Ode 9. Mother of God most High.

Exapostilarion. Women hear.

**I**s there any who would not marvel, Protomartyr, at your indomitable courage? For having tamed the passions, wild beasts of the mind, you did not quail before the impotent assaults of wild beasts, but remained in their midst unharmed.

Theotokion. To the same melody.

**E**ven the sheer untrodden rock was rent by God’s command for the god-bearing Martyr, sealed as God’s bride by the bath of rebirth; and like a bridal chamber for the fugitive it received her in its arms.

**Theotokion.**

**D**octor the bruises of my soul, First Champion; crown the world with peace, giving victories to our faithful Sovereign against hostile barbarians and peace to the Churches by your supplications.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Sovereign Lady, slay my sin that still lives, give life to the death of soul by the force of the true Life born from your womb through ineffable compassion for those who devoutly magnify you.

Mother of God most High, who knew not wedlock, who through a word conceived beyond understanding the true God, who are higher than the immaculate Powers, with never silent hymns of glory we magnify you.

Fair virgin, strengthened by the divine teachings of God’s herald Paul, you despised a corruptible suitor and followed Paul, O much-tried Protomartyr Thekla, Equal of the Apostles; therefore you have won from Christ the crown of victory.

We, who have been saved through you, rightly confess you, Lady, to be Mother of God; for you conceived ineffably the God who abolished death through the Cross, drawing to himself armies of Martyrs. With them, O Virgin, we sing your praise.

At Lauds, Idiomel Stichera.

Tone 1. By Anatolios.

The stadium of the contest lies before us to-day. Peoples, let us dance and let us observe the wondrous deeds that are accomplished there; for a spotless lamb, the fair virgin and bride of God Thekla is brought out for slaughter for the sake of Christ our God who was slaughtered; and so by the faith of the Trinity she destroyed the godlessness of tyrants and, as she dances with the Angels, she intercedes with the Saviour that our souls may be saved.

By Anatolios.

Brave champion Thekla, with Christ as your Bridegroom in heaven, you despised your earthly suitor; for wisely you did not yield to a mother’s flatteries, but followed Paul, taking on your shoulders the standard of the Cross. The fire did not harm you; you changed the savagery of the wild beasts to tameness; you slew seals by the descent into Christ that is holy Baptism. But, as you were distinguished by noble contests, do not cease to intercede continually with the Lord for those who in faith celebrate your ever-honoured memory.

Tone 4. By Anatolios.

You dedicated yourself to the all-powerful will; strengthened as Christ’s champion and abandoning earthly love, you were declared the lamp of eternal life; you are a blessed bridal chamber, in which flocks of women, having found the entrance to eternal life take their rest. With them, Apostle Thekla, intercede for our souls.

Tone 4. By Anatolios.

Lovers of martyrs, strike up the dance, for the season of contests is upon us, and the yearly memorial of the Protomartyr, which urges all to give glory to God: for Thekla, the first of Martyrs among women, has accomplished her contest, is the first to be declared the victor and she intercedes with boldness for our souls.

Protomartyr of Christ, it was not only the races of mankind that marvelled but wild beasts too were astonished. For you the flames were not reckoned as flames, fair virgin Thekla, because of your Bridegroom Christ, for you were glad as you suffered for him and were parted from the world that you might gain the blessedness of heaven as you intercede with boldness for our souls.

Bedew my understanding, All-pure Lady, with the showers of the Holy Spirit. As you bore Christ, the drop who wipes away the measureless lawlessness of mortals, dry up the source of my passions and make me worthy, O All-immaculate, of the torrent of eternal delight.

When she saw you nailed to the Cross, O Lord, your lamb and Mother was amazed and cried: My Son, so dearly loved, what is this sight? Is this how the lawless, disobedient people that enjoyed your wonders rewards you? But glory, Master, to your ineffable condescension.