Hymns from the Greek Office Books Part 2

To Thee be lasting praises, Immortal Three in One,-- Thou Father, Son, and Spirit,-- Now, and while ages run.

Exapostilarion Automelon

{epeskepsato hemas exypsous ho Soter hemon}

_Maenon_, Dec. 25

I

The early dawn awakes, The morn triumphant breaks, See, see! the brightening sky, The Saviour from on high Is with us here.

II

And we who sat in night, Rejoicing see the Light; The shadows now are past, The Dayspring come at last And day is near.

III

For we have found the Truth; The Son of Virgin youth, The Saviour hath been born This glorious festal morn, And joys appear.

Troparia of The Sixth Hour

{ten achranton Eikona sou proskynoumen agathe}

_Horologion_, p. 94

I

Before Thy Cross we take our place, With all our load of guilt, And plead forgiveness of Thy grace Because Thy blood was spilt.

II

For Thou, to free us from our foes, Didst bear that cruel Cross, And by its agony and woes Bring gain for all our loss.

III

Therefore we raise with one accord Our songs right thankfully, For joy and peace, O Christ our Lord, We owe in full to Thee.

Ode V

(From the Canon of the Resurrection)

{ho photisas te ellampsei tes ses parousias Christe}

_Parakletike_, p. 8

I

O Christ, Who art the peerless Light, Come with Thy presence ever bright, And from the Father's throne above Descend to hearts that own Thy love.

II

Thy Cross no shame to mortals brings; The world with joy its glory sings; And men, O Christ, before Thee bow-- All hail! Thy Resurrection now.

III

Ah Thou, our Lord, the Shepherd good, Upon that Cross poured forth Thy blood, And with Thy last expiring breath Didst save Thy flock from endless death.

IV

And death of all his power is shorn, And men to joy and peace are born, For from their sins' oppressive sway Forgiveness bears their souls away.

V

Glory to Thee, O G.o.d, we bring, And to the Son, our Heavenly King, And to the Holy Ghost always, Now, and throughout the endless days.

Stichera

(From the Office of the Cross on Quadragesima Sunday)

{chairois ho zoephoros Stauros}

_Triodion_, p. 215

I

All hail, life-bearing Cross, The trophy of the good, Thy bloom is fragrance on our way, Thy fruit our heavenly food.

II

Entrance to paradise, Strength of all faithful souls; The Church's fortress when the foe His banner grim unrolls.

III