Ode VI

Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable abyss of Thy loving-kindness: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Kontakion, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel: “Thou hast appeared...”—

Desiring the blessed life, thou didst hasten to the assembly of monastics, making living inspiration thy companion, O John.

Theotokion: He Who spread out the heaven at His desire, O pure Mother of God, hath made of thee another animate heaven, and from thee hath He shone forth upon those who are in darkness.

Rejecting the corruption and the deadly poison of the malice of the slayer of mankind, O John, thou didst make haste to the life-bearing tomb of Christ.

Thou didst emulate the life of John the Baptist, O John, for like him thou didst make thine abode in the wilderness and didst dwell there in purity, cleansing thyself for Christ.

Having escaped the sea of life, the righteous Xenophon, with his honored spouse and children, rejoice together in the heavens, magnifying Christ.

Ikos: Strange is the path which with thy spouse thou didst tread in godly manner, O Xenophon, for ye were not mindful of nature, and clearly showed yourselves to be as bodiless beings on earth. Wherefore, the portals of heaven have been opened unto you, and with your children ye join chorus with the angels, as godly laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. Wherefore, entreat ye Christ, that He grant the radiance of illumination unto the hearts of us who celebrate your splendid memorial, magnifying Christ, the Bestower of crowns.