Ode IX

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “By the Spirit in the sanctuary…” —

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.

Theotokion: In gladness, O all-pure Maiden, we offer thee the cry of the divine Gabriel: Rejoice, O joyous Virgin Mother who knewest not wedlock, thou boast of the martyrs and apostles and salvation of all!

Strengthened by the might of Christ Who destroyed the malice of the destroyer, ye bowed your heads beneath the sword, receiving your end, departing from the flesh, O ye of great renown; wherefore, ye are blessed as is meet.

Theotokion —

Ye were beautiful in the wounds of your flesh and emulated the angels; and now ye stand before them all, ever rejoicing in beauty, manifestly and most beautifully adorned by communion, O most honored ones.

Both before and after your end the Master adorned you with signs and wonders, O invincible martyrs Nazarius, Protase, Celsius and Gervase; wherefore, ye are blessed as is meet.

All who observe your memorial today have been sanctified by your love: the martyrs rejoice, and all the prophets celebrate with them. With them pray ye to the Benefactor in our behalf, O most blessed ones.

Like one of the incorporeal hosts thou didst endure unbearable tortures, O blessed Nazarius, thou glory of the martyrs, together with the wise Gervase, Protase and the godly Celsius. Wherefore, we honor with faith your most festive and honored memorial.

The all-glorious wonder of thy birthgiving, which passeth understanding, doth astonish the mind of every mortal and angel: for, though a virgin, thou gavest birth yet didst remain a virgin even after giving birth, O Virgin. O awesome mystery! O wondrous nativity! O all-glorious pregnancy!