Ode 9. The Irmos.

Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, who has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, through the compassion of his mercy, by which he, the Dayspring from on high has visited us, and guided us into the way of peace.

See, an acceptable time and a day of mercy; be willing to turn back then, O soul, producing the fruit of repentance, lest the fearful axe of death find you fruitless, and like the fig tree of old cut you down and cast you into fire in the other world.

As once the Rich Man I delight myself with pleasures and have no compassion at all for my neighbour; and so, Master, wash my stony soul that even at the end I who am darkened may shine with compassion.

Of the Martyrs.

Godly Martyrs of Christ, signed in blood, you steadfastly by signs wounded unbelieving foes and snatched many peoples from impious error with godly conversions, made radiant with the light of the knowledge of God.

You appeared as sharpened swords cutting down the ranks of the foe, godly Athletes of Christ, and as vessels containing the gleam of the Holy Trinity, and as torches afire with the light of true religion by faith, and as true foot soldiers of the spiritual glory.

The prophet foresaw you as the cloud of light from which appeared the great Sun, Christ God, and enlightened things which before were darkened; implore him then, good Lady, to dispel the clouds of my passions and to make me bright with divine light.

Of the Forerunner.

Emerging from the shadow of the law, you richly contemplated the radiance of divine grace, which leads all the fullness of the to the light, wise Prophet, and dispels the darkness of ignorance; therefore we honour you.

As Martyr of Christ, Baptist of God, lamp of repentance, dawn of true religion, mediator of the old and new testaments, through divine knowledge make new my lowly soul, made old by wickedness, and lead it to the light.

At the dread hour, at the fearful hour, at the hour of sentence deliver me, wise Forerunner, as I am being judged, from the threat that awaits me there, for you have, as his friend, one who answers your requests, the Bridegroom, the Saviour of our souls.

As Mother of God, as Mother of the Word of God who was born from you, with the Bodiless Powers, Apostles, Prophets, High Priests and Martyrs, beseech him ever to give peace to the world, All-holy Virgin Mother.