Ode 4. Let the Prophet Avvakoum

See, Christ has risen’, said the Angel to the Myrrhbearing Women, ‘Do not lament, but go, say to the Apostles, ‘Rejoice, today is the salvation of the world; for by death the tyranny of the enemy has been destroyed.’

As we celebrate today the joyful worship of your life-bearing Cross, O Christ, we prepare ourselves for your most holy Passion; for you achieved it for the salvation of the world, O Saviour, as all-powerful.

Today there is joy in heaven and on earth, for the sign of the Cross is made manifest to the world. The thrice-blessed Cross is set before us, and to all who worship it it is a fount of ever-flowing grace.

What shall we offer you, O Christ? For you have given us your Precious Cross to worship, on which your all-holy Blood was poured out, and to which your flesh was fixed by nails. As with love we kiss it we give you thanks.

I sing the praises of the three Persons in one Godhead, one simple Nature undivided, as I proclaim: Father without beginning, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in throne, one lordship, equal Kingship, one everlasting Might.

You alone among women, pure Lady, were revealed as a marvellous and fearful thing. For you made nature new, conceiving without seed and still remaining as before a virgin; for the one born from you is true God.

Seeing you, upon the Cross, O powerful Lord, the great light was seized with fear withdrew and hid its rays; with dread the whole creation sang the praise of your longsuffering, for the earth too was filled with your praise.