Ode 6.

Kontakion. Tone 2. Model melody.

The multitude of the faithful rejoices as it praises you, and glorifies the all-holy Word who united mortals with Angels, Michael, by his goodness.

You appeared and saved the army of Israel, and fulfilling the divine ordinances, Chief Captain, you destroyed their enemies and wiped them out completely.

When he saw you Jesus, son of Navi, worshipped and, seized by reverence and fear, asked your revered and holy name, Prince of Angels.

Blessed the people who ever calls you blessed, O blessed one you gave birth to the blessed God, who by an ineffable union has made mortals divine through pity.

Those who of old wished to obliterate by a river’s streams the water of blessing which you, Archangel, had granted, you rendered ineffectual by your fearsome visitation.

Of old Moses struck a rock and waters gushed out; while now, when you struck a rock, the streams of rivers were swallowed up, witnessing still to the marvel, godlike Archangel.

Those who of old were clad in the gloom of unbelief by the folly of idols attacking your godlike house were manifestly granted the light of knowledge at your prayers.

Your form and fiery nature illumines believers, but consumes unbelievers, Chief Captain of the divine ministers, defender of those who with sincere faith sing your praise.

Imitating in all things the divine compassion of the Master, you stretch out your hand to the humble, heal the bruises of souls and bring to an end the pains of those who have recourse to you, Holy Archangel.

The Prophet foresaw you as a volume in which the Word was written by the finger of the Father, O Virgin; implore him to write down in the book of life us who devoutly glorify you.

Chief Captain of God, Minister of divine glory, guide of mankind and Prince of the Bodiless Powers, ask for what is for our good and for God’s great mercy, as Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers.

You said in the Scriptures, immortal Lover of mankind, that multitudes of Angels rejoice over one person who does penance. We therefore in our iniquities, O only sinless One who knows the heart, dare each day to beseech you, as you compassionate, to take pity on us and send down to us compunction, unworthy though we are, granting us pardon, Master. For on behalf of us all there intercedes the Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers.

On the 6th of the month the Commemoration of the amazing wonder that took place at Colossae in Phrygia through the Chief Captain Michael.

New Noë to your church, Michael, you came,

At Chonae made an end to river’s flood.

Michael, Chief Captain of the Angel hosts,

Once on the sixth of the month the flow of the river he funnelled .

Consumed by envy at the marvels which took place in the church of the Chief Captain Michael, certain pagan men planned to divert the river which flowed nearby against the church, so as to flood the church and destroy Archippos, the honoured man who dwelt in it. The divine Archangel simply appeared and, telling Archippos to take courage, struck the rock with a staff, making a passage for the river in it. From that day to this it is visible passing through and hollowing out its passage.

On the same day the Contest of the holy Martyrs Evdoxios, Zeno, Romulus and Makarios.

Zeno, Evdoxios and Romulus were slain,

So too Makarios: blessed in their end!

On the same day one thousand one hundred and four holy soldiers and Saint Kalodoti met their end by the sword.

Martyrs one thousand, ten times ten and four,

A single end accomplished by the sword.

Her head by sword struck off, Kalodoti

Before you stands, O Word, giver of good

On the same day the Saints Faustus the presbyter, Makarios, Andrew and the monk Vivos, Kyriakos, Dionysios, Andronikos; and saints Andropelagia and Thekla; and the sea captain Theoktistos and another Kyriakos the commoner met their end by the sword.

Faustus, when through a sword he left the earth,

Was raised to brightness of a home on high.

When Andrew and Makarios died by sword

Both made a journey by a blessed path.

The crown of virtue Vivos is denied

The crown of martyrdom had he not won.

With Dionysios a sword has slain

Two who with Dionysios were of one mind.

How bravely Andropelagia went

To execution, as did Thekla too.

Seaman Theoktistos, his head struck off,

Steers his soul’s vessel to the vault above.

Kyriakos a commoner, but by the sword

A fellow banqueter of Martyrs’ choir.

On the same day there coincided the dedication of the most holy Mother of God at the Second in the house of St Irene.

At their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.