Ode 4. Irmos.

Christ God, who did not leave the Father’s bosom and who came down to earth, I have heard of the mystery of your dispensation and I have glorified you, only Lover of humankind.

The innocent Master who was incarnate from a Virgin, having given his own back to the scourges of a fallen slave, is maltreated, abolishing the charges against me.

The One who as God fashioned humankind and who judges the whole earth with justice, standing before a tribunal of lawless judges, is examined like a culprit and struck by a hand of clay.

As truly Mother of God, implore your Maker and Son to direct me, O all-blameless, to the saving harbour of his glorious will.

Another. Of Cross and Resurrection.

The Prophet, O Christ.

O Lord, who do not know sin, because of which you became what you were not, you took a form that was another’s, that you might save the world and lure the tyrant and slay him.

You were hung upon a cross, O Lord, and, having abolished the sin of our forefather Adam, you filled our foremother with joy; because you had come to save all your anointed.

Born from a Virgin, you die, but you give life to Adam, who had been led astray of his own accord; for death too quailed at your strength, when you came to save all who had been corrupted.

Another, of the Mother of God.

Christ God, who did not leave.

Wholly chosen and fair, you appeared to God before creation; by the splendour of the light that pours from you make radiant those who sing your praise.

Pure Virgin Mother, for mortals you gave birth to God, incarnate from your pure blood, who redeems from many faults those who love honour you and sing your praise.

Rational nature, now initiated into the ineffable mystery of your child-bearing, ministers as priest to the One who dawned from you, O All-praised.