Ode 3. Make my barren mind.

Wholly beside myself, I attached myself in madness to the inventors of passions. But accept me, O Christ, like the Profligate.

**Theotokion**

Imitating the words of the Profligate I cry aloud, ‘I have sinned, Father’. Like him now embrace me too and do not reject me.

Open wide your arms, O Christ, and in compassion receive me as I return from a far country of sin and passions.

O lovely among women, enrich me too, reduced to poverty by many sins, pure Virgin, with notions of what is fair and lovely, that I may glorify you.

Make my barren mind produce fruit, O God, husbandman of what is lovely and planter of good things, in your compassion.

**Kathisma. Tone 1. The soldiers watching.**

Make haste and open to me your fatherly embrace. Like the Profligate I have squandered my whole livelihood. As I look to the inexhaustible wealth of your mercy, do not now despise my beggared heart, for to you, Lord, with compunction I cry, ‘I have sinned against you. Save me!’

**The Same.**

Pure Virgin Mother of God without bridegroom, the only guardian and protection of the faithful, deliver from dangers, afflictions and dread circumstances all who have their hopes on you, O Maiden, and by your godly intercessions save our souls.