AT VESPERS

**At** Lord, I have cried **Prosomia.**

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

Tone 4.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Rightly you practised unsullied virginity and were betrothed rejoicing to the Maker; you rejected passing pleasure, glorious Saint, and unflinchingly led the ascetic life; and having finished your course you were found worthy of the heavenly bridal chamber, where you implore that to those who honour you may be given grace and mercy.

You slew your body by self-mastery, blessed Saint, and adorned and made ready your soul and perfected it as a dwelling for the Spirit; and you were mystically united to your Bridegroom and Creator. Intercede with him that those who celebrate with love your holy memory may be delivered from corruption and dangers.

You transformed the beauty of your body, blessed and glorious Saint, to the highest rank, abandoning the passing world and making yourself lovely with the radiance of virtues; and you have been revealed as a resting-place and pleasure of the Lord. We hymn you, holy mother, with spiritual songs.

As I sail by sea, travel by road, sleep by night, watch over me; give me the grace of a watchful mind, All-blameless, and grant that I may do the Lord’s will; that on the day of sentence I may find release from all that I have done in life, I who flee to your protection.

When the Ewe-lamb, your Mother, saw you nailed to the Cross, Lord, she was struck with amazement, and cried out: What is this sight, my Son so greatly loved? Is this how the disobedient, lawless people repays your many wonders? But glory, Master, to your ineffable condescension!