Ode 7. The Irmos.

You turned the flame of the furnace to dew and saved the Youths unburned; blessed are you to the ages O Lord, the God of our Fathers.

I was stripped of the tunic of incorruption, but put on deeds of dishonour; and so I cry out to you, O merciful God: Make me bright with robes of virtues.

I have been defiled by intemperate eyes, I have been fouled the touch of incontinence, and I have become abominable before you, O Jesu: Accept me as the Prodigal.

Of the Martyrs.

Loving a greater life, you bore greater toils, O Foot Soldiers of Christ, godlike beacons; and so with faith we call you blessed.

Radiant with the beam of tortures, you blazed more brightly than the sun and you dispelled all the fog of godlessness, holy Martyrs.

As she who bore him who holds all things fast, release me from the fog of ignorance and sin which holds me fast, pure ever Virgin.

Of the Forerunner.

Lamp of the Sun shine on my soul, quenched and blinded by sloth, and guide me towards paths of repentance, O Baptist and Forerunner of the Lord.

As I think on the hour of the judgement I am wholly filled with fear, enveloped in a multitude of shameful deeds; Baptist of the Saviour, stand by me to deliver me from the fire that awaits me.

O Forerunner, defender of my life, my helper, guard and protect me from my enemies both visible and invisible, and make me a partaker in the Kingdom of heaven.

Virgin Mother of God, implore your Son, with Prophets, Apostles and Martyrs, to rescue us who ever honour you, from the duress to come.