be received on the same day as you!
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"Paint a bunch of icons of our Lord and the saints and then kiss them. Also, pray to Mary after she dies in the future."
~ The Epistle of St. Paul to the Antiochians, 46 AD.
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orthonorm
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« Reply #24 on: April 16, 2011, 10:03:03 PM » |
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Many Years!
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We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts. We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage. |
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ialmisry
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« Reply #25 on: April 16, 2011, 10:06:23 PM » |
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I am now an Orthodox Christian.
Many Years! |
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Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.
A hasty quarrel kindles fire,
and urgent strife sheds blood.
If you blow on a spark, it will glow;
if you spit on it, it will be put out;
and both come out of your mouth
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stashko
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« Reply #26 on: April 16, 2011, 10:27:24 PM » |
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Prayers.......
Congradulation......
Lord Grant You Many Years
and Good Health.......Amen Amen
Axios ,Dostojan , Worthy.......
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ГОСПОДЕ ГОСПОДЕ ,ПОГЛЕДАЈ СА НЕБА ,ДОЂИ И ПОСЕТИ ТВОЈ ВИНОГРАД ТВОЈА ДЕСНИЦА ПОСАДИЛА АМИН АМИН. |
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Melodist
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« Reply #27 on: April 18, 2011, 07:32:48 AM » |
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Many years.
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