Image of ʾƎsṭifānos of Gunda Gunde

From the Lord, the Trinity, while I seek wisdom. I shall write a praise of your image, for the time of my youth has drawn near. The crown of martyrs, ʾƎsṭifānos, is hidden in your zeal. The book of your righteousness, when the priests of the Gospel read it, the first martyr ʾƎsṭifānos blooms in heaven. Now I have begun with a mind that increases, and with a heart that adorns itself with love and humility. I shall recount your ascetic struggles and your sufferings with simplicity. Grant me, ʾƎsṭifānos, a likeness of milk and manna, until a hymn and a salutation that fills the heart. Salutation to the remembrance of your name, in the number of the sixth letters, which was called first by the Holy Spirit. Swift help, ʾƎsṭifānos, and the end of all destruction. For the glorious remembrance of your name, which brings grace, heaven bows and the earth trembles. Salutation to your eyes, which looked and did not see. The books of the learned, which they cast away souls. ʾƎsṭifānos, be a shelter for fire in the flame. Sprinkle me from my sins and revive my soul. For your eyes, which were anointed with blood and water.

Salutation to your ears, which have heard the counsel of the wicked, men who, for the love of the king, have been eager. ʾƎsṭifānos, one of the Lord’s sheep, whose flesh, because of his name, has been made to suffer, and in your ears a thorn is cast. Salutation to your lap, which was filled with ashes. The judgment of the king, one, and the destruction of his free men. ʾƎsṭifānos, death, and from all sorrow, by the grace given to you and by your lap, hide me as a son and a small child. Salutation to your horn, which was dyed in truth. The sword of faith, a weapon for the king with his children. ʾƎsṭifānos, perfect, when I knock at your door, while my mind stands, the measure of his command and his decree. The power of your horn shall protect me by his mercy and his righteousness. Between what I have offered to you, a hymn of lips, praise. By the measure of your entire image, without omitting one. ʾƎsṭifānos, your name, when I call openly, what afflicts me and consumes me, manifold. Grant me a share of blessing, your open hand.