The Cross of our Lord! There is no debate, or there shouldn’t be, that the Cross is by far the most recognized symbol of Christianity. Because, through the Cross, salvation has come into all the world. Joy has come into all the world! Without the Cross, we have nothing.
This day, in the Orthodox Church, we honor the Procession of the Venerable Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord.
The Procession of the Venerable Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord: In the Greek Horologion of 1897 the derivation of this Feast is explained: “Because of the illnesses that occur in August, it was customary, in former times, to carry the Venerable Wood of the Cross through the streets and squares of Constantinople for the sanctification of the city, and for relief from sickness. On the eve (July 31), it was taken out of the imperial treasury, and laid upon the altar of the Great Church of Hagia Sophia (the Wisdom of God). From this Feast until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (August 15), they carried the Cross throughout the city in procession, offering it to the people to venerate. This also is the Procession of the Venerable Cross.”
OCA.org
On the Eve of this remembrance we sing some beautiful hymns all about this life-creating Cross.
Oh! How I loved singing this stichera last night. Full of beauty and joy at what we have received from God through the Cross!
I loved singing all of it but the two below needed to be emphasized and made into reminders to return to later.
Filled with hope and joy let us see the Cross as it “Now declares the Resurrection of the Savior”!
Kindler of Joy! 