Ode 9. The Irmos.

Of the Saint. Another Irmos.

The choirs of Martyrs and Apostles have you in the midst as the brightest lamp, shining with the light of gifts from God, they shine with immaterial light and enlighten all who magnify you in faith.

You did not bear child by experience of corruption and lent your flesh to the Word who devised all, Mother who knew not man, Virgin Mother of God, vessel of the uncontainable, place of your infinite Fashioner, we magnify you.

All the strength of the ruler of the world has been abolished, for armed with the strength of the All-mighty the all-blest and godlike Apostles destroyed his battle lines and saved all the ends of the earth from his wickedness.

As rivers of the grace that springs from the Spirit, overflowing with the waters of divine teachings, you watered all creation, Apostles, and with all wisdom made it fruitful; therefore you are ever blest.

With the honoured Apostles let us hymn the holy Victors and let us cry: Master, Lord, at their supplications and those of the honoured Apostles, give peace to the world and free it from every kind of danger.

The earth is hallowed by the holy relics of the far-famed Apostles in the divine Spirit; but the Church above is ceaselessly made bright by the spirits of these first-born; through whom, Saviour, take pity on us all.

The Mother beyond nature. Τὴν ὐπὲρ φύσιν.

Having followed in the footsteps of the ways of the holy Apostles, you inherited their authority as an honoured Hierarch, holy Nicholas.

The Maker declared you, All-blest, a zealot inspired and famed helper in all the world of those who fervently call on you.

With humbled heart we cry to you, Father: Be our comfort, Nicholas; without ceasing scatter the troubles of our souls.

The cutting off of death is laid to you, O soul, like the axe to the tree; do not then be heedless, be fervent to display fruits of repentance.

You bear in your hands him who bears all things; implore him, O Pure one, to save us unworsted by the wickedness of the opponent.