Saint John Maximovich Before the time of Christ, the cross was an instrument of punishment; it evoked fear and aversion. But after Christ’s death on the Cross it became the instrument of our salvation. Through the Cross, Christ destroyed the devil; from the Cross He descended into hades and, Read more…
Archimandrite Nikanor Karayannis In every age, the message of the Cross has sounded strange. In our own era, however, when comfort and prosperity have been raised to god-like status, the message of the Cross isn’t merely absurd but is also irreconcilable with secular reasoning. It’s terrifying for the rules Read more…
George Mantzarides, Professor Emeritus of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki In the middle of the time of Great Lent, we have the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. The rubrics for the day begin as follows: ‘Since we, too, are, in a sense, crucified Read more…
One of the most difficult things for human persons to face is rejection. Think of a time in your life when you felt rejected. Think of the feelings you had—sadness, betrayal, alienation and aloneness, and, for even a moment, a bitter lack of love and confidence in oneself. Rejection strikes Read more…
Ioannis Karavidopoulos, Professor of the School of Thelogy of the University of Thessaloniki In the middle of Great Lent, on the third Sunday of the fast, the Church presents the Cross for veneration by the faithful, so that they can be strengthened in their spiritual struggle, which will bring Read more…
Saint Gregory Palamas But let’s leave all those under the old law and go on to Christ Himself, for Whom and through Whom all things were made and Who said just before the crucifixion that those who don’t take up their cross and follow Him aren’t worthy of Him. Read more…
Saint Gregory Palamas The Cross of Christ was forecast and mystically predicted from of old and no-one has ever become reconciled to God without the power of the Cross. After the transgression of our forefathers in God’s paradise, through the tree, on the one hand sin spread and, on Read more…
Metropolitan Panteleimon of Antinoes A week before the feast day of the Universal Elevation of the Holy Cross, the Orthodox Church prepares the faithful through Scriptural readings, prayer and acts of good deeds to celebrate the event of the finding of the precious and life-giving Cross of our Lord Read more…
Joe and I started trying to get pregnant in April. But I did not expect to conceive so quickly. Having received chemotherapy to treat my multiple sclerosis, as well as radiation to manage a thyroid condition that developed in the midst of it all, I was anticipating a long journey of failed attempts Read more…
In this episode of Good News for a Change, on the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis shares thoughts on this important Feast Day. When we elevate the cross in September and then when we venerate it during Great Lent, our relationship with the Cross Read more…