At the Aposticha, Prosomia. Tone 6. Ὅλην ἀποθέμενοι.

The Cross, raised up, urges all creation to praise the immaculate suffering of him who was raised upon it; for by it he slew the one who slew us, gave back life to the dead, adorned them and granted them the life of heaven through his surpassing goodness, as he is compassionate; and so let us gladly exalt his name and magnify his supreme condescension.

Exalt the Lord our God, and fall down before his footstool, for he is holy.

When he stretched out his hands on high and routed the tyrant Amalek, Moses prefigured you, O precious Cross, boast of the faithful, strength of athletes, ornament of Apostles, champion of the Just, salvation of all the Saints; and so creation, seeing you raised up, rejoices and keeps festival, glorifying Christ, who through you joined together by his supreme goodness what had been parted.

God is our King; he has wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.

All-honoured Cross, round which the ranks of Angels stand with gladness, exalted to-day by divine command, you raise up all who had been thrust out by the theft of food and slipped down to death; and so with heart and lips we faithfully embrace you as we draw from you sanctification, crying out: Exalt Christ the God supremely good, and worship his divine footstool!

All-honoured Martyr Nikitas, you were revealed as named after victory when you proclaimed Christ our God in the stadium and confessed him before kings and tyrants; therefore do not cease to intercede with the only lover of mankind for the peace of the world, and for Christ-loving monarchs and all who faithfully celebrate your memory to be delivered from all wrath.

**The same Tone.**

The word of your Prophet Moses is fulfilled, O God, which said: You will see your life hang before your eyes. To-day the Cross is exalted, and the world has been freed from error. To-day the Church of Christ’s resurrection is dedicated, and the ends of the earth rejoice, as they offer you a hymn with cymbals like David and say: You have wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O God: Cross and Resurrection, through which you have saved us, O good one who love mankind. All-powerful Lord, glory to you!

Apolytikion of the Saint. Tone 4.

Your Martyr, O Lord.

And of the Feast. Tone 1.

Lord, save your people.

And Dismissal.

Tone 2. Οἶκος τοῦ Ἐφραθᾶ.

To-day the Cross of Christ, the life-bearing tree is exalted, on which to call all back he was nailed in the flesh.

Exalt the Lord our God, and bow down before his footstool; for he is holy.

Hail, divine guard of the faithful, invincible wall, Cross of the Lord, through which we have been raised from earth.

God is our King from of old; he has wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.

Come, let us all in harmony greet the saving tree, on which Christ, our redemption was stretched out.

To-day the whole inhabited world is gladdened by the struggle of the champion; and the Church of Christ, made beautiful with flowers, cries out to you, Martyr of Christ: Servant of Christ, fervent protector, do not cease to intercede for all your servants.

**Same Tone.**

To-day the tree of life on which Christ was nailed is lifted up from the hidden places of the earth, confirming the resurrection; and lifted up by priestly hands declares his raising to the heavens, by which our matter, raised from its fall to the earth, becomes a citizen of heaven. And so with thanksgiving let us cry aloud: Lord, who were lifted up upon it, and through it lifted us up with yourself, make those who sing your praise worthy of the joy of heaven!