Ode 9. Irmos

Ω When of old he saw you hung upon a Tree, O Saviour, who hung the earth on limitless waters [75] , the good Thief cried out to you with faith, ‘Remember’. [76] With him we devoutly glorify your sufferings.

To the tune, A strange and wonderful mystery.

Σ When crucified you shook the foundations of the earth; pierced by a lance you poured out drops of immortality, blood and water [77] , through which you purified humanity of passions, O Jesu, whom fittingly we magnify.

Ineffable is the mystery of the Virgin. For she has been revealed as heaven, the cherubim throne [73] and the light-bearing bridal chamber [74] of Christ, God the Almighty. As Mother of God her we devoutly magnify.

Of the Martyrs

We hymn and with faith we worship the divine Cross, the invincible weapon, the support of the Faith. As is fitting we proclaim aloud the great refuge, the boast of Christians, the guardian of the Orthodox, the glory of the Champions.

Η The Saints rejoiced in their torments, urging themselves forward as to enjoyment. ‘Let us take our stand!’ [78] cried the heroes, ‘See, the stadium is open. Christ now holds out crowns for those he has loved’.

Cross of my Christ, great weapon of the Orthodox, victory of Sovereigns, defeat of demons, protect those who worship you in faith and give us your grace.

Φ The whole throng of believers is radiant as it honours the contests of all the invincible Martyrs, the ten thousand pains, through which they were found worthy of delight without pain, of life and unending contentment.

Those who with all devotion and undoubting hearts worship the Cross and sufferings of your Son, Mother of God, show to be citizens of Paradise and partakers in glory.

Cross-Theotokion

Φ Maiden, who bore ineffably the Word who loves humankind, when you saw him suffering willingly for humanity, you cried, ‘What is this? God, who knows no passion, endures his Passion, that he may deliver from passions those who worship him with faith’.

Another, of the Mother of God. Irmos.

X Rejoice, you that gave birth to joy! Rejoice, you that alone make grief disappear! Rejoice, you that dispel the clouds from our souls and illuminated with spiritual light those who with faith and love, O Mother of God, magnify you!

Y Dry up all the outpourings [79] of my passions, O All-pure, and parch the limitless deep of my sins, for you gave birth to a saving rain, a river of peace and a great sea of compassion.

W You appeared as a place of healing without payment for all who have been wounded and are sick with despair, O Immaculate, as a haven of salvation for those storm-tossed on the sea of life, in which everyone who takes refuge there, saved by faith, glorifies you.

Exapostilarion. Women hear.

Another. As God you adorned.

Another, to the same tune.