Ode IX

Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

Thy mangled body was buried as something holy by the hands of those who loved thee, O blessed one, and it poureth forth streams of healing, unto the glory of God.

Theotokion: The ranks of the angels were amazed, beholding thee, the Ever-virgin, bearing the incarnate Creator of the ages.

O the wonder! How is it that a dead youth arose and greeted thy body on the way as it was borne to burial, O most wondrous martyr?

Having received the eternal kingdom, O blessed one, standing in honor before the Master, pray thou fervently in behalf of those who hymn thee.

Stichera of the martyr, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

Scourged with cords for Christ’s sake, O glorious one, suspended upon a tree, thy flesh pitilessly lacerated with sharp blades, when thou wast commanded to offer sacrifice to the idols thou didst not deny the Lord of all, O wise one; but with thy pangs thou didst denounce the weakness and evil of idolatry, and becamest a companion of the angels.

Rejoicing, thou didst set thyself apart for the contest as a lawful athlete, O right wondrous one, with valiant mind paying no heed to the tortures, O martyr; and thou didst strive to emulate Christ by thy death, O wondrous one. Wherefore, Jesus, Who loveth mankind, the Savior of our souls, hath adorned thee with the crown of His kingdom.

Glory…, in the same tone & melody—

Led forth as a prisoner, adorned with wounds, thou didst admonish those who looked on to emulate thy character, O blessed one, looking toward the rewards of heaven which impart great gladness and beauty, in that they are incorrupt and last forever, making those who abide therein heirs in the Spirit.

Now & ever…, of the feast, in the same tone & melody—

Today the divine wealth of the grace of the Master hath been poured forth upon all the ends of the world by the wellspring of the barren one which truly poureth forth gifts and proclaimeth its origin unto those who honor her nativity with love and cry aloud: O almighty Jesus, Thou art the Savior of our souls!