Ode 8. Irmos. Stretching out his hands.

Ode 9. Irmos. A cornerstone not cut by hand.

The godly and all-wise choir of Christ’s Apostles by the fire of the Spirit burned up like easily sawn fuel the sacred images of the demons, and guided to the light the hearts of the believers who cry: All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.

With one accord let us honour with hymns the godlike Disciples and Apostles of Christ, who thundered to us the heavenly doctrines, they are the meadows of the faith, the general benefactors of humanity, the servants of the Saviour.

The all-revered and spacious vessels of the virtues, the first-fruits of mortals, the trumpets of the proclamation, the torrents of incorruptible life, the god-bearing lightnings, the springs of healings, the beautiful feet of the Gospel, let us honour.

He was full, yet emptied himself that we might share his fullness; the uncircumscribed Word, without abandoning the Father’s bosom, was incarnate from your womb; therefore we all bless you, Mary, Bride of God.

Stretching out his hands Daniel closed the jaws of the lions in the den; while the Youths, lovers of true religion, girded with virtue, quenched the power of the fire as they cried: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Eye-witnesses of God you received from the Master authority to loose the bonds of faults; in compassion wipe out the sins of those who sing your praise and make them worthy of salvation.

Wise Apostles, you all received the whole radiance of the Spirit, which appeared to you in reality, and you were initiated into exalted teachings in the upper room, and now you are worthily called blessed.

To you his friends now at rest Christ gives the prize of unfading crowns and fullness of contemplation; implore him now that the Churches may be kept safe.

Wishing to dwell in flesh, he who disposed all things by a word, dwelt in you; having found you alone to be holier than all, and declared you to be in truth Mother of God, O Virgin Mother.

A cornerstone not cut by hand, O Virgin, was cut from you an unhewn mountain: Christ who joined together separated natures; and so with gladness, Mother of God, we magnify you.