Ode IX

Exapostilarion of the resurrection; Glory..., that of the saints: Spec. Mel: “With the disciples...”—

Irmos: On the mountain did Moses behold the unconsumed bush; and in the cave did Joseph hear the ineffable birth. O Theotokos, Virgin undefiled, Mother who knewest not man: thee do we magnify!

Now and ever..., that of the feast.

At the Praises, 4 stichera for the Resurrection, and 4 from the feast, in Tone IV, with the festal refrains.

Theotokion: The assemblies of angels glorify thee, O Theotokos, and the human race doth unceasingly honor thee with hymns, for by thy divine birthgiving hast thou united the earthly to the heavenly. Wherefore, we do thee honor.

With trembling doth all creation minister unto Him Who hath been born of the Virgin: the heavens with a star; the earth with a manger; the mountain with a cave; the magi with gifts; the shepherds with wonder; and the angels with the hymn, Glory to God in the highest!

Glory..., in Tone VIII—

Blood and fire and clouds of smoke are the wonders which Joel foresaw on earth. The blood is the Incarnation; the fire is the Godhead; the clouds of smoke are the Holy Spirit, Who descended upon the Virgin and hath made the world fragrant. Great is the mystery of Thine Incarnation! O Lord, glory be to Thee!

Of old was David chosen king from amongst the shepherds; and from the royal tribe of Judah art thou, O James. Thou art shown to be a shepherd of the flock of the Incarnate One, the Lamb, the Son of God Most High.

Now and ever..., “All-blessed art Thou, O Virgin Theotokos...”

Be glad now, O Bethlehem, having become the city of the new David! O Sion, thou citadel of the Churches, exult now, taking up the common celebration of the King of all and His favored ones.

Let us hymn David, the forefather of God, and divine Joseph, the betrothed of the Theotokos, with James, the glorious brother of God, for, with the angels, the magi and the shepherds, they ministered in godly manner at the divine nativity of Christ in the city of Bethlehem, chanting a hymn unto Him as God and Master.

Great Doxology. Troparion of the resurrection. Dismissal. Evangelical sticheron. First Hour, and final dismissal. At the Hours, the troparion of the resurrection; Glory..., that of the feast; Now and ever..., Theotokion. We alternate the troparion of the saints with that of the feast. After the “Our Father...,” the kontakion of the feast, alternating it with that of the saints.