Ode 8. Irmos

Of the Forerunner. Another Irmos.

The One before whom Angels and all the Hosts of heaven tremble as Creator and Lord, now praise you Priests, glorify him Young Men, bless him you peoples and highly exalt him to all the ages.

The cunning serpent with his wicked counsel rendered me naked of every kind of virtue. But now, my Saviour, who stripped bare all his wickedness, make me radiant with robes of virtue. ****

Judge most just, who come to judge the race of mortals in that fearsome hour, do not banish me, who have been condemned, to the fire of Gehenna, but have compassion and save me. ****

Of the Martyrs

All-honoured Athletes of the Lord, affliction, danger, sword nor fire parted you in any way from the love of Christ, who because of his compassion has loved us. ****

Locked in bodily combat body with a bodiless opponent, you threw him down, noble Athletes, and you dance with the Bodiless powers, healing the passions of our souls and bodies. ****

Having found you as a lily in the valleys of life, the Planter of all things dwelt in you, and now with sweet perfumes of virtue and honour he makes us fragrant, O Mother of God.

The one who saved the Youths who in the furnace sang his praise, and who changed the thunderous flame to dew, Christ our God, sing and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Alone above all those born on earth have I offended, alone have I become a transgressor of your laws, O Lord. Therefore through the Forerunner take pity on me and save me. ****

By your way of life, Baptist John, you were revealed to be an Angel, preaching the Angel of great counsel to the ends of the earth. Therefore we sing your praise to all the ages. ****

Your head was unjustly cut off, blest Saint, who plunged Christ’s head in the waters. By your prayers empower us all to trample under foot the destructive head of the deceiver. ****

Show us all, blest Saint, the paths that lead to the divine entrances, that as we tread them we may become heirs of the divine bridal chamber by your prayers. ****

Deliver me from foul sin, sin’s flame, punishing darkness, and the gnashing of teeth and the worm, O Virgin, only protection of the human race. ****