Katavasia of the Cross
Tone
8
Ode 1. Inscribing the invincible weapon of the
Cross upon the waters, Moses marked a straight line before him with his staff
and divided the Red Sea, opening a path for Israel who went over
dry-shod. Then he marked a second line across the waters and united them
in one, overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore let us sing to
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Ode 3. The rod of Aaron is an image of this
mystery, for when it budded it showed who should be priest. So in the
Church, that once was barren, the wood of the Cross hath now put forth flower,
filling her with strength and steadfastness.
Ode 4. O Lord, I have heard the mystery of
Thy dispensation: I have considered Thy works, and I have glorified Thy
Godhead.
Ode 5. O thrice-blessed Tree, on which Christ
the king and Lord was stretched! Through thee the beguiler fell, who
tempted mankind with the tree. He was caught in the trap set by God, who
was crucified upon thee in the flesh, granting peace unto our souls.
Ode 6. Jonah stretched out his hands in the
form of a cross within the belly of the sea monster, plainly prefiguring the
redeeming Passion. Cast out from thence after three days, he foreshadowed
the marvelous Resurrection of Christ our God, who was crucified in the flesh
and enlightened the world by His Rising on the third day.
Ode 7. The senseless decree of the wicked
tyrant, breathing forth threats and blasphemy hateful to God, confused the
people. Yet neither the fury of the wild beast nor the roaring of the
fire could frighten the three Children: but standing together in the flame,
fanned by the wind that brought refreshment as the dew, they sang: ‘Blessed art
Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our fathers.’
Ode 8. O ye Children, equal in number to the
Trinity, bless ye God the Father and creator; sing ye the praises of the Word
who descended and changed the fire to dew; and exalt ye above all for ever the
most Holy Spirit, who giveth life unto all.
Ode 9. O Theotokos, thou
art a mystical Paradise, who untilled hast brought forth Christ. He hath
planted upon the earth the life-giving Tree of the Cross: therefore at its
exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.
Today the death that came to man
through eating of the tree, is made of no effect through the Cross. For
the curse of our Mother Eve that fell on all mankind is destroyed by the fruit
of the pure Mother of God, whom all the powers of heaven magnify.
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