Salutation / Introduction

To this he replied:  Do we not believe?  But what shall we do?  The enemy of the human race has blinded our hearts, and confusion has covered our face, lest we should confess the great things of God, especially when we ourselves uttered maledictions against Christ, shouting:  His blood be upon us, and upon our children.  Then Peter said:  Behold, this malediction will hurt him who has remained unfaithful to Him; but to those who turn themselves to God mercy is not denied.  And he said:  I believe all that thou sayest to me; only I implore, have mercy upon me, lest I die.