Ode 3. The Irmos.

Of the Angels. Same Irmos.

You came down from on high of your own will upon earth, who are above all rule, and exalted humble mortal nature from the lowest Hades; for none is holy but you, O Lover of mankind.

In the night of life the darkness of the passions has seized me, Christ God; unsetting Light, flood me then with rays of repentance; save me, Lover of mankind, that I may glorify you.

Declare me, O Christ, to be of the portion of the chosen, separating me O Saviour, from the opposing fate, when I have been cleansed by tears and deeds of mercy, that as is fitting I may always glorify you.

Of the Martyrs.

Truly you dyed your feet in your own blood and swiftly walked to heaven, leaving the earth with sin behind, O Martyrs, equals of the divine Powers.

Your twisted bodies were dissolved by tortures, Athletes of Christ, but the sinews of the soul were strengthened, indissolubly bound to the love of the Creator of all things by his will.

Lady Mary, as she who gave birth to the Lord of all, make free my mind, lorded over by the passions and blackened by wickedness, and make it radiant.

O Christ the Word, hymned by celestial choirs, make the gatherings of the faithful also devoutly imitate their ranks; for none is holy but you, O Lover of mankind.

With intensity of fervent love closely linked to the first source of all that is desired, you stand as ministers praising in never-silent hymns the one Essence without beginning of the Godhead, godly Archangels.

By bearing in your womb Christ, who crowns all with blessings, pure Mother, you clearly abolished the ancient curse of Eve; for none is help but you, Immaculate.