Ode 6. Irmos

S The bones of my wretched soul have been crushed, and I am bowed down by the weight of many pleasures. Help me, O Christ, the only hope of all.

I imitate the Prophet Jonas as I cry, ‘Free my life from corruption, good Lord, and save me, Saviour of the world, as I cry, ‘Glory to you!’ [44]

E Fallen into an ocean of dread deeds and the tempest of the passions, I cry out, ‘All-powerful Christ, bring me up with your mighty hand, and save me.’ [45]

Revealed as a tabernacle of sanctification [47] , Mary, sanctify my wretched soul, befouled by pleasures, and make a partaker in divine glory.

Of the Martyrs

M A myriad multitude of holy Athletes trampled underfoot myriads of spiritual foes and were united with the myriads of heavenly Minds.

O Having dried up the deep of godlessness, O Athletes, you were filled with the torrent of delight, and so dry up the out-pourings [46] of my sins.

Of the Forerunner. The same Irmos.

O Baptist, who on earth proclaimed repentance [48] , show me ways of repentance that guide me to the light, and deliver me from the chasms of error.

W As you plunged the abyss [49] in the river’s streams, dry up the abysses of my passions by granting me showers of tears, Forerunner, herald of Christ.

N Forerunner of the Lord, save me from diseases of the soul, passions of the flesh, the difficulties of life, and trials and afflictions of every kind.

T I earnestly entreat you, the Mother of God and fair among women, do not despise me, Pure Lady, but take pity and keep me safe from every harm.