Ode 9. Irmos.

Exapostilarion.

‘It is impossible for humans to see God, on whom the ranks of Angels dare not gaze. But through you, All-pure one, the incarnate Word has been seen by mortals. As we magnify Him, with the heavenly armies we call you blessed.’

Christ, who fashioned mankind with your hands, as a man you bow beneath the hand of the Forerunner, humbling yourself that you may exalt me, who of old was humbled and destroyed; glory to your glorious and fearful dispensation.

The cleansing of souls is being made ready; the illumination, the abolition of dread deeds has come to make his abode; river Jordan, be glad; all creation, dance, earth and sea, clap your hands as you glorify Christ, the supremely Good.

As the fullness of all good things, you come, crying out to your slave, who, full of holiness, is amazed at your condescension: Draw near, baptize me; for I wish to full the nature of mortals with sanctification and purity.

Abandoning the world the Seventy, O Word, with love became disciples of you the Word and Teacher, cleansing the world of ignorance by faith.

The Son, born timelessly from the Father before the ages, and beyond nature bearing flesh from a Woman, is coming to be baptized for the rebirth of the world.

At Lauds we insert 6 Verses, and we sing Prosomia .

Tone 6.

Christ, whom the voice of one crying forefigured, has come to the streams of Jordan and said to the Forerunner: Come, wash me with waters, baptize me now as I condescend; for I have come to wash Adam clean of his former fall. Blessed are you, our God, who have appeared, glory to you.

I can in no way fathom the height of heaven; I cannot measure the number of the stars or the earth; and how shall I, the Forerunner, touch with my hand head of you, the Master? How shall I baptize the One who bears creation in the hollow of his hand? And so I cry to you: Blessed are you, our God, who have appeared, glory to you.

I am enthroned with the Father and the Spirit, I am escorted by the angelic hosts; but through compassion I was exiled, being brought to birth in a little cave in Bethlehem; and so now lend me your right hand, that I my wash away in my own person the faults of the world.

Once in the days of Noë you abolished sins when you opened with a word the cataracts of heaven; how then will Jordan when it sees you hold its place? For already its stream is turning back; all creation has recognised you; and I cry to you: Blessed are you, our God, who have appeared, glory to you.

**Same melody.**

That the good pleasure of the Father may be fulfilled I have come on earth clothed in poverty. Heaven is my throne and earth my footstool; but now I bow my neck to you; for at present I have come hither; baptize me, as I also cleanse in my own person the faults of mortals.

**Same melody.**

You once led Israel to light through a pillar and a cloud, and bedewed him in the wilderness; you are Master of all things, in nature inexpressible, how have you put on the form of a slave? I am grass, I may not touch you, who are fire; do you rather baptize me; for I need to receive cleansing at your hands.