Ode 4. The Irmos.

Of the Forerunner. Another Irmos.

I heard your report, O God, and was afraid; I understood your works, said the Prophet, and I glorified your power.

I have been stripped of virtues and clothed myself in wickedness, and see, I am filled with shame; Jesu lover of mankind make me radiant with robes of godlike modesty.

By sailing my course with sloth, O Word, through the sea of the world I have fallen into the shipwreck of the pleasures of the body; direct me to the harbour of repentance.

Of the Martyrs.

The noble Martyrs truly purged the rottenness of sin with the salt of godly bravery and they won salvation for all.

Rolling upon the earth like stones the Champions utterly crushed the strongholds of error. At their intercessions, Lord, save us.

At every time, in every place I call you my salvation, do not despise me, All-spotless, who bore God, my Redeemer and my Saviour.

Knowing you to be like the turtle-dove heralding the spring of truth for the world with words of utter truth, we call you blessed, revered Forerunner.

As mediator of the Old and New Testaments, by your intercessions, renew me wholly, who am crushed by the crafts of the deceiver, O Forerunner.

In the desert you dwelt with a blameless life; by your godly intercessions renew my mind become a desert through every transgression, O Forerunner.

Your Son has been acknowledged as our pardon and redemption; implore him to save those who with compunction of soul call you blessed