Tone 6

IrmosIn your goodness, enlighten with divine light the souls of those who seek you early with love, that they may know you to be the True God: I entreat you, O Word of God, who call them back from the darkness of transgressions!

Let us hasten to follow the Pharisee in his virtues
and to emulate the Publican in his humility.
Let us hate what is wrong in each of them:
foolish pride and the defilement of transgressions.


The righteousness of the Pharisee proved to be vanity,
and was condemned, for it was yoked to pride;
but the Publican gained humility,
which goes with the virtue exalting men on high.


The Pharisee thought to drive swiftly
in the chariot of the virtues;
but the Publican on foot outran him,
for he yoked humility with compassion.


Pondering with our minds the parable of the Publican,
let us all emulate him with tears,
offering God a contrite spirit
and seeking the remission of our sins.


Let us in all wisdom
cast far away from ourselves
the wicked arrogance and boasting of the Pharisee,
that we may not be stripped of divine grace!


Give a staff of strength, loving Virgin,
to all of us who run to you for refuge:
Give us victory in the midst of all our enemies,
and deliver us from all harm.
Katavasia: All creation was awed by your divine glory, for you, Virgin, knew no man, yet bore the God of all. You held in your womb the Eternal Son who grants peace to those who extol you in song.