O brothers, let us love the Bridegroom,
Let us make ready our lamps,
Shining out with brightness and true faith,
So that, like the wise virgins at the Lord’s coming,
We may arrive with Him at the marriage,
For He, the Merciful, since He is God,
Offers to all as a gift
The incorruptible crown!
Thou, O God, the Bridegroom of salvation,
the hope of those who hymn Thee,
Grant to us who pray to Thee
That we find, without stain, in Thy marriage,
Just like the virgins
The incorruptible crown.
St. Romanos the Melodist, On the Ten Virgins I
Locus Communis 