Ode 5. The Irmos.

Of the Saint. The same Irmos.

’Giver of the light and maker of the ages, Lord, guide us by the light of your commands; for we know no other God but you’.

From a Virgin Mother, Lord, you came forth beyond explanation, and did not disdain to clothe yourself in mortals’ form, so as a babe in accordance with the law you fulfilled the Law.

Truly the Church holds a double feast today: of the Circumcision as a babe of the Master who appeared on earth, and of the memory of a wise and thrice-blessed servant.

Christ the light beyond understanding dwelt in you, venerable Father, and revealed you as a torch of light for the world; and so we sing the praise of your memory, Basil.

Not Moses the giver of the Law, nor Joseph before the Law was a distributor of nourishment like you; for you, Basil, were revealed as host at the banquet of God’s flesh.

The Genesis of the universe, dimly recounted to Moses on Sinai, you interpreted to all unfolding it from divine treasuries, Basil all-blessed.

To you, who gave birth to Christ, the creator of the universe, we cry: Hail, Pure One! Hail, who made the Light dawn for us! Hail, who contained the God who cannot be contained.

Jesus, the Prince of life, has come to abolish the condemnation of Adam the first-formed; for though as God he has no need of cleansing, for the fallen he is cleansed in Jordan; in which he slew the enmity and grants the peace which passes all understanding.

’Washed by the cleansing of the Spirit from

The poison of the dark and filthy foe,

We set out on a new, unerring path

To gladness unattainable, that those

Alone whom God has reconciled attain’.