Ode 3. Irmos.

Kontakion of the Assumption. Tone 8.

‘Only the prayer of the prophetess Anna

The choirs of Angels were amazed, O Christ, as they saw you being taken up with your body, and they hymned your holy Assumption.

‘None is holy as you, O Lord my God, who have exalted the horn of your faithful ones, O Good One, and established us on the rock of confession of you.’

Creation, seeing God crucified in the flesh, was dissolving in fear; but it was firmly held together by the sustaining hand of the one who was crucified for our sake.

Coward death, destroyed by death, lies lifeless; for unable to endure the divine assault of life the strong one is out to death and resurrection is bestowed on all.

O Pure one, the marvel of your divine child-bearing surpasses every law of nature; for beyond nature you conceived God in your womb and, having given birth, you remain virgin.

Of the Assumption. By the power of your Cross

O Christ, Giver of life, you have gone up to the Father and raised up our race, O lover of humankind, in your ineffable compassion.

The ranks of Angels, as they saw your mortal nature, O Saviour, going up with you, were astounded and hymned you ceaselessly.

Human nature, which had fallen by corruption, you raised up, O Christ, and by your Assumption you exalted and glorified us with yourself.

Intercede unceasingly, pure Lady, with him who came forth from your womb, that those who hymn you as Mother of God may be delivered from the deceit of the Devil.

Of the Fathers. None is holy.

rafting impiously flux and change and separation onto the divine begetting, the wicked and demented Arius is cut off by the separating sword of the Fathers.

he holy heralds of God, all marching to battle like godly Abraham of old, mightily destroyed your raving foes, O Good one, by your sovereign power.

olily the first, applauded gathering of your Priests, O Saviour, proclaimed that you were begotten consubstantial with the Father who is without beginning and maker of all.

qual no word, no tongue of mortals to praise you worthily, O Virgin; for from you, All-pure, Christ the giver of life was well pleased to become incarnate without seed.

Of old, who brought a broken spirit

To the Mighty One and God of knowledge,

Broke the fetters of a childless womb

And the harsh insult of one with many children.’

When you had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake and united things on earth with those of heaven, you were taken up in glory, Christ our God, in no way parted, but remaining undivided and crying to those who love you: ‘I am with you, and no one against you.’

Kathismata of the Fathers. Tone 4.

You were shown to the world to be truly brightly shining beacons of Christ’s truth upon earth, blessed Fathers, melting the heresies of evil-speaking chatterers, quenching the burning confusions of blasphemers; therefore as Hierarchs of Christ intercede that we may be saved.

**Of the same. Same Tone.**

The shining city of the Nicaeans to-day summoned to herself from all the earth three hundred and eighteen High Priests against Arius who spoke blasphemy and diminished one of the Trinity, who is Son and Word of God; by overthrowing him they strengthened the faith.

**Of the Assumption. The same.**

O Christ, lover of humankind, who went up to the heavens with glory and sat down at the right hand of the Father, from whom you were never parted, having promised to send the Holy Spirit to your wise Disciples and, shedding your rays on our thoughts, give us enlightenment, that we may sing your praise unceasingly, O Master.