Ode 4. The Irmos.

Avvakoum with foreseeing eyes perceived you as a mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, from which, he foretold, the Holy one of Israel would come, for our salvation and refashioning.

Who is this Saviour who comes from Edom, crowned with thorns, his garments reddened, hanging on a tree? This is the Holy one of Israel, for our salvation and refashioning.

See, disobedient people, and be ashamed! The One whom you insanely begged Pilate to hang upon a cross as a malefactor has abolished the power of death, and in a manner fitting God has risen from the tomb.

We know you to be the tree of life, O Virgin; for from you there did not bud the fruit which bore death when eaten, but the enjoyment of eternal life for the salvation of us who sing your praise.

Another, of Cross and Resurrection.

Rod out of Jesse’s root.

Who is this fair one from Edom, and the scarlet of his garments from the vine of Bosor? He is fair as God and as a mortal he has reddened his robe with the blood of his flesh. To him we faithful sing, Glory to your power, O Lord!

Christ, appearing as high priest of the blessings to come, scattered our sin, and, showing a strange way by his blood, he hastened into a greater and more perfect tabernacle, our forerunner into the Holy Place.

You paid the ancient debt of Eve, O All-praised, by the new Adam who was made manifest for our sake. For uniting to himself from a pure conception rational and animate flesh Christ came forth from you, Lord over both natures.

Another, of the Mother of God.

Avvakoum with foreseeing eyes.

Hear wonders, O heaven, take note, O earth, for a daughter of the earthly, fallen Adam has been declared God’s daughter, and mother of her own Creator, for our salvation and refashioning.

We praise your great and awe-inspiring mystery; for unknown to the Captains of the armies beyond the world, the One Who Is came down upon you, like dew upon a fleece, O All-praised, for our salvation and refashioning.

All-praised Mother of God, Holy of Holies, expectation of the nations, salvation of the faithful, from you has dawned the redeemer and Giver of life and Lord. Entreat him that your servants may be saved.