Ode V

Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world: a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.

Suspended upon the tree, O wise Theodotus, thou didst endure the laceration of thy flesh right steadfastly, filled with great awe.

Theotokion: Thou didst conceive God Who had become man, O Mistress! Wherefore, we, the generations of generations, unceasingly call thee blessed.

Irmos: All things are filled with awe at thy divine glory; for thou, O Virgin who hast not known wedlock, didst contain within thy womb Him Who is God over all, and gavest birth to the timeless Son, granting peace unto all who hymn thee.

Hanging, O Theodotus, thou didst endure the convulsions of thy flesh, having the Master strengthening thee the while, and making thee steadfast through faith.

Empurpled in the streams of thy blood, O blessed Theodotus, thou didst show forth thy sacred vesture as most splendid.

The serpent hath caused us to dwell in the vale of weeping and wicked hopes, and therefore we cannot bear our sorrows. But do thou, O Theotokos, spread thy protection over us, that we may be saved from evils.

O Virgin Maiden, thou hast saved us from bondage to the enemy, and thy name hath therefore been inscribed in beauty. Thou art the Queen of the world, and thy dominion will last until the final day.

Thou art the Mother of Light unapproachable, and the darkness of the adversary striveth in vain today; yet no one can assail us, for our Mistress is with us, and her glory hath no end.

O people of God, my friends, believe on Christ our God and her who all-wondrously gave birth to Him; and, keeping the commandments of God Most High, ye shall find peace and great mercy for your souls.

Even the angels have glorified thee, the Mistress of all, who hast been exalted higher than heaven; for they chant to Christ, thy Son: Thou hast redeemed Thy people, and there is good-will among men.

Who can recount thy greatness, O Theotokos? For thou gavest birth in manner past understanding to God the Word, and the tongue of man is unable to hymn thee worthily. But mercifully accept my prayer and preserve thy servant.