Ode 8. Irmos

Of the Martyrs

“The God who came down into the furnace for the Hebrew Youths and changed the flame to dew, you his works, praise as Lord and highly exalt him to all the ages.”

Of the Bodiless Powers. Another Irmos .

Falling to the evil one, I have been enslaved by his wiles, and the deceiver boasts as he sees me in such loss. Snatch me from him, O Compassionate, the turning round of the deceived.

Loose me who am held fast by bonds of the passions of the body that cannot be unloosed, Christ Saviour of the world, who the bonds of those from every age, and guide me to run to the paths of salvation.

The creators of the passions have truly devised every wickedness against me. Blessed Martyrs, as imitators of the passion of Christ, rescue me from their harm.

Like the Youths of old you did bow the knee to graven images and were cast into the furnace of torments and appearing in a dew from God, you remained unburned, O Martyrs, as you sang the praise of Christ to the ages.

My wretched soul, Virgin Mother of God, has been weakened by many assaults of the evil one. By your strong prayers make it whole, that I may glorify you to the ages.

You established the Angels as images of your goodness, O Word, who fulfil your commands with strength and work with all who cry out with faith: Let all creation that has being praise the Lord and highly exalt him to all the ages.

You adorned the commonwealth of heaven with fruitful virtues, making it radiant with the hierarchies of Angels, accept, O Christ, this commonwealth which cries: Let all creation that has being praise the Lord and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Radiantly rejoicing, let us sing unceasingly the inspired song of the Bodiless Powers, and as we sing to our God and Master let us cry out with them this song: Let all creation that has being praise the Lord and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Uprightness itself, which wisely directs the universe, fittingly loved you, the all-unblemished and immaculate Mother of God, having beyond explanation made his dwelling in you, O All-pure. This we glorify: Let all creation that has being praise the Lord and highly exalt him to all the ages.