Irmos: Establishing me upon the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth against mine enemies, for my soul doth exult when I chant: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous save Thee, O Lord!
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Today the Virgin…”—
In vain doth the vile and murderous company assemble at the behest of Herod, to slay Christ our newborn Lord. To Him do we chant: Thou art our God, and there is none more righteous than Thee, O Lord!
The cruel counsel of Herod, who in soul is opposed to God, is set at nought, for he desired to slay Christ the Master with the infants. To Him do we chant: Thou art our God, and there is none more righteous than Thee, O Lord!
Lord, have mercy! Thrice Glory…, Now & ever…—
Today the Virgin cometh to give birth ineffably to the preëternal Word in the cave. Dance, O world! And having heard this, with the angels and shepherds glorify the preëternal God, Who is to appear as a little babe.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.