Ode 4. The Irmos.

Of the Saint. The same Irmos.

’I heard the report of your dispensation, Lord, and I glorified you, only lover of humankind’.

Circumcision has ceased since Christ was willingly circumcised, saving the multitudes of the nations by grace.

The eighth day, on which the master Christ was circumcised, is an image of the unending life of the age to come.

As the Bride, the Church, is made lovely by the birth of Christ, so too she is by your memory, O all-blessed.

Proud to be a child of God, Basil, devoutly you did not lower the Godhead to be a creature.

Unhumbled you appeared allied to God, Basil, for by his command you were humbled to all.

You have been given to the Church by God as a palisade and stout wall, Basil all-blessed.

To those opposed to God you appeared as a cutting axe and a fire consuming deception, Father Basil.

We implore you, Immaculate, who conceived God without seed, to intercede for ever for your servants.

The one whom you called: A Voice crying in the wilderness, heard your voice, Lord, when you thundered upon many waters, bearing witness to your Son. Wholly filled with the Spirit that was present, he cried out: You are Christ, Wisdom and Power of God.

’Cleansed by the torch of mystic contemplation,

Mortals’ renewal now a Prophet sings,

Making his voice, by Spirit struck, ring out,

Telling of Word ineffable made flesh,

By whom the strength of mighty ones was smashed’.