Ode 5. The Irmos.

Have pity on my wretched soul as it fights a night battle with the darkness of the passions, and make your rays clear as day shine in me, O spiritual Sun, to turn my night into light.

You were lifted up on a Tree, and lifting up all mortals with yourself, O merciful, you put to death the hostile serpent and, as only God of all, gave life to what your hands had fashioned.

Willingly you became a corpse and were laid in a tomb, immortal King, and you emptied all the palaces of Hell, raising the dead by your Resurrection.

When you had accomplished great marvels upon earth, O Word, a lawless people slew you; but, being alone powerful, Lord Christ, you rose, as you had foretold, from the dead.

Having opened the eyes of one who had not seen the natural light, you enlightened the pupils of his soul and led him to give glory when he recognised you as maker, through compassion seen as a mortal.

Let all us faithful glorify a Trinity in unity and a Unity in trinity, Father, Son and right Spirit, one God, truly creator of all.

How did you bear a child without knowing man, O Virgin-mother, full of God’s grace? How nourish creation’s nourisher? As he alone understands, who is maker of all and God.