Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “The heaven with stars…”—

Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who united the two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Preparing an inheritance in the sweetness of paradise and the kingdom therein, O wise and holy hierarch Blaise, thou didst hasten to the slaughter, rejoicing in the Lord.

Theotokion: In giving birth, as before and after birthgiving, thou wast shown to be a Virgin, transcending the established laws of nature, O Mistress. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

With the sword of the Spirit, O blessed one, thou didst cut down the pride of the ungodly who rose up in vain against thy flock; but thou didst adorn thy sheep with thy blood.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O wise and holy hierarch Blaise, with the women who suffered with thee, and their godly children, pray that those who praise thee may receive a crown; for we have chanted unto thee from the beginning.

Thou wast a holy hierarch and martyr, a man bereft of guile, O Blaise, and thou didst bear the wounds of the sufferings of Christ, Who hath given thee the grace to heal all diseases.

Thee did Daniel describe beforehand as the unquarried mountain from which the precious Stone was cut Which grindeth to dust the temples of the idols, O Theotokos Mary.