Ode 6. Irmos.

‘Seeing life’s sea rising with a tempest of temptations, as I flee to your calm haven, I cry out to you: Bring my life up from corruption, O Most merciful.’

The choir of Angels is amazed as it contemplates you stripped naked, who cover the heavens with the clouds, and it cries out: What is this, your great condescension towards humanity.

As filled with mystic waters, as a river of peace, O only Lord, you, the only sinless one, have come to a river and ask from a little drop to be baptized.

The Full has been emptied; see, the Invisible has appeared embodied. River Jordan be glad, fill your streams, that you may wash the rebirth of all.

‘Surrounded by an abyss of offences, I call upon the unfathomable abyss of your compassion: O God, bring me up from corruption’.

On the 4th day of the same month, Assembly of the holy and glorious Seventy Apostles.

The Seventy Apostles fair renowned

To praise them thus together is most fit.

And on the fourth of the month far famed are the men that I honour. [1]

On the same day, our Venerable Father Theoctistos, Superior of the monastery in Koukoumos in Sicily, died in peace.

God’s uncreated Word, to Theoctist

In Eden’s verdant land his lot you give.

On the same day, six holy Martyrs did in peace.

Six radiant souls, from this life taking wing,

Now stand together with the Six-winged Minds.

On the same day, Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs, Zosimas the Monk and Athanasios the Kommentarisios.

With Zosimas died Athanasios

Within a rock with him can sweetly live.

On the same day, Commemoration of the Venerable Apollinaria of Senatorial rank.

They take Apollinaria from earth,

For worthy was she found to dwell in heaven.

At their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy and save us. ****