Ode 8. The Irmos

Stretching out his hands Daniel closed the jaws of the lions in the den; while the Youths, lovers of true religion, girded with virtue, quenched the power of the fire as they cried: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

Stretching out your hands on the Cross, you gathered in all the nations, and revealed one Church, Master, which sings your praise, for those on earth and those in heaven who sing in harmony: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.

An Angel white as snow, blazing with the unapproachable light of the Resurrection, appeared to the women and cried out: Why do you seek the living as a mortal in the tomb: Christ has truly risen. To him let us cry: All you works, praise the Lord.

You alone in all generations, immaculate Virgin, were revealed as Mother of God; you became the lodging of the Godhead, O all-blameless, and were not burned by the fire of the unapproachable light; therefore we all bless you, Mary, Bride of God.

Another, of the Cross and Resurrection. The Offspring of the Mother of God.

When it saw your unjust slaughter creation, mute with sorrow, grieved; for when the earth was troubled, the sun wrapped itself in a deep black cloud as a garment; but we without ceasing praise and highly exalt you, O Christ, to the ages.

You came down to my aid as far as Hell, and made the resurrection a road for all; you went up once more, taking me on your shoulders, and brought me to the Father; therefore I cry to you: Praise the Lord his works, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

We glorify the first Mind and cause of all, the Father alone without cause, the Word without beginning, the Spirit, the Paraclete, one God and Lord and Maker of all, as we worship a Trinity one in nature and highly exalt it to all the ages.

Another, of the Mother of God. All-powerful Redeemer of all.

Having fashioned you from Adam’s side, he was incarnate from your virginity, the Lord of all, whom we praise as we cry out: All you his works, bless the Lord.

In a tent Abraham beheld the mystery which is in you, Mother of God, for he received your Son, not in the flesh, and sang: All you his works, bless, praise the Lord.

The pattern of your virginity saved those equal in number to the Trinity; for in virgin bodies they trampled down the flame, O Maiden, as they cried: Bless, praise the Lord.