Ode 5. Irmos.

Of the Bodiless Powers. Same Irmos.

O Christ, who enlightened the ends of the world by the brightness of your coming, and made them radiant by your Cross, enlighten with the light of your divine knowledge the hearts of those who hymn you with right belief.

I have fallen under the corruption of the passions, and I quail at your just tribunal, just Judge; and so I implore you, strengthen me to do good deeds which justify me.

You know the hidden and secret things of my heart, my God and Fashioner and Lord; do not condemn me at the hour of judgement, when you come to judge the universe.

Of the Martyrs.

The Saints, as they entered the fire, showed the ardour of their inspired love; therefore, bedewed with the expectation of things to come, the God-bearing Martyrs rejoiced.

Spurred on by hope of good things, the Martyrs most courageously endured the mangling of their limbs, and with the cords of their unyielding endurance throttled the resourceful foe.

A mouth skilled in speech will not be able to expound the ineffable wonder of your child-bearing, Bride of God; for you bear him who is beyond explanation, and carry in your arms him who grasps the universe in his hand.

On fire with divine love, the Dominions, Authorities and Powers, those of second rank, with never silent voices sing the praise of one divine Essence and Power.

The ranks of Archangels, with the numberless regiments of Angels and Principalities, are ranged in order by the Spirit, clearly instructed to reverence one illuminating Essence in three Realities.

You were made lovelier than all the glory of Angels, for you conceived their Maker and Lord, immaculate Mother of God, and bore him ineffably incarnate from your blood.