Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
Afire with zeal like a new Elijah, thou didst desire to burn up those who would not heed thy preaching, O glorious one; yet He Who desireth loving-kindness restrained thee, teaching thee gracious meekness.
Entering, winged with uttermost virtue, thou didst desire the throne of the Master out of love for higher things, O all-wise one, that thou mayest hold principal things; and, not desiring vain glory, thou didst desire to gaze forth in its midst.
James hath transcended the laws of humanity, O Savior, for, arrayed in Thy power as in a garment, he poureth forth rivers of healings and miracles and illumineth the ends of the earth with faith.
The radiant cloud of the Word, Who shone forth as God in glory, covered thee on Mount Tabor, O blessed James; and thou wast vouchsafed to hear the voice of the Father declaring His Sonship. (There is no Theotokion)
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.