Irmos: The command of the iniquitous tyrant, opposed to God, raised up a lofty flame; but Christ, Who is blessed and all-glorious, spread a spiritual dew upon the pious youths.
“The Church of Sirmium, which Thou hast given me, O Christ, do Thou preserve immaculate forever for the sake of Thy name,” the holy Irenæus cried out, praying to the Savior; and, rejoicing in his imminent departure, he said: “Now have I come to know that the Lord, the Judge of the contest, Who alone is blessed and all-glorious, doth deign to accept my life as a sacrifice of sweet savor!”
Theotokion: Rejoice, O thou who art more beautiful than the garden of paradise! Rejoice, thou who art more holy than the saints! Pour forth the dew of thy grace upon the faithful who cry out to thee from the furnace of temptations: Even though we have sinned, yet may we be accepted with contrite heart!
Lifting up his hands, the blessed hieromartyr blessed the sheep of his flock, crying out fervently to Christ: “Behold, I come to Thee, O my King and my God, but I leave these behind in this vain world. Preserve them by Thy grace, O Thou Who alone art compassionate and omnipotent, and make them steadfast in the Faith!”
“The cherubim are Thy chariot, O God, and the heaven of heavens is Thy throne,” the holy Irenæus cried aloud. “And even if I, Thine unprofitable servant, lay down my life for Thee, yet, confident of Thy compassions, I offer this supplication for my sheep, and I hope that it will be heard by Thee, the most merciful Savior.”
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.