Ode 1. The same Irmos.**

**Theotokion.**

The boundary of death you forced open, all-pure Virgin, by bearing Christ the eternal Life, who shone out to-day from the tomb, and enlightened the world.

Having seen your Son and God risen from the dead, you rejoice with the Apostles, O holy and full of grace, and as cause of the joy of all, O all-pure Mother of God, you first received the greeting ‘Rejoice’.

O only King, who perform signs and do marvels, as merciful you willingly underwent the Cross; having put death to death by death, you have given us life.

At Christ’s Rising let us dance with faith today, O peoples: Hell has been despoiled; rapidly he gave up the prisoners he held, as they hymned the wonderful works of God.

O Christ, who once with divine power braced the limbs of the paralytic by your word and ordered him who had been weak for many years to take up his bed, heal my fearsomely sick soul.

Once the Angel would come down into the Sheep Pool and cure one person each year; but now by divine Baptism Christ cleanses unnumbered multitudes.

Prince of Angels, Chief Captain of the ministers on high, protect, and guard those who have come together in your venerable temple and who sing God’s praises.

With the Bodiless ones let us ceaselessly sing the praise of God without beginning in three persons but one nature, Father, Word, Spirit, with kingdom and might undivided.

O holy one, ever save this your city, which honours you, from dangers, capture by aliens, civil war, the sword and every other threat.

The day of Resurrection. ****