Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “To the disciples…”—

Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Possessed of the splendor of the victory of thy martyric opposition, O blessed one, thou didst stand before the throne of the Master, joining chorus with the angelic armies, and asking salvation for all who bless thy memory.

Theotokion: O most immaculate one, thy Fruit hath appeared more comely in beauty than all others, adorning creation with the radiance of the beauty of virtue. Him do we earnestly beseech, that He save those who unceasingly magnify thee.

O Thou Who in the fire and darkness of old didst set forth the laws for the disobedient, Thou hast now traced the image of Thy Cross, more resplendent than the stars, for Thy faithful people, which we magnify as is meet.

Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who united the two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Splendid were thy courageous victories over the enemy, O thou who art most rich, and the Judge of thy contest hath given thee many more honors and the fullness of divine effulgence. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.

Theotokion, in the same tone & melody—

Creation lamented in darkness the audacity of those who crucified Thee; and now Thy life-bearing Cross hath shone forth with most reverent light and shown forth the hidden beauty of the Church.

Thou wast close to Christ, O most valiant one, for thou didst endure suffering and affliction; wherefore, He hath manifestly vouchsafed thee vision and divine vision, whereby thou hast attained unto causes on earth, embracing them from afar.

Theotokion: Shed light upon us, O thou who gavest birth to Light unapproachable, O Virgin, and with gladness, joy and divine understanding fill us who in honesty magnify thee with purity of heart.

Having set their hope on Thee, Thy rich people set before Thee in advocacy the Cross, Thine awesome protection. In good time grant us deliverance, O Word of God.

Stichera of the martyr Acacius, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “As one valiant among the martyrs…”—

The Cross is the guardian of the whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings! The Cross is the confirmation of the faithful! The Cross is the glory of the angels and the wounding of the demons!

Wielding anger against the serpent alone, and girding thyself with the insuperable and invincible power of Christ, O divinely wise Acacius, thou didst cast down to the ground the author of evils, overthrowing his vaunted power; and thou hast put to shame his active servants.

Having learned from on high estrangement from evil and the assimilation of that which is good, thou becamest indeed that for which thou wast named of old, O all-wise Acacius; for that for which thou wast named thou didst later become. For from afar providence ineffably and invisibly set before thee the cause of great things.

The greatest of cities which reigneth over all hath thine honored temple as a royal crown, and setteth thee forth as a pillar for those who have acquired thee, a wise citizen, a pleasing guardian, a valiant warrior who turneth away the sudden incursions of enemies and adversaries.

I bless thee, O all-pure one, who hast rescued men from the depths of evil and despair; I hymn thee, O Bride of God, the ever-blessed one, and glorify thy glorious birthgiving, O pure one, for thou gavest birth to the Savior of the world, and hast freed mankind from the curse of our ancestors, O Virgin.

Stavrotheotokion—

As she beheld Thee nailed to the Cross, O Lord, the ewe-lamb, Thy Mother, marvelled and said: “What is this that I see, O my Son most desired? Hath the iniquitous and unbelieving council thus repaid Thee, which enjoyed Thy many miracles? Yet, glory to thine ineffable condescension, O Master!”