III When the Christ, His mission ended,

8,7,8,7
Idiomelic Stichera of The Ascension

When the Christ, His mission ended,

To the mount of Olives went,

He from earth in power ascended,

Far above the firmament.

Clouds His chariot, bright and glorious,

Bore Him far from human ken,

Who to heaven returned victorious,

Leaving gifts for sinful men.

"Lift your heads, ye gates supernal,"

Sang the choirs of angels bright,

"For He comes, the King eternal,

Crowned with majesty and might."

Hear the prayer from earth ascending

From our hearts bereft and lorn;

Let the Holy Ghost, descending,

Come to soothe our souls that mourn.