Ode 9. The Irmos.

Of the Forerunner. Another Irmos.

He has shown strength with his arm. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble; the God of Israel, the Dayspring from on high, has visited us and directed us in the way of peace.

See, the mystical bridal chamber has been opened, the wise are trimming their lamps with the oil of virtues and radiant are entering; cast off the sleep of sloth, O soul, that you may enter with Christ bearing your lamp.

Like the Harlot I grasp your feet in spirit and wash them with my tears, O Word; wash me clean of the filth of the passions, O Saviour, as you say to me also: Your faith has saved you, that I may hymn your measureless compassion.

Of the Martyrs.

The Martyrs, with heart and soul that leap for joy, dwell in realms above, having obtained forever the marks of Christ as a fair adornment, and for us they entreat peace, the removal of dangers and release from faults.

Godly Athletes, every place which in dangers has obtained your relics like a second Ark of Israel is made holy; while Heaven rejoices with the Bodiless Powers for it has obtained your souls, blessed Martyrs.

Lover of goodness, Maiden who bore God the lover of goodness, make my soul good, I cry, which has been dreadfully harmed by the passions and the evil devices of the deceiver, that with faith I may sing praise you, the hope of all.

My strength and my song is Christ the Lord; implore Him, blest Forerunner, to strengthen me against the passions and every assault of the boaster that guided successfully I may hymn you who work God’s will.

Fair turtle-dove and sweet-voiced swallow you have been revealed, godlike Forerunner, harbinger of Christ the divine spring; beseech him that I may be delivered from the soul-destroying winter and the tempest of sin I implore you.

By leaping in your mother’s womb you revealed him who shone from a Virgin; implore him to slay the leapings of the flesh which slay me and to fill my heart with joy, that I may hymn you, godlike Forerunner.

Merciless is the judgement, O soul, for those who do not show mercy; see, take care, put oil in your lamp which can keep you unsleeping; the Bridegroom is at hand, watch lest you have your purpose quenched.

Lover of goodness, Mother of God who gave birth to God the lover of goodness, ask him to deliver me from every evil and to ravish my heart with love of him and hate the pleasures of the flesh, that I may praise you the All-praised.