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;
Their harbour of salvation thou,
Now and eternally.