Ode 3. Irmos.

Of the Saint. The same Irmos.

You fixed the earth on nothing by your command, and raised it though ungovernably dragged down; establish your Church on the unshakeable rock of your commandments, O Christ, alone good and lover of humankind

The One, who by the abundance of goodness made flesh poor, enriched you who had become poor for him, glorious Apostles, as you enlighten the ends of the earth by divine and sacred knowledge.

I was wounded by the poisoned bite of the serpent and I have gained a wounded heart. Therefore I cry out to you, O Christ, who was wounded for me, ‘At the prayers of your Apostles, I pray, heal me and save me!’

In the net of your intercessions, All-blest Apostles, draw me up from the deep of the enemy’s evil, the tempest of thoughts and soul-slaying passions, and bring me, saved, to the God of all things.

Having received the heavenly Rain, with the Apostles implore him to stop the rains of my passions, dry up the ocean of my sin and save me who sincerely glorify you.

You blunted the arrows of the evil one, Venerable Saint, by the resistance of your godly toils;

but by your intercessions guard me from his wickedness and abuse, great and wise Nicolas.

Having displayed an angel’s life on earth, now with the Angels you stand in holiness before the throne of the Trinity asking for us release from our sins and temptations, Father and Hierarch Nicolas.

Drive away the dark clouds of my mind by your light-bearing prayers, Father Nicolas; abate the tempest of the passions; pilot me, Father, to the harbour of dispassion, I implore, that I may glorify you in praise.

You stand at Christ’s right hand as a Queen truly ‘arrayed in tasselled gold’, Maiden graced by God, by your prayers and mediation gaining for us the Kingdom of heaven.