Ode 5. The Irmos.

You, Lord, my light, came into the world, a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance those who sing your praise in faith.

You came down to earth in your compassion, Lord; you raised up fallen human nature when you were hung upon a Tree.

You have took away the accusation of my faults, O Christ; you abolished the pains of death, O Merciful, by your Resurrection.

You we thrust forward as an unbreakable weapon against foes; we have gained you as anchor and hope of our salvation, O Bride of God.

Another, of the Cross and Resurrection. The universe was amazed.

Foolish Hell received you entire in its mouth, for as it had watched you nailed to a Tree, pierced by a lance it reckoned the lifeless living God to be a mere mortal; but when put to the test he knew the strength of your Divinity.

The tomb, which took possession of the temple of your body, Lover of mankind, when it was destroyed, and Hell were both forced to pay the penalty; the latter by disgorging the souls of the Saints, the former their bodies. O Immortal.

See, what the Prophet foretold has now been fulfilled; for you, Virgin who knew not wedlock, carried in your womb the God over all, and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives peace as the prize to all who sing your praise.

Another, of the Mother of God. Now I will arise.

The Son of God dwelt in you, Pure Virgin, made you for us a House of glory, holy Mountain of God, bride, bridal chamber, temple of sanctification, and Paradise of eternal delight.

From virgin blood, O Christ, you took flesh, without seed, immaculate and empersonned, rational and intelligent, endowed with life, activity and will, its own master and self determined.

A virgin womb has shamed the tyrant’s plot; for a babe has searched out with his hand the soul-destroying hole of asps, overthrown the boastful rebel and subjected him under the feet of the faithful.