Ode 3. The Irmos.

‘My heart is established in the Lord, who grants the prayer of him who prays; for He has weakened the mighty bow, and the weak are girded with power.’

**Theotokion.**

Willingly you were lifted up on the tree, O Word, and seeing it the rocks were rent, and all creation was shaken, and the dead arose from the graves as from sleep.

When all the souls of the just saw you coming to Hell with your soul, O Word, they were released from their eternal chains as they hymned your power beyond understanding.

Why are you amazed? Why with spices do you seek the Master in a grave, O Women? He has risen, and has raised the world with himself, cried the dazzling Angel to the Myrrhbearers.

As Life and the source of immortality you sat down by the source, O Merciful, and filled with your all-wise streams the Woman of Samaria who asked and hymned you.

One God in Trinity is hymned over all, the Father, Son and divine Spirit, whom the armies of heaven glorify in fear, as they clearly cry out: Holy, Holy, Holy, are you to the ages.

Beyond explanation you conceived in the womb, O Virgin Mother, and beyond understanding and reason you gave birth to the God of all things, remaining a Virgin as before child-birth, O Bride of God.