Ode 1. Tone 2. Irmos.

‘To the Lord who by his divine decree dried up the pathless and tempestuous sea, and guided through it the people of Israel on foot, let us sing; for he has been greatly glorified’.

As he perceives the coming of the Lord, the godly Forerunner advances from the wilderness, openly crying out, ‘Redemption has drawn near, has appeared. Repent and be cleansed by water’.

Being baptized as I am in a tempest of sins, O Word without beginning like the Father, cleanse me wholly with the sprinkling of repentance, who ever grant redemption to believers by your baptism, through your measureless compassion.

Country of Zavoulon, as it is written, seeing the unsetting light, be made radiant; for see, it is present in Jordan’s streams, and sing the praise of the God over all things, crying, ‘Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been greatly glorified’.

Discerning the whole people drawing near, the Forerunner inspired by God, cried out to them, ‘Who has shown you to flee from the wrath to come? Saved by grace, produce the fruits of repentance’.