AT MATINS

After the 1st reading from the Psalter Kathismata of the Cross.

Glory. Both now.

**Cross-Theotokion.**

Tone 3.

Glory, Both now.

**Cross Theotokion. Same melody.**

A Cross was fixed on earth and touched the heavens, not that the tree reached the heights, but you, who were on it, filled the universe. Lord, glory to you!

Glory. Both now.

**Cross-Theotokion. Same melody.**

You were lifted up, Lamb of God, on cypress, pine and cedar, that you might save those who worship in faith your voluntary Crucifixion. Christ our God, glory to you!

Having gained the Cross of your Son, O Mother of God, as a rod of power, with it we shall cast down the ramparts of the foes as with love we ceaselessly magnify you.

After the 2nd reading from the Psalter others.

You were struck with blows for the sake of the human race and were not enraged; free our life from corruption, Lord, and save us.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα. Awed by the beauty.

The armies of the Angels are amazed as they contemplate your measureless authority and your voluntary Crucifixion: How is He who cannot be looked at scourged in the flesh? He wishes to deliver human nature from corruption, and so we cry out to You, Giver of life: Glory, O Christ, to your compassion!

Your pure Mother who knew not wedlock, seeing you hanging dead upon the Tree, mourned as a mother and said, ‘Is this how the lawless and ungrateful people of the Hebrews, who had the benefit of your many and great gifts, have repaid you, my Son? I hymn your divine condescension.’

After the 3rd reading from the Psalter others.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα. Awed by the beauty.

Dishonoured you endured the Cross, O Master beyond all creation, that you might honour me, of old dreadfully dishonoured; with a lance you were pierced in your side, O Longsuffering, as you wished to ransom me, your fashioning, from corruption. I hymn your great compassion and your goodness, O Lover of humankind. ****

Of the Martyrs.

Armoured with the panoply of Christ and clothed with the weapons of the Faith you stoutly cast down the battle lines of the foe; for eagerly, in hope of life, you endured all the threats and scourges of the tyrants; and so you have received the crowns, valiant Martyrs of Christ.

As your Mother, the pure and all blameless Virgin who knew not wedlock, saw you nailed to the Tree, O Master, she cried aloud to you, ‘Alas, my sweetest Son, how has a lawless people condemned you, the Maker and Master of all, to the tree? I hymn your supreme goodness.