Glory..., in Tone VI: the composition of Byzantius—
On “Lord, I have cried...,” 6 stichera, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel: “As one valiant among the martyrs....”—
Now & ever...: Theotokion, or this stavrotheotokion: Spec. Mel: “On the third day....”—
Bound as was Lord, and imprisoned in a dungeon, thou didst bind falsehood, O apostle. Wherefore, we honor thee lovingly, and with faith we kiss thy chains, whence drawing forth health of body and salvation of soul, we praise thee as is meet, O thou who hast beheld God, converser with the incorporeal ones. Twice
Those who are stuck fast in ignorance receive understanding through thee: the races of the gentiles, which in the beginning were widely scattered, were shown thine image let down from on high as a vessel wherein was contained every living creature, O apostle. Wherefore, every generation glorifieth thee, worshipping the chains which thou didst most zealously bear for Christ. Twice
He Whom thou didst deny when He was condemned didst thou hymn when He rose from the dead, O apostle; and thou didst preach to the ends of the earth the God and man Who in His great goodness entered into fellowship with men. Wherefore, we lovingly bless thee, O Peter, bowing down before the chains, which thou didst bear for Christ, O all-glorious one. Twice
Today Peter, the rock of faith, the foundation of the Church, provideth his precious chains for the piety of our souls. Come ye all and, kissing them, let us crown him with hymns of praise, chanting: Rejoice, fervent champion of the Faith who hast confessed Christ the Son of God with ardent knowledge and much boldness! Rejoice, joy of the whole world, keeper of the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, who bestowest grace upon those who lovingly honor thee and kiss thy precious chains with longing! For, standing before the throne of Christ the King of all, thou prayest for us that celebrate thy memory.
The all-immaculate Theotokos, beholding our Life suspended upon the Tree, cried out, maternally lamenting: “O my Son and my God, save those who hymn Thee!”
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.