Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “Heaven with stars…”—

Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Theotokion: As thou gavest birth to the Creator of all creatures, O Mother of God, thou hast surpassed every creature in divine glory, holiness and grace, and in the perfection of every virtue. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Thou didst water the field of thy heart with tears of fasting; and, rejoicing, O God-bearing father, in joy thou now gatherest up the honors of thy struggles like sheaves. Wherefore, we all bless thee.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Never-waning light shone upon thee, and thou hast received everlasting gladness; and, as thou joinest chorus with the angels around the King and Lord, be thou mindful of those who celebrate thy memory with faith, O most blessed father.

Thou didst succeed in eluding the arrows of the demons and their wicked machinations; thy soul was saved, O blessed one, and stood forth, pure and undefiled, and thou hast been vouchsafed the inheritance of heaven. Wherefore, be thou mindful of those who hymn thee.

Thou didst contend according to the law of asceticism, as is meet, O father, and didst triumph. Wherefore, the only Benefactor hath honored thee with a crown of glory and vouchsafed unto thee divine effulgence and blessed delights.

Desiring the life of the angels, thou didst withdraw into the deserts; and having subdued the passions of the flesh, thou wast shown to be angelic, O our God-bearing father.

By thy mighty protection, O pure one, preserve all of us, thy servants, unharmed by the attack of the enemies; for thee alone do we have as our refuge in need.