Ode III

Irmos: O Christ, Who in the beginning established the heavens in wisdom and founded the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none is holy as Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Kontakion and ikos from the Pentecostarion.

Sessional hymn of the apostle, in Tone II—

Theotokion: O virgin, thou wast shown to be the noetic portal, surpassing the east, of Him Who appeared to those on earth; for through thee hath the Word come to us to save all from mindlessness, O all-pure one.

The compelling breath of the Comforter from on high, setting thee afire, showed thee to be a wise herald of God, openly proclaiming the mighty works of the incarnate Word, Whom thou didst see with thine own eyes.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn from the Pentecostarion, or this Theotokion—

He launched thee into the hearts of the enemies like a choice arrow sharpened by the Word, cleaving the souls of the adversary, O all-wise James, initiate of the mysteries of God, and laying hold of them as plunder.

The tranquility of thine undefiled soul was apparent to the Master even before thy call, O blessed James: thou wast shown to be right pleasing to Him, and wast a disciple of His providence.

Manifestly adorned with thy sacred life and thy splendid kinship with God, O most blessed one, thou wast shown to be His companion; for from childhood thou wast shown to dwell with the Word.

The glorious apostle fished for the nations, teaching the ends of the earth to worship Thee with the Father and the Spirit, O Christ God. For his sake establish Thy Church and send down Thy blessing upon the faithful, O only Merciful One Who lovest mankind.

Conceiving the Wisdom and Word in thy womb without being consumed, O Mother of God, thou gavest birth to Him Who sustaineth the world, and didst bear in thine arms the Nurturer of all and Fashioner of creation, Who holdeth all things. Wherefore, I entreat thee, O most holy Virgin, and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions. On the day of judgment, when I must stand before the face of my Creator, show me thine aid, O pure Virgin Mistress; for thou canst do all things soever thou desirest, O most hymned one.