Ode 9. Irmos.

Exapostilarion. Women hear.

Of the Bodiless Powers. Same Irmos.

Theotokion. Same melody.

The burning bush, that was not consumed, was a type of your child-bearing; quench for us now the raging furnace of temptations we pray, O Mother of God, that we may unceasingly magnify you.

Like the Woman of Canaan I cry to you: Have mercy on me, O Word, for I have a soul which is endangered by demonic assaults, and foolishly does unlawful things, and has no perception of your divine fear, O Long-suffering.

Fix the foundations of my soul on the rock of your commands, Lord, and trip up the serpent who shamelessly wishes to trip me up, and deliver me from his villainy, as you are good and full of mercy.

Of the Martyrs.

You have already passed through the insubstantial water of temptations and the tempest of harsh torments, and you have clearly reached the haven of the Kingdom above and enjoy divine calm.

You became luminous, O Martyrs, and have been found worthy of the light that knows no evening. You exult in the Church of the first-born and rejoice with the choirs of Angels; with them implore the Giver of life on our behalf.

You carry him who carries all things and give suck to him who nourishes all things; great and fearful is your mystery beyond understanding, Ark of august sanctification, Virgin Mother of God; therefore with faith we call you blessed.

As initiates of your ineffable glory, O Saviour, you gave existence to the bodiless Minds. Now through them guard your people who have recourse to you in faith and love, that without ceasing we may ever magnify you, the Master.

As you are the origin of peace and love, Almighty Lord, you appoint an Angel of peace to protect your flock, to guard the rational faith and to destroy all heresies by your power.

Plant in your Churches, Master, praised as all sweetness, the sweet radiance of the things of heaven, and give them a well-ordered estate, that without ceasing we may magnify you, the Saviour.

Now serried bands of Angels, O all-pure, with never silent voices honour your Offspring. Those who contemplate them as they stand in ordered ranks are filled with their joys and without ceasing magnify you, the Mother of God.

Archangels and Angels, Principalities and Dominions, Powers and Authorities and Thrones, many-eyed Cherubim and now also six-winged Seraphim, intercede for us to be rescued from dangers and from the unquenchable fire.

You are my defender, O All-pure, and my strong rampart, and defence of the world, and as I fall before you, I cry: O Virgin, rescue me from pains, and snatch me from the eternal fire, for I have put my trust in you.