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The Great Canon Á-? On Tuesday of the First Week - Page 7 of 19
Song 4.
Eirmos:
The Prophet heard of Thy coming, O Lord, and
was afraid that Thou wast to be born of a Virgin and
appear to men, and he said, "I have heard the report
of Thee and am afraid." Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
(Habbakuk 3:2)
Refrain:
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
Watch, my soul! Be courageous like the great Patriarchs,
that you may acquire activity and awareness, and be a mind
that sees God, and may reach in contemplation the
innermost darkness, and be a great trader.
(Genesis 32:28; Luke 19:13-15)
The great Patriarch, by begetting the twelve Patriarchs,
mystically set up for you, my soul, a ladder of active ascent,
having wisely offered his children as rungs, and his steps as
ascents.
You have emulated the hated Esau, my soul, and have given
up your birthright of pristine beauty to your supplanter, and
you have lost your father's blessing, and have been tripped
up twice in action and knowledge. Therefore, O wretch,
repent now
. (Genesis 25:31; 27:37)
Esau was called Edom for his extreme passion of madness
for women. For ever burning with incontinence and stained
with pleasures, he was named Edom which means a red-hot
sin-loving soul.
(Genesis 25:30)
Have you heard of Job who was made holy on a dunghill, O
my soul? You have not emulated his courage, nor had his