Saint Romanos Melodios (?-c.560), composer of hymns
2nd hymn for Epiphany, §15-18 (SC 110, p.289f.)

Let us all raise our eyes to the Lord in heaven, crying out like the prophet: «He who has been seen upon earth is our God who, through an act of his will, has spoken with men»... He who showed himself to the prophets in various forms, whom Ezekiel beheld beneath the appearance of a man on a fiery chariot (1,26) and Daniel as Son of Man and Ancient of Days, both old and young at the same time (7,9.13), showing forth in himself a single Lord: he it is who has appeared and who has illuminated all things.

He has dispersed the shades of night: thanks to him all is as midday. The light with no evening, Jesus our savior, has shone over the world. The land of Zabulun flourishes in imitation of Paradise, for «you give them to drink from the torrent of your delights» (Ps 36[35],9)... We behold in Galilee «the fountain of life» (v.10) who has appeared and illumined all things.

And I too, O Jesus, I shall then see you enlightening my mind and saying to my thoughts: «You who are always thirsty, come to me and drink» (cf. Jn 7,37). Water this humbled heart, broken by my wandering ways. They have consumed it with hunger and thirst: not a hunger for bread or thirst for water but for hearing the Spirit's word (Am 8,11)... That is why it groans softly as it waits for your judgments, you who have appeared and illumined all things...

Grant me a clear sign, purify my hidden faults, for my secret wounds are undermining me... I fall at your knees, O Savior, like the woman with the flow of blood. I, too, seize hold of the fringe of your garment, saying: «If I but touch it, I shall be saved» (Mk 5,28). Do not disappoint my faith, O healer of souls...; I shall find you for my own salvation, you who have appeared and illumined all things.