Ode 1. Tone 4. Irmos.

Through the Red Sea’s deep the Israel of old marched dryshod, and by Moses’ hands, outstretched in the form of a cross, routed the power of Amalek in the wilderness.

Another Canon, of St Nicholas, whose acrostic is:

The glorious Apostles of Christ as the godly instruments of the Paraclete, ever guided by his divine inspiration, truly sang for us a saving melody.

Glorious Eye-witnesses of Christ make me, who lie on a bed of sloth and whose soul is harshly subject to the deadly disease of sin, worthy of your visitation.

O Apostles who by reason destroyed the unreason of the nations, enlighten with the grace of the Paraclete my heart, fearfully darkened by irrational deeds.

Virgin who remained incorrupt after child-birth when you bore beyond reason the One who for us appeared on earth, implore him to enlighten our souls.

This is the fourth song for Nicholas. Joseph.

As you have inherited the life without sorrow, Blessed one, and are ever full of spiritual joy, dispel from my soul every sorrow I pray, that with  joy I may glorify you, holy Father Nicholas.

You have been placed as a lamp on a lampstand of lofty virtues shedding light on the hearts of the faithful, O High Priest Nicholas; therefore I beg you dispel the darkness of my soul with the rays of your prayers.

The sea of this corruptible life is filled for me with temptations of every kind; so I y to you and cry: May I have you as my helmsman to guide me, by your prayers, through the tempest to calm.

As you have gained unsleeping intercession, O Pure One, put to sleep the passions of our soul by your sacred mediation, granting godly and saving awakening for the fulfilment of God’s will.