Ode 3.

When you were carrying the incense of the covenant, then, High Priest, received the birth of the Forerunner.

Both now. **Theotokion.**

Like Aaron the sweet myrrh anointed you to act as priest; therefore you were counted worthy of a vision of an Angel.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Zachary begot John, dawn that foretold you, the spiritual sun, O Saviour, to the inhabited world.

Make straight my life, all-pure Mother of God, who made radiant the life and house of Zachary.

You are firm foundation, Lord, of those who have recourse to you; you are the light of those in darkness; and my spirit sings your praise.

Kathisma. Tone 8.

You served as priest to God according to the Law, Zachary, and you prophesied Christ incarnate from the Virgin and the Holy Spirit. You appeared to the inhabited world as a pillar of light and spoke of the daystar of righteousness who would shine on the world from on high and guide our feet into the way of peace, and who saves mankind.

**The same melody.**

Let us now call the son of Barachias blessed, because the righteous Zachary meditated on the Law like the psalm says day and night and serving the God of all in the highest, as David, great among the Prophets, said; and met his end through blood by slaughter, and he was sacrificed like an acceptable lamb for a whole offering for the Saviour of our souls.

Pure Virgin, blessed and graced by God, with the Powers on high, the Prophets and all the Saints unceasingly intercede for us with the One born from you through merciful compassion to grant us before the end correction and pardon of sins and amendment of life, that we may find mercy.

Ever guarded by the Cross of your Son and God, O Virgin, we turn back the assaults of the demons and their wiles; as all we generations hymn you as really and truly Mother of God and with love call you blessed, as you prophesied, O Immaculate. And so by your prayers grant us forgiveness of faults.