Ode 9. Irmos

Of the Mother of God. Same Irmos.

Cross-Theotokion

A Stone not cut by human hand was cut from you, O Virgin, unhewn mountain: Christ the head of the corner, who joined together the natures that were parted; and so with joy, Mother of God, we magnify you.

See, Life has appeared to all, hanged upon a Tree. But the sun, not bearing it, cuts off its rays, the earth is shaken and thoughts are strengthened for true religion and for holiness.

Ah, how does the lawless people condemn you, the lawgiver, to die on a Tree, O Jesu who are the Life and lord of all things, through suffering granting dispassion to all mortals.

Of the Martyrs

With your mouths that spoke of God you proclaimed the incarnation of the Word in the midst of lawless foes, all-praised Martyrs, and after struggling holily you were garlanded with crowns of victory.

Like stars shining by day you light all creation with the radiance of your holy struggles and the godlike splendours of healings, and you scatter the deep night of the passions, godly Martyrs.

Enlighten my soul darkened by sin, Pure Virgin; dispel the clouds of my evils, O Cloud of light, who saw of old the sun being darkened when the Immortal was crucified.

Break the bonds of my evils with the divine lance of your Son; loose my wretched soul, fettered and endangered, and bind it to love, O Virgin Mother of our God.

O wider than the heavens, lead my heart, straitened by every hostile assault, to the broad plain of dispassion, empowering me always to journey by the narrow path.

That I may glorify you, O Virgin who have been truly glorified, deliver me from the ignobility of sin, and make me, who take refuge in your mercy, a partaker in heavenly glory.