At the Divine Liturgy: Hebrews 4:14-5:6, Mark 8:34-9:1
Conclusion
The commemoration of the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, also known as the Sunday of the Holy Cross, is a significant and meaningful observance in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross and prepares the faithful for the upcoming commemoration of His Crucifixion during Holy Week.
Through veneration of the Cross and reflection on the significance of Christ’s Passion, believers are encouraged to continue their Lenten journey with renewed strength and purpose. The iconography associated with this feast and the special services conducted on this day help to deepen the spiritual experience of the faithful and draw them closer to the central mysteries of the Christian faith.
As we venerate the Cross and meditate on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice, may we be inspired to follow Him in struggle and sacrifice, knowing that through His suffering and victory, we too can find hope, comfort, and eternal life.
At the Divine Liturgy: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6; Mark 8:34-38; 9:1.
At the conclusion of the Matins (the traditional practice in association with a vigil) or of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by basil or daffodils and is taken in solemn procession through the church to the chanting of the Thrice Holy Hymn. The tray is placed on a table before the people, and the hymn of the Feast of the Cross is chanted. As the priest venerates the Cross, the priest then the people chant, “We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and Your holy Resurrection we glorify.” At the conclusion of the service, the people come and venerate the cross and receive the flowers or basil from the priest.
Hymns for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross
Apolytikion (First Tone)
O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to the faithful over their adversaries. And protect Your commonwealth, by the power of Your Cross.
Festal Kontakion (Grave Tone)
No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a marvelous quenching is come upon it, even the Tree of the Cross. The sting has been taken from death, and the victory from Hades. And, You, my Savior, has appeared unto those in Hades saying: Enter again into Paradise.
Seasonal Kontakion (Plagal of the Fourth Tone) – Sung during Divine Liturgy
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. (Translated by Father George Papadeas)