Ode 1. Tone 6. Irmos.

’The One, who of old hid the pursuing tyrant with the waves of the sea, the Children of those he saved have hidden beneath the earth; but let us, like the young maidens, sing to the Lord, for he has been greatly glorified’. (**Twice**)

To you in fear the gates of death stand open and the everlasting bars are shattered; for at your revered descent the dead of old have risen up and with joy, O Christ, they sing your Resurrection.

Today the company of the godly Fathers radiantly feasts in anticipation Christ’s Nativity and traces the wonder of this grace: for Abraham and the Youths are a symbol of the Law.

Of old holy Abraham entertained the one Godhead in three persons; while now the Word, enthroned with the Father and the divine Spirit, comes forth for the Youths, and he is greatly praised.

Abraham was delivered from an unjust hand, the godly Youths from the flame of the furnace and the Prophet Daniel from the wild beats and the den. And so they now feast in anticipation Christ’s Nativity.

In number and faith of the divine Trinity the Youths in the furnace overthrew godlessness and in symbols revealed beforehand to the world the mysteries of God that were to be.

O full of grace, Mother without bridegroom, Virgin undefiled, we call you blessed, for you blossomed from the race of Abraham and the tribe of David, and you have given birth to Christ who was proclaimed of old by the Prophets.