Ode 4. Irmos.

**Theotokion.**

When she saw you, the Sun of justice, lifted up on the Cross, the Church stood in her rank, and fittingly cried out: Glory to your power, O Lord.

When you broke open the gates of death by your power you made known the ways of life, and opened the gates of immortality to those who cry in faith: Glory to your power, O Lord.

You hold the mid-point of all things and their end, and as you are without beginning you hold their beginning in your grasp. You stood in the midst and cried out: Come, all who think godly thoughts and enjoy his gifts!

As God, O Christ, you have authority over all, as powerful you destroyed the might of death, and you promised to send the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father.

Mother who knew not wedlock, richly you pour out grace on those who hymn you and the eternal Word who was born of you, as you ask for them forgiveness of offences, O Immaculate.

The prophet Avvakum.

If the Messias must come; but the Messias is Christ, lawless ones, why do you not believe him? See, he has come and what he does bears witness: he made water wine and braced the paralytic with a word.

Not understanding the Scriptures, you are all in error, lawless Hebrews: for Christ has truly come and enlightened all, and among you he has shown many signs and wonders; and vainly you deny true life.

One work I showed you and you all marvel, cried Christ to the Jews: you yourselves circumcise a man even on the Sabbath, he says: why then do you attack me for raising a paralytic with a word?

I have done many works, and for which work do you stone me? Christ cried out, as he reproached the Jews. Was it because I made a man whole with a word? Humans, do not judge by appearances.

O Christ, the offspring of the Father’s nature, working with the Spirit in the Apostles and resting in the Prophets, you have led all the nations to knowledge of you through your signs.

Trinity undivided Unity, Father without beginning, Son and Holy Spirit; Trinity in Unity; God, in honour the same, coequal in majesty, life-giving, uncreated save those who hymn you, and deliver them from dangers and troubles.

In your womb, Bride of God, pure Virgin-mother, you contained God, yet he was not circumscribed. Do not cease to intercede for us, that we may be delivered from troubles; for we ever flee to you for refuge.

The Prophet Avvakum, O Lord, foresaw your coming with the eyes of the mind, and therefore he cried out: God will come from Theman. Glory to you, O Christ, glory to your condescension.