Ode 7. Irmos.

Of the Martyrs

“When the golden image was being worshipped on the plain of Deira, your three Youths trampled down the godless decree; cast into the midst of fire, refreshed with dew they sang: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.”

Of the Bodiless Powers. Another Irmos.

Through the twistings of my mind and the assaults of demons I have become far from your arms, like the Prodigal, filled with every shame. But now I turn back and cry out, like him: I have sinned. Do not despise, Jesu, who were made flesh for my sake.

O God of all, you saved the Nivevites of old under a threat that gave birth to death when they repented. In the same way, only Lover of mankind, deliver from dread punishment my heart, befouled by excess of sin, that now turns back.

The malefactor who planned to wound you was grievously wounded, godlike Martyrs, blessed by God, and he remains unhealed; but your wounds have appeared as healing for all believers, who have been wounded by the assaults of the one who tripped us up of old.

You were not terrified by savage wild beasts, threats of tyrants, cutting swords, or instruments like saws; but you endured all as in a body not your own, Great Martyrs, and so you won your crowns.

Your womb, immaculate Maiden, Bride of God, became a dwelling for the immaterial light, that lessens our godlessness with rays of the knowledge of God, whose praise we sing as we cry: Blessed are you, the God of our fathers.

Youths were revealed.

As they ever dance around the throne of the ineffable glory, the heavenly Minds sing with bodiless voices: Our most high God and God of our fathers, blessed are you.

When the ranks of Angels saw you being carried up to heaven with your flesh, they lifted up the heavenly gates for you, as they sang: Our most high God and God of our fathers, blessed are you.

Gabriel revealing you, O Maiden, to be the summit of the Law and the Prophets, cried out: See, you alone All-praised and blessed are giving birth to our most high God and God of our fathers.