Irmos: O Theotokos, thou living and abundant fountain: in thy divine glory establish those who hymn thee and spiritually form themselves into a choir; and vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the shepherds’ pipes…”—
The Theotokos: “A ruler hath failed from Judah! The latter time hath come, wherein Christ, the hope of the nations, shall appear! But tell me: how shall I, who am a virgin, give birth to Him?”
Glory…, Now & ever…: Another sessional hymn, in the same tone: Spec. Mel.: “That which was commanded…”—
The Angel: “O Virgin, thou seekest to learn from me the manner of thy conceiving; yet it is indescribable. The Holy Spirit, overshadowing thee, shall accomplish it by His creative power.”
The Theotokos: “My first mother, accepting the serpent’s knowledge, was driven away from divine sustenance; wherefore, I fear thy strange salutation, wary lest I stumble.”
The Angel: “I am sent as a divine intercessor to convey to thee the counsel of God. Wherefore fearest thou me who am even more in awe of thee, O most immaculate one? Why dost thou render homage to me who render homage to thee with honor, O Mistress?”
The Word of God hath now come down to the earth, and the angel stood forth, crying out to the Virgin: “Rejoice, O blessed one, receiving the preëternal Word and Lord in thy womb, that, as God, He might save the human race from deception!”
Gabriel, the supreme commander, was sent from heaven by God; and he quickly presented himself before the animate city, manifestly saying to her: “Thou shalt receive the Creator in thy womb, O Virgin, and shalt immutably give birth to Him in the flesh! Wherefore, I am sent to announce to thee thy strange birthgiving, O pure one, and stand here, crying aloud to thee: Rejoice, O bride unwedded!”
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.