Why "a sinner"?

that's not something to brag about!

When my Catholic cubemate at work first saw my website, he said, "A sinner, huh?! You don't let people at your church see that, do you?" Well, yes, actually I do. One tradition that I've picked up from the Orthodox church is the practice of identifying myself as a sinner. Traditionally, an Orthodox Christian might sign his letters, "Mikhail, a sinner." Far from boasting, this recalls the words of the "Jesus prayer": "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

May God have mercy on me, a sinner.