Orthodox Study
Isaac Lambertsen

Ode VII

Menaion — translated by Isaac Lambertsen

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¶1

Irmos: The divinely wise youths worshipped not a creation rather than the Creator, but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they rejoice, chanting: Blessed art Thou, the all-hymned God of our fathers!

¶2

Theotokion: The sacred prophets openly proclaimed beforehand the mystery of thine honorable birthgiving, O pure one; and we, gazing upon its fulfillment from afar, now piously call thee blessed.

¶3

Arrayed by thee as in purple and fine linen dyed scarlet, O Mistress Virgin Theotokos, thy city magnifieth Christ and glorifieth the arrival of thy precious image, which hath appeared outshining the rays of the sun and illumining with light undimmed those who sing aloud thy praises.

¶4

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

¶5

The tablets divinely inscribed by the finger of the Spirit did Moses break in anger; yet the all-glorious Creator Who made His abode within thee, O pure one, preserved thee unharmed. To Him do we chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

¶6

Accept the entreaties of thy servants, O all-pure Virgin Theotokos. By thy supplications still thou the restless tempest, and drive away the councils of the adverse foe who fall upon thy flock, O most immaculate Mistress.

¶7

By His nativity the Creator of all signified that thou alone art the helper of the human race, O Theotokos Mary, and the prophet prefigured thee: one as the gate, another as the bower of God. And we hymn thee as the Mother of God, our mediatress before God, our ally against all the evils which assail us.

¶8

Ye were shown to be invincible pillars of the heavenly Sion, O martyrs, having cast down all the foundations of the enemy in the endurance of your suffering. Wherefore, we ever piously honor your memory.

¶9

Natalia was given to Adrian by God as a helpmate united with him in soul, drawing him forth who was stuck fast in the abyss of deception and urging him to cry out: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

¶10

Hiding the hand of the martyr as a precious treasure, O honored one, guided by the hand of the God of our fathers, thou didst not give the wealth of thy chastity over to adorn those who made an attempt on it.

Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.

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