Ode 7. The Irmos.

Of the Mother of God. Another Irmos.

The three Youths of old did not worship the golden image, object of Persian reverence as they sang in the midst of the furnace: God of our Fathers, blessed are you!

By your toils you ended our toils, Lover of humankind; so now take over to a life without toil those who devoutly worship your holy sufferings, O God of all.

When creation saw you crucified it was altered and trembled: earth was shaken, rocks were rent and the sun’s course drew away the light.

Of the Martyrs.

Obedient to the laws of Christ the Martyrs laid low the flatteries of the lawless and lawfully in the midst of the stadium they struggled and were gloriously crowned.

You were not burnt up by the flame of fire but obtained a more fervent purpose, champions of Christ, and bearing crowns you cried: O God, blessed are you!

You stood watching Christ, whom you had borne, lifted up on the Cross, O Immaculate, and you cried: Do not make me childless, whom you preserved pure‚ even after childbirth.

*This is wrong, and does not fit the acrostic.*

There is no salvation for me from my works, Sovereign Lady, for I have added sins to sins and wickedness to wickedness; by your prayer then, pure Virgin, take pity and save me.

The judgement is at the doors, the judgement seat is ready; get ready, my lowly soul, and cry: When you judge me, O Word, at the prayer of her who bore you, do not condemn me.

I devoured the fruits of sin and I have met my death; and as I bring a fruitless soul I cry to you: Make me fruitful, for you wiped out corruption by your fruit.