Ode III

Irmos: O Christ God, confirmation of those who hope on thee, make us steadfast in Thine Orthodox Faith, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Kontakion of the Feast, in Tone III—

Glory..., in the same tone and melody—

Sessional hymn, in Tone III: Spec. Mel: “Today the Virgin...”—

Theotokion: Let us honor Mary, the Theotokos unwedded, for the Sun of righteousness hath shone forth upon us for her sake.

With the angels let us all hymn Christ God, Who, without seed, hath been born in the flesh of the Virgin, crying aloud: Glory to God in the highest!

Now and ever..., in Tone I: Spec. Mel: “The choir of angels...”—

O ye faithful, with David and James let us honor with hymns, as is meet, the most jubilant feast of Him Who emptied Himself for our sake.

The choir of prophets doth divinely celebrate the wonder which took place within thee, O Virgin; for thou didst give birth to God incarnate upon earth. Wherefore, angels and shepherds chant, and the magi and Joseph sing of the wonders to David, the forefather of God.

Like a bridegroom from a bridal chamber will the Lord come forth from His Mother’s womb! Thus said David, whom, with James, let us now hymn.

Today the Virgin doth give birth to Him Who in essence is transcendent, and the earth doth offer a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. Angels and shepherds give glory; the magi journey with the star; for a young Child is born for our sake, the preëternal God!

Ikos: Bethlehem hath opened Eden! We have found Joy in a secret place: come, and let us receive the things of paradise within the cave. There the unwatered Root hath blossomed, bearing forgiveness as its fruit. There an unfailing Wellspring hath been found, whence of old David longed to drink. There the Virgin hath given birth to the Babe, quenching the thirst of Adam and David straightway. Wherefore, let us hasten to this place where now is born a young Child, the preëternal God!

Right fittingly let us hymn the righteous Joseph, the betrothed of the Virgin, with James and David; for, having trod the righteous path, they have attained unto the mansions of heaven, and joining chorus with the angels as is meet, they beg remission of sins for us.

The Virgin hath given birth to the Creator of all things, and the magi come to worship Him in the flesh. Men and angels render glory; the cave and the manger offer gifts, lauding Him Who hath been newly born as a babe, the preëternal God!