Previous //  Contents  // Next
A GUIDE TO THE TRIODION AND LENT
9. Third Sunday of Great Lent - Sunday of the Holy Cross
 

 
 

On the third Sunday of the Great Fast, we celebrate the Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

 

Since through the forty-day Fast we are also crucified in a certain way, deadened as we are by the passions, and feel a sense of bitterness, so that we become exhausted and fall down, for this reason the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is set forth, to refresh and strengthen us, and to remind us of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

It exhorts us with this thought: If our God was crucified for us, how much ought we to do for Him! It lightens our burdens by comparing them with the afflictions of the Master. It reminds us of the glory that comes through the Cross and gives us the hope of this glory. For, as our Savior ascended the Cross and was glorified by being led around dishonorably, and by the bitter treatment that He received, so must we also act, in order that we may be glorified with Him, even if we suffer some unpleasantness for a time.


 

"By the power of Thy Cross, O Christ our God, protect us from the assaults of the Evil One, and vouchsafe us, having passed through the arena of the forty days with ease, to venerate Thy Divine Passion and Thy Life-Bearing Resurrection and have mercy on us, for Thou alone art good and loves mankind."

 

 


 
Previous //  Contents  // Next

Page created: 19-3-2013.

Last update: 19-3-2013.