Ode 7. Irmos

To the tune, The Youths brought up together

The Youths, who of old were clearly revealed as holy, entered the unbearable flame of the furnace as if it were a bridal chamber, and singing with one accord they raised the hymn, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’. [63]

Ο Though you are Master, my Jesu, you accepted a blow from a slave [64] , as you sought to free from my enslavement to the fiend [65] ; while nailed to the Cross you save me as I sing, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’.

Ν All creation was shaken [66] when you were crucified, compassionate Lord. When you were wounded by a lance, the enemy received an all-embracing [67] blow, but stricken Adam was made whole, crying out, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’.

Of the Martyrs

Τ The inspired army of Champions, walled about with the Cross, by grace utterly destroyed the battle lines of the foe, and received crowns of victory as they cried, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’.

Ο God’s Athletes, having valiantly made the choice of fire, you were not consumed when you encountered fire, but you burnt up all the evil fuel of impiety, as you cried out, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’.

Cross-Theotokion

Σ Your Offspring, O Virgin, wondrously gave birth to the ages, and raised up on the Cross he raised up with himself those who had fallen and declared them citizens of heaven, as they cried, ‘God of our Fathers, blessed are you’.

Another, of the Mother of God. Irmos.

P O Gate of light [68] , open to me the shining gates of repentance [69] , barring the entrances of pleasures by your prayers and chasing away my evil desires, that I may hymn and glorify your invincible power.

R With the drops of your compassion, all-pure Virgin, wash away the filth of my soul that afflicts through my inattention, and purify the eye of my mind, that with unceasing praises I may hymn your mighty deeds.

S Immaculate, All-blameless, who bore the Source of life, by your prayers give life to me who have been grievously put to death by the attacks of the demons, as I sing to your Son, ‘God of the Fathers, praised and highly glorified!’