Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “Hearken, ye women…”—

Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.

On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O all-glorious wonder…”—

Theotokion: Christ, the Sun of righteousness, hast thou shone forth like the dawn upon the benighted and lost, O Virgin, for thou didst bear Him in thine arms, O pure one.

With splendor we celebrate today thy holy repose. Fill thou with joy and gladness those who praise thee, O Alexander of great renown.

O all-glorious wonder! He who hath dominion on earth departeth the world, the ruler of Russia setteth aside his scepter, he sheddeth his robe of royal purple and is covered with a burial shroud; the crownèd princely head removeth its princely diadem; he leaveth behind on earth his transitory kingdom for that which is eternal in heaven, where he is crowned with a royal diadem. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Thou hast been found to be the great shield and might of the Russian land, O Alexander, and the boast of Orthodox Christians. And now we entreat thee: preserve thy homeland from alien nations.

O how many enemies thou didst vanquish, O all-valiant warrior of Jesus Christ: those visible with the sword and piety, and those invisible with prayer, the flesh by abstinence, the world by renunciation of the world; and thus thou hast ascended to heaven as an all-glorious victor.

Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Shining forth with rays of never-fading light upon those in darkness, O glorious one, guide us who hymn thee to the enlightenment of gladness.

Thou hast taught us by thine all-wise deeds: no one can take anything from this world, into which we have brought nothing. Wherefore, having forsaken transitory things, thou didst desire heavenly things, which thou hast inherited. And we pray that we also may not be deprived thereof.

O blessed Alexander, how can we hymn thee fittingly? For there is no tongue which can describe thy divers healings and the many gifts and miracles which thou bestowest upon thy posterity.

Glory…, in Tone VIII—

Thine all-great fame spread even to the lands of the Swedes, O Alexander, and the adversary was frightened even by the mention of thy manly name alone. And now, O blessed one, do thou invisibly terrify our enemies, who array themselves against thy Christ-loving army.

Thou didst fight the good fight, didst win the race and keep the faith, O right faithful Prince Alexander; wherefore, a crown of righteousness hath been kept for thee, wherewith the true Bestower of rewards hath crowned thee. Him do thou entreat, O all-blessed one, that the children of Russia, the flock entrusted to thy care, be saved.

O Virgin Theotokos, we bless thee with unceasing hymns, for thou gavest birth to One of the Trinity, and thou bearest in thy divine arms the all-rich Word, Who is immutable and unchangeable.

O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all want and grief.