Ode 3. The Irmos.

Of the Bodiless Powers. The same Irmos.

Lord who constructed heaven’s vault and builder of the Church, establish me in your love, the pinnacle of all desires, the firm foundation of the faithful, only lover of humankind.

With what eyes shall I, who have not done one of your commandments on earth, look on you then, Christ Saviour? How shall I take my stand by your unbearable throne to give an account of my measureless wickednesses?

Having opened the arms of your pity, as once you received the Prodigal, receive me, enslaved in like manner to dishonourable passions, and alienated far from you, Jesu, only Lover of humankind and supremely good.

Of the Martyrs.

Rooted on the rock of the knowledge of God, Martyrs of Christ and Champions, with the sword of the faith you uprooted the thorns of ignorance and harvested the fruits of your contest.

Now let the Martyrs be praised, the unshakeable towers of the true faith, the far-famed adornments of the Church, the fairest rams of Christ’s flock, willingly sacrificed.

I have gained you as a guard in temptations, O All-holy, I have you as unsleeping protection after God; Oh that may I find you, O All-pure, delivering me from every condemnation on the day of judgement.

Revealed, Chief Captains, as Leaders of the angelic host, you are adorned with gifts of many kinds; guard Christ’s Church safely by your protection.

Godlike Archangels, as far-famed sentinels of God, crowned with the beauty of orthodoxy, now deliver the fullness of the faithful with the weapon of his good pleasure.

You became the godlike tabernacle of undefiled life, who alone from eternity were revealed as pure, O Virgin Mother; and so, All-blameless, guide me now to life from the shadow of death by your prayers.