Irmos: Madly did the Chaldæan tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Your prayer was like unto a pillar of fire, reaching from the earth to the heavens, O venerable ones. For, lo! it was offered from hearts consumed by divine fire, and with oneness of soul and unity of mind was it proffered. Wherefore, instruct us in prayer, O holy ones, that having acquired boldness before God, we may glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever!
Emulating John, the Forerunner of the Lord, ye took up your abode in the desert, learning true repentance in silence, and cutting the tares of the passions down to the root with the scythe of the fear of God, that ye be not cast into everlasting fire like a dry branch. Hence, like fruitful olive trees ye flourished, and full of good works, transplanted from this earthly and burdensome life, ye praise God for ever in the paradise of delight.
Theotokion: Our hearts inflamed with the fire of divine love for thee, O Virgin, we know not the fullness of thy praise, O all-hymned one; for every tongue that speaketh boastful words doth fail, desiring to make known thy greatness, O Queen. Yet, O most good one, with silent mouths and yet more silent hearts may we be acceptable unto thee.
Following Elijah of the fiery chariot in your life, abiding in the desert, more than he were ye nourished most gloriously. For a raven brought him tangible food, but an angel of the Lord placed before you the true Body and Blood of Christ. Oh, strange mystery! Oh, the good will of God! May His Name be blessed for ever!
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.