Ode 5. The Irmos.

Of the Saint. Another Irmos.

Lord my God, from nightfall I watch at dawn and implore you: grant me forgiveness of offences, and direct my ways to the light of your commandments I pray.

Lord my God, who of old gave peace to your Apostles, at their supplications give peace to all and forgiveness of offences.

Lord my God, who through your surpassing goodness saved the Thief and the Harlot who had sinned, pity me too and save me at the prayers of the Apostles.

Lord my God, born of a Maiden who knew not wedlock, at her supplications and those of your Apostles, give me redemption of offences and deliver me from the eternal punishment to come.

At dawn my spirit rises. Ὀρθρίζει τὸ πνεῦμά μου.

The purposes of savage men, which are ever directed against us, render ineffectual, Father Nicholas, by your intercessions.

All-holy Nicholas, break open the bonds of our evils by your prayers, who bound the evil of the soul-destroying dragon.

We, who are ever slipping downwards of our own accord and are held by a multitude of dread deeds, have obtained you, Father Nicholas, as our most fervent defender.

Mary Mother of God, Lady of all creation, rescue my humble heart from the foe who shamelessly seeks to be its lord.