Ode 1. Tone 4. Irmos.

The same Irmos

Through the Red Sea’s deep the Israel of old marched dry shod, and by Moses’ hands, outstretched in the form of a cross, routed the power of Amalek in the wilderness.

Cross-Theotokion

Jesu, who stretched out the heavens, you stretched out your palms on the Cross, openly embracing the nations who took their name from you, as you are loving and compassionate.

With your Cross wall me about, my Christ, lest I become a prey to the wolf who seeks my destruction, O Word, and who each day prepares for me words and ambushes.

Of the Martyrs

By your pains you threw down the cause of every pain, and now you inherit a life without pain, as you ever alleviate every pain from our souls and bodies, blessed Martyrs.

With indissoluble bonds you bound the artful one, wise Martyrs, bound for the sake of Christ, who was bound by his own will and abolished every error; therefore we fittingly call you blessed.

After childbirth you remained a Virgin without corruption, O Most Pure, having borne beyond reason the One who was lifted up on the Cross. Therefore all we believers with loud acclaim call you blessed.

Another Canon, to the most holy Mother of God, of which the acrostic is:

A fourth for the Maiden, Mother of God.

As you are purer than all creation, all-pure Mother of God, by your pure intercession purify my heart, dreadfully befouled by impure passions.

Rescue me from the tears and groans which await me at the coming fearful judgement by your acceptable prayers to the Creator and our God, O immaculate Virgin-Mother.

You alone by your childbearing beyond understanding freed the race of mortals from the curse; by your entreaties, O All-pure, free one enslaved to the disorders of the flesh.