Procession of the Honourable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord

Categories: orthodox-life, hymns, feast-days

Date: 31 July 2006 23:29:47

How is that for a Feast Name!

This page from OCA explains the derivation of the Feast:

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, 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.

Troparion:
O Lord, save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance!
Grant victories to Your people
Over their adversaries.
And by virtue of the Cross,
Preserve Your habitation!

It is also, for those Orthodox churches on the new (Gregorian) calendar, the start of the Dormition Fast, which lasts until August 15, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Happy Feast Day to All!, and may God bless all who are keeping the fast, or desiring to keep the fast.