Ode 5. Irmos.

‘Lord, giver of light and maker of the ages, guide us by the light of your commands; for we know no other God but you’.

Crying, ‘Repent, the Kingdom of God has drawn near’ the sacred Forerunner appeared from the desert, restoring us who had been deserted.

The Law of old and the company of the Prophets say, ‘Christ has come, by baptism refashioning us who had grown old by many offences.

‘Strange and fearsome sights I see today’ says John, ‘now the source of immortality has come forth from a little drop to ask for divine baptism’.