Hymns from the Greek Office Books

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)

ὁ φωτίσας τή ἐλλάμψει τῆς σῆς παρουσίας Χριστὲ

    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 God, 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)

χαίροις ὁ ζωηφόρος Σταυρὸς

    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

By thee the curse is gone,
And death no terror brings;
We cast his power beneath our feet,
And rise to heavenly things.

IV

O shield of our defence,
And foe of all our foes;
The glory of the saints of God,
Their crown for all their woes.

V

Who follow Christ the Lord,
Their beauty find in thee;