Thrice.
To-day the nature of the waters is sanctified, and the Jordan is divided, and turneth back the flowing of its waters, beholding the baptism of the Master.
Twice.
As a man thou didst come to the river, O Christ the King, desiring to receive the baptism of a servant, O thou good one, at the hand of the Forerunner, because of our sins, O lover of mankind.
Twice.
Glory. Both now. The same tone.
To the voice crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, thou didst come, O Lord, taking the form of a servant, asking for baptism, thou who knowest not sin. The waters beheld thee, and were afraid. The Forerunner became trembling, and cried, saying, How shall the lamp of light be lighted? how shall the servant lay hands upon the Master? Sanctify thou me and the waters, O Saviour, thou that takest away the sins of the world.
And straightway, standing by the baptismal font, the deacon saith, Wisdom.
And the reader, the reading from the prophesy of
Esaias.