Veneration of the Holy Cross
It has been two weeks since we have all been together and we miss you very much! We pray that all of you are safe and well! Since we do not have the capability at this time to engage in "tele-teaching," we would appreciate it if you would step in as Sunday School teachers to your own children. We will provide you with the resources necessary to do this. It does not have to be complicated. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any time!
On the third Sunday of Lent, the Church celebrates the Veneration of the Holy Cross. The commemoration and ceremonies of this day are closely parallel to the Feasts of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14) and the Procession of the Cross (August 1). The most common icon associated with this day is the same one used on the Feast of the Exaltation the Cross.
The Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross is wisely and lovingly placed in the middle of the Lenten season to remind us that we are not alone in our spiritual struggle – our Lord is here, with us, and His Cross gives us the strength and courage to continue ‘the good fight’ in anticipation of His Passion and the glory of His Resurrection. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Cross, positioned on a tray surrounded by flowers, is taken in solemn procession through the church. The tray is then placed on a table, and the hymn “We venerate Your Cross” is chanted )see below) . At the end of the service, the people venerate the cross and receive the flowers (usually daffodils) from the priest.
LESSON FOR THE OLDER STUDENTS
Review the historical background of the Veneration of the Holy Cross:
Before you end your Sunday School session
Light a candle and pray for those who are sick and suffering; those who are needy; those who are well; and our church family, that we may all be together again soon to worship in our beautiful church
Light a virtual candle » (For instructions, click on the HELP tab)
Hymns
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)