Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “Hearken, ye women…” —

Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the ineffable condescension of God, for the Most High willingly came down even to the flesh, becoming man through the Virgin’s womb. Wherefore we, the faithful, magnify the all-pure Theotokos.

O Marina, martyr of Christ, truly thou hast earnestly embraced everlasting and imperishable life in the comfort of paradise; for, shining from afar in the blood of thy martyrdom, O goodly virgin, thou didst pass unharmed by the whirling sword.

Theotokion: Unharmed by the tree of knowledge, I reap the grain of life; for thou, O all-holy one, didst bring forth Christ, the Tree of life, Who hath shown to all the way to life. Wherefore, we piously proclaim thee the Theotokos, O most pure one.

Divine desire consumed thine every material and worldly thought, O virgin, and showed thee to be a most steadfast martyr who had shone forth first with the splendors of virginity, O most wise Marina. Wherefore, all of us, the faithful, call thee blessed.

Theotokion —

By thy supplications, O chosen bride, loose thou the bonds of mine offenses and rend asunder the record of my sins, O martyr, standing in splendor before Christ, thy most compassionate Bridegroom; and dispel the gloom of my passions.

The cruel arrogance of the false one hath been brought to an end; for, lo! a maiden suffered, unmindful of her womanly nature, and, splendidly winning the victory over him, she hath now manifestly set aright the fall of our first mother.

Strengthened by the Cross of thy Lord, O goodly virgin, thou didst destroy the pride of thy torturers, suffering manfully, O martyr; and thou didst receive from Christ the trophies of victory, O most wise Marina of lordly renown, who prayest for us who honor thee with love.

The divinely wise virgins who stand round about thee, O all-pure Mary Theotokos, have been brought to thy Son, the King of all, as brides. Him do thou entreat in our behalf, O Virgin Maiden and Mother.