Ode IV

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Theotokion: O Bride of God, thou dwelling-place of virginity and habitation of the infinite Nature, illumine my darkened soul.

By unceasing entreaties and the endurance of pain, O father, thou didst drive from thy soul the demon which loveth carnality.

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Directing thy thoughts to things which transcend the mind and speech, O venerable one, thou didst endure the burning heat of asceticism as though it were a divine dew.

Unfurling the sail of non-acquisition, thou didst sail easily across the sea of life, O father, guided to the calm haven.

Following in the steps of the fathers of old, ye did not avoid their labors even in the least; wherefore, having received from Christ the equal payment of eternal life, with the angels ye glorify His preëternal divinity.

The wondrous Hilarion, who had the rank of the angelic habit, and, emulating the life of the venerable Theodosius in that rank, always ate but once a week, was mighty in glorification, and chanted: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

The war of asceticism advanced, wherein Dionysius, the radiant star, shone forth. And he now shineth forth in the glory of the saints, and glorifieth the one Godhead.

The renowned Arsenius, the namesake of manliness, the model of those who love labors, who lived day and night in labors, hath received as his reward the gift of working miracles, which he bestoweth in abundance upon all in need.

O Pœmen who shared in the ways of the ascetics, in obedience thou didst continually labor in feats which caused thee to sweat drops of blood—the carrying of wood and the milling of grain,— and every night thou didst constantly hymn God and His one Godhead.

O recluse Athanasius, thou unshakable pillar: planted in seclusion thou hadst no need of sensible light, for a noetic light shone upon thee. Pray thou, O blessed one, that therewith those who honor thee may also be illumined.

Glory…: Glory to Thee, O all-holy Trinity, for Thou hast glorified an earthly place with inhabitants like unto those of heaven; and on the day of their memorial we sinners glorify Thee, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the hymnody we offer with humble worship, and we supremely exalt Thy one Godhead.

Now & ever…: Glory to thee, O pure one, thou glory of the Orthodox! For the human race doth glorify thee with the angels, and, falling down, crieth aloud: O Theotokos, thy glory hath spread forth, unto the salvation of all!