Ode 1. Tone 1. Irmos.

To the tune of ‘Christ is born’. [8]

Σ When you were hung upon the Cross, O Christ, you raised up fallen humankind and smashed all the power of the enemy. Therefore I praise your suffering in song, O Word who suffered and saved me from passions.

Delivered from bitter slavery, Israel crossed the impassable as on dry land. Seeing the enemy drowning, as to a benefactor he sang a hymn to God who works wonders with uplifted arm, for he has been glorified. [9]

Τ You are Lord of glory, [10] who crowned humanity with thorns of glory, that you, O Planter, might make our thorn-bearing [11] nature fruitful with godly deeds.

Of the Martyrs

Α An all-holy company of Saints competed lawfully, sanctified the whole creation in the streams of their blood and, in God the Father, abolished the foul sacrifices offered to demons.

Υ Thick clouds of torments did not conceal your courageous struggles, all-holy Martyrs. Therefore, glorious Saints, you appeared more brilliant than the rays of the sun as you blazed with saving radiance.

Cross-Theotokion

Ρ You were wounded with a sword, [12] O All-pure, as you saw the passion of your Son, saw him pierced with the lance [13] and shutting out the sword in Paradise that barred the way [14] and gave no godly entrance to the faithful.

Another Canon to the most holy Mother of God. Its Acrostic is the Alphabet.

A Having found you as a holy precinct [15] , the most holy Word dwelt in your womb, O Immaculate, granting sanctification and enlightenment, and redemption from sins to those who honour you. [16]

B As you gave birth to the grape cluster of life, which is a fount of saving wine, in compassion make me, darkened by the drunkenness of sin, sober, and lead me in straight paths.

G Do not despise me, Sovereign Lady, who ever stumble by my own will, am dragged down by evil thoughts, madly ensnared and easily quite overmastered by my foes.