Ode 4. Irmos.

Σ You endured stripes [31] and blows, [32] O Christ, when you were crucified, so healing those of my heart. You tasted bitter gall, [33] so taking away the destructive harm of tasting that gives pleasure.

To the tune: Rod out of Jesse’s root.

Μ When you were lifted up on the Cross, [34] you drew near to you [35] the nations that been banished far from you. You reconciled [36] us to the Father, O Long-suffering, placing yourself in the midst as a Mediator, [37] undergoing shameful suffering in the midst of the earth. [38]

Wondrous Avvakoum of old heard your report, O Christ, and cried out in fear, ‘O God, you will come from Theman, and O Holy One from a shaded, wooded mountain to save your anointed ones. Glory to your power, O Lord!’ [30]

Of the Martyrs.

Α The spiritual [39] Pharao perished when he fell with all his hosts into the mystical sea of your blood, [40] Martyrs blessed by God, and, so saved for the land of promise, [41] you have become citizens of heaven.

Ι Fortified by the strength of Christ, they accepted the blessed passion, sufferings of many kinds in their honoured flesh; and so they put an end to passions of the souls and bodies of those who celebrate them and at every moment call them blessed.

Cross-Theotokion.

Τ As she who gave you birth, O Christ, watched your unjust slaughter, she cried out to you with grief, ‘My Son, just Judge, why have you been unjustly condemned, who wish to justify those who had been formerly condemned and slipped down into corruption.

Another, of the Mother of God. Irmos.

H Cloud filled with light [42] , who bore the sun of righteousness [43] , Jesus the giver of life and God, shed light on my soul, which is in a night of sin and blinded by the darkening of pleasures.

Q Snatch me from being hunted and destroyed by demons who always seek treacherously to do me evil, Mother of God, ready help of Christians, respite of the afflicted, all-blameless Sovereign Lady.

I The Lord, to whom you gave birth from your pure blood, pure Virgin, is my strength and my song [44] . Therefore implore him continually that your servant may be kept pure in soul and body.