Ode 8. First Canon. Irmos.

Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon.

The choirs of the Bodiless Powers and of the Saints, seeing you, Pure Virgin, in your holy church unfolding your sacred veil and protecting the world, praised the fount of your mercy.

The Offspring of the Mother of God saved the innocent Youths in the furnace. Then he was prefigured, but now in reality he gathers the whole world which sings: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages. **Twice**

In many ways you revealed of old the force of your Protection, Mother of God, by signs and wonders and countless deeds of power, acting as our Champion every day, O All-pure; while now we sing the praise of your saving wondrous works.

Your chosen people, O All-blameless, faithfully receiving force and strength from your godly Protection, ever escapes from afflictions that attack them and from warlike foes, and remains unharmed by any madness, Mother of God, through your solicitude.

From on high, Immaculate Virgin, unfold your holy and most radiant Protection, and as of old protect us and keep us safe from foes who attack us, and deliver your inheritance from their wickedness and assault.

Venerable Andrew and venerable and godly Epiphanios saw you unfolding the Protecting Veil that had protected your immaculate body, Mother of God Ever-Virgin, and they were amazed; for you protected all, O Maiden, with immaterial light and heavenly glory.

Second Canon. The One who was glorified.

To those who walk in the night of life, Pure Virgin, your all-holy Protection grants divine force, light and salvation and directs them all to the repose of eternal life.

Protection of the world, wider than a cloud, are you, pure Mother of God, salvation of mortals; and so, as we celebrate with love the commemoration of your honoured Protection, we praise the multitudes of your wonders.

Having gained you, pure Virgin, as a mighty defence in life and unbreakable hope, we take refuge under your mighty Protection, and we are rescued from the stumbling-blocks of the Trickster as we sing the praise of your grace.