Before the beginning of Vespers, the priest puts the Holy Cross on a tray decorated with branches of basil or flowers, and places it on the table of the Prothesis.

On Lord, I have cried, four stichera are sung:

Tone Four

Lifted high upon the Cross, O Master, with Thyself Thou hast raised up Adam and the whole of fallen nature. Therefore, exalting Thine undefiled Cross, O Thou who lovest mankind, we ask Thee for Thy strength from above, crying: O God Most High, in Thy mercy save those who honour the sacred, light-giving and divine Exaltation of Thy Cross (twice).

With the psalmist, O Master, do we now behold the footstool on which Thine undefiled feet rested, Thy precious Cross, exalted this day with love. And with devotion lifting it on high, we beseech Thee, crying: O Thou who hast sanctified all men by Thy divine Cross, make us sharers in Thine ineffable compassion and Thy grace.

As an unconquerable token of victory, an invincible shield and a divine sceptre, we worship Thy most Holy Cross, O Christ, whereby the world has been saved and Adam filled with joy. With the whole assembly of those born on earth we honour it, singing its praises, and as we celebrate its divine Exaltation, we entreat Thee for forgiveness.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Two

by the Emperor Leo

O three-branched Cross of Christ, thou art my strong protection. Sanctify me by thy might, that I may venerate and glorify thee in faith and love.

Aposticha:

Tone Two

to the special melody, O house of Ephratah…

The Cross of Christ is exalted today, the life-giving Wood on which was fastened in the flesh He who restores all mankind.

℣. Exalt ye the Lord our God: and worship at His footstool, for He is holy (Psalm 98:5).

As we behold the Wood of the Cross exalted on high, let us magnify God who in His goodness was crucified upon it in the flesh.

℣. God is our King of old: working salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 73:12).

Hail! Cross of the Lord, divine protection of the faithful, invincible rampart, raising us up from earth.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Same Tone

Come ye, and let us all kiss with joy the Wood of salvation, on which was stretched Christ the Redeemer.

Apolytikion (troparion) of the feast:

Tone One

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting Orthodox Christians victory over their enemies, and guarding Thy commonwealth with Thy Cross.

Dismissal.

After the conclusion of Small Vespers, the priest and the deacon put on their vestments. The deacon censes the Holy Cross which rests on the table of the Prothesis, and says:

Father, give the blessing.

The priest:

Blessed is our God…

Then are said the trisagion, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the troparion of the feast, O Lord, save Thy people; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; and the kontakion of the feast:

Tone Four

Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, do Thou bestow Thy mercy upon the new commonwealth that bears Thy Name. Make the Orthodox people glad in Thy strength, giving them victory over their enemies: may Thy Cross assist them in battle, weapon of peace and unconquerable ensign of victory.

The priest places the tray with the Cross on his head. Preceded by lighted candles and by the deacon who censes the Cross, he goes to the Holy Table, laying the Cross down on it in the centre, the Book of the Gospels being set upright at the back of the altar. A candle is lit and left burning in the sanctuary.

No reading from the Psalter.

On Lord, I have cried, eight stichera are sung:

Tone Six

to the special melody, Having set all your hope on the things of heaven…

The Cross is raised on high, and urges all the creation to sing the praises of the undefiled Passion of Him who was lifted high upon it. For there it was that He killed our slayer, and brought the dead to life again: and in His exceeding goodness and compassion, He made us beautiful and counted us worthy to be citizens of heaven. Therefore with rejoicing let us exalt His Name and magnify His surpassing condescension (three times).

Moses prefigured thee, O precious Cross, when he stretched out his hands on high and put Amalek the tyrant to flight. Thou art the boast of the faithful and succour of the persecuted, the glory of the apostles, the champion of the righteous, and the preserver of all the saints. Therefore, beholding thee raised on high, creation rejoices and keeps feast, glorifying Christ, who in His surpassing goodness through thee has joined together that which was divided (three times).

O most venerable Cross, attended by ranks of rejoicing angels, thou art exalted today, and by divine command thou dost lift up again all those who, through the stealing of the fruit, had been made outcasts and were sunk in death. Therefore, embracing thee in faith with heart and lips, from thee we draw sanctification and we cry aloud: Exalt ye Christ, the God most good, and venerate His divine footstool (twice).

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Two

Come, all ye peoples, and let us venerate the blessed Wood, through which the eternal justice has been brought to pass. For he who by a tree deceived our forefather Adam, is by the Cross himself deceived; and he who by tyranny gained possession of the creature endowed by God with royal dignity, is overthrown in headlong fall. By the blood of God the poison of the serpent is washed away; and the curse of a just condemnation is loosed by the unjust punishment inflicted on the Just. For it was fitting that wood should be healed by wood, and that through the Passion of One who knew not passion should be remitted all the sufferings of him who was condemned because of wood. But glory be to Thee, O Christ our King, for Thy dread dispensation towards us, whereby Thou hast saved us all, for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Entrance, O joyful light, and prokimenon of the day.

Lessons:

Reading from Exodus (15:22–16:1).

Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He proved them, and said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai.

Reading from Proverbs (3:11–18).

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction: for whom the Lord loveth He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.

Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (60:11–16).

Thus saith the Lord: Therefore thy gates shall be open continually, O Jerusalem; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. The glory of the Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of My sanctuary; and I will make the place of My feet glorious. The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

At the Lity:

Tone One

by Andrew of Jerusalem

Today the holy words of David have truly received their fulfilment: for lo, in the sight of all the world we venerate the footstool of Thine undefiled feet. And putting our hope in the shadow of Thy wings, we cry aloud unto Thee, all-compassionate Lord: May the light of Thy countenance be marked as a sign upon us, and do Thou exalt the horn of Thine Orthodox people, by the Exaltation of Thy precious Cross, O Christ of many mercies.

Same Tone

The Tree of true life was planted in the place of the skull, and upon it hast Thou, the eternal King, worked salvation in the midst of the earth. Exalted today, it sanctifies the ends of the world, and the Church of the Resurrection celebrates its dedication. Angels in heaven greatly rejoice and men upon earth make glad, crying aloud with David and saying: Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy, granting the world great mercy.

Same Tone

Prefiguring Thy Cross, O Christ, Jacob the Patriarch, when he gave the blessing to his descendants, laid his hands crosswise upon their heads. And today as we exalt Thy Cross, O Saviour, we cry: Give victory to Thine Orthodox people as Thou once gavest it to Constantine.

Tone Two

by Theophanes

Divine treasure hidden in the earth, the Cross of the Giver of Life appeared in the heavens to the godly King, and its inscription spiritually signified his victory over the enemy. Rejoicing with faith and love, inspired by God he made haste to raise on high the Cross which he had seen in his vision; and with great zeal he brought it forth from the bosom of the earth, for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our souls.

Same Tone

by Cyprian

The crossing of his hands by the Patriarch Jacob at the blessing of his children foreshadowed the mighty token of Thy Cross. Having it as our safeguard that cannot be overthrown, we drive out with invincible strength the hosts of demons; and casting down by it the arrogance of Belial, we put to flight the all-destroying power of hateful Amalek. And now that it is lifted on high, we the faithful offer it in piety to Thy goodness for the cleansing of our sins, crying aloud in all the fulness of our voices: Have mercy, O Lord, made flesh of the Virgin: O Thou who art good, take pity on the works that Thou hast fashioned in Thy wisdom.

Same Tone

by the Emperor Leo

O three-branched Cross of Christ, thou art my strong protection. Sanctify me by thy might, that I may venerate and glorify thee in faith and love.

Tone Four

Let us make glad today and sing in honour of the feast, and with joyful face and tongue openly cry aloud: O Christ, for us Thou hast accepted condemnation, being spat upon and scourged; Thou wast wrapped in a purple robe, and hast gone up upon the Cross. Seeing Thee, the sun and the moon hid their light, the earth quaked in fear, and the veil of the temple was rent in twain. Do Thou Thyself now grant us Thy precious Cross as guardian and protector and driver away of demons, that embracing it, we may all cry aloud: Save us, O Cross, by thy might. Make us holy by thy splendour, O precious Cross, and strengthen us through thine Exaltation: for thou hast been given to us as the light and salvation of our souls.

Same Tone

by Anatolios

O Cross, sign radiant with light among the stars, thou hast in prophecy revealed a trophy of victory to the godly King; and when his mother Helen found thee, she displayed thee in the sight of all the world. And today the choirs of the faithful shout aloud as they raise thee up on high: Enlighten us by thy brightness, O life-giving and all-venerable Cross: make us holy by thy might, and lifted on high before the battle line, strengthen us through thine Exaltation.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Same Tone

by Anatolios

Moses prefigured the power of the precious Cross, O Christ, when he put to flight Amalek, his adversary, in the wilderness of Sinai: for when he stretched out his arms in the form of a cross, the people became strong again. And now the fulfilment of these images has come to pass for us. Today is the Cross exalted and devils are put to flight; today the whole creation is set free from corruption: for through the Cross every gift of grace has shone upon us. Therefore all of us rejoicing fall before Thee, saying: How marvellous are Thy works, O Lord: glory to Thee!

Aposticha:

Tone Five

to the special melody, Hail! life-giving Cross…

Hail! life-giving Cross, unconquerable trophy of godliness, door to Paradise, succour of the faithful, rampart set about the Church. Through thee corruption is utterly destroyed, the power of death is swallowed up, and we are raised from earth to heaven: invincible weapon, adversary of devils, glory of martyrs, true ornament of saints, haven of salvation bestowing on the world great mercy.

℣. Exalt ye the Lord our God: and worship at His footstool, for He is holy (Psalm 98:5).

Hail! Cross of the Lord: through thee mankind has been delivered from the curse. Shattering the enemy by thine Exaltation, O Cross all-venerable, thou art a sign of true joy. Thou art our help, thou art the strength of kings, the power of righteous men, the majesty of priests. All who sign themselves with thee are freed from peril. Thou rod of strength under which we like sheep are tended, thou art a weapon of peace round which the angels stand in fear. Thou art the divine glory of Christ, who grants the world great mercy.

℣. God is our King of old: working salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 73:12).

Hail! guide of the blind, physician of the sick and resurrection of all the dead. O precious Cross, thou hast lifted us up when we were fallen into mortality. Through thee corruption has been destroyed, and incorruption has flowered forth; we mortal men are made divine and the devil is utterly cast down. Seeing thee exalted by the hands of bishops on this day, we exalt Him who was lifted high upon thee, and we venerate thee, plenteously drawing from thee great mercy.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Eight

by John the Monk

Today, O Christ our God, we sinners venerate with unworthy lips Thy precious Cross, which Moses once prefigured in himself, when he overthrew Amalek and put him to flight; and which David the psalmist commanded to be venerated as Thy footstool. We cry aloud to Thee that wast pleased to be crucified upon it: O Lord, with the thief count us worthy of Thy Kingdom.

Apolytikion (troparion) of the feast:

Tone One

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting Orthodox Christians victory over their enemies, and guarding Thy commonwealth with Thy Cross.

And the Dismissal.

After the first reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Tone One

We venerate the wood of Thy Cross, O Thou who lovest mankind, for upon it Thou, the Life of all, wast nailed. O Saviour, Thou hast opened Paradise to the thief who turned to Thee in faith, and Thou hast counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed to Thee crying, ‘O Lord remember me’. Accept us like him, as we cry: We all have sinned, in Thy merciful kindness despise us not.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the second reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Tone Six

No sooner had the wood of Thy Cross been set up, O Christ our Lord, than the foundations of death were shaken. For that which hell had swallowed eagerly, it let go in trembling. Thou hast shown us Thy salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify Thee. Have mercy upon us, O Son of God.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the polyeleos, the megalynarion:

We magnify Thee, O Christ the Giver of life, and we honour Thy precious Cross, whereby we have been saved from the bondage of the enemy.

℣. O Lord, judge them that offend me: fight against them that fight against me (Psalm 34:1).

We magnify Thee…

℣. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help (Psalm 34:2).

We magnify Thee…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory be to Thee, O God (three times).

We magnify Thee…

Sessional hymn:

Tone Eight

In times past Joshua, the son of Nun, stretched out his arms crosswise, O my Saviour, mystically prefiguring the sign of the Cross: and the sun stood still until he had defeated the enemy that resisted Thee, O God. And now this same sun is darkened, seeing Thee upon the Cross destroying the power of death and despoiling hell.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat

The first antiphon of the hymn of degrees in Tone Four.

Prokimenon:

Tone Four

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God (Psalm 97:3).

℣. Sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvellous things (Psalm 97:1).

Let everything that hath breath…

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (12:28–36).

The Lord said, Father, glorify Thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to Him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgement of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me. This He said, signifying what death He should die. The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.

We have seen the Resurrection of Christ is sung after the Gospel as on Sundays, whatever the day of the week on which the feast falls.

Psalm 50.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Two

O three-branched Cross of Christ, thou art my strong protection. Sanctify me by thy might, that I may venerate and glorify thee in faith and love.

Both now…

Repeat.

Have mercy upon me…

Tone Six

O Cross of Christ, thou hope of Christians, thou guide of those who have gone astray, haven of the storm-tossed, victory in warfare, firm foundation of the inhabited earth, physician of the sick, and resurrection of the dead: Have mercy upon us.

The Canon of the feast, by St. Cosmas. In each canticle, the irmos is repeated, and then twelve troparia are read. Before the troparia we say, Glory to Thy precious Cross, O Lord.

Tone Eight

Canticle One

Irmos: Inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross upon the waters, Moses marked a straight line before him with his staff and divided the Red Sea, opening a path for Israel who went over dry-shod. Then he marked a second line across the waters and united them in one, overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore let us sing to Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

In times past Moses, standing between the two men of God, prefigured in his person the undefiled Passion. Forming a cross with his outstretched hands, he raised a standard of victory and overthrew the power of all-destroying Amalek. Therefore let us sing to Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Moses set upon a wooden pole a cure against the deadly and poisonous bite of the serpents: for crosswise upon the wood—as a symbol of the Cross—he placed a serpent that creeps about the earth, and thereby he triumphed over calamity. Therefore let us sing to Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Heaven showed the Cross as sign of victory to Constantine, the holy king and upholder of the faith. Through it the proud insolence of his enemies was cast down, deceit was overthrown, and the divine faith was spread to the ends of the earth. Therefore let us sing to Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Katavasia: Inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross upon the waters…

Canticle Three

Irmos: The rod of Aaron is an image of this mystery, for when it budded it showed who should be priest. So in the Church, that once was barren, the wood of the Cross has now put forth flower, filling her with strength and steadfastness.

The rock that was struck and gushed forth water for a hard-hearted and disobedient people, made manifest the mystery of the Church, chosen by God: for the Cross is her strength and steadfastness.

When the spear pierced Thine immaculate side, water flowed forth with blood, thereby establishing Thy New Testament, and washing sin away. For the Cross is the glory of the faithful, the strength and steadfastness of kings.

Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is an image of this mystery…

Sessional hymn

Tone Eight

In Paradise of old, the wood stripped me bare, for by giving its fruit to eat, the enemy brought in death. But now the wood of the Cross that clothes men with the garment of life has been set up in the midst of the earth, and the whole world is filled with boundless joy. Beholding it exalted, O ye people, let us with one accord raise in faith our cry to God: Thy house is full of glory.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

Canticle Four

Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation: I have considered Thy works, and I have glorified Thy Godhead.

In days of old Moses transformed with wood the bitter wells in the wilderness, prefiguring the bringing of the Gentiles to the true faith through the Cross.

Jordan received into its deep bosom a sharp axe, and then was forced by a stick of wood to give it back again, thus betokening the cutting of error by the Cross and baptism.

The people of Israel, a sacred army drawn up in four divisions, marched in this figure before the ark of the testimony, gaining glory by their ranks formed in the sign of the Cross.

Stretched out in wondrous fashion, the Cross sent forth rays as the sun, and the heavens declared the glory of our God.

Katavasia: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation…

Canticle Five

Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, on which Christ the King and Lord was stretched! Through thee the beguiler fell, who tempted mankind with the tree. He was caught in the trap set by God, who was crucified upon thee in the flesh, granting peace unto our souls.

Thou Wood famous in song, O Cross on which Christ was outstretched, the whirling sword that guarded Eden was afraid of thee; and the dread cherubim gave way before Christ who was crucified upon thee, granting peace unto our souls.

The powers from beneath the earth, our adversaries, tremble when they see the sign of the Cross displayed in the air wherein they dwell; and the multitude of the inhabitants of heaven, together with those born on earth, bow the knee before Christ who grants peace unto our souls.

Shining with pure rays, the holy Cross sheds its divine light upon the peoples darkened by the beguilement of error, and it reconciles them to Christ who was crucified upon it, granting peace unto our souls.

Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, on which Christ the King and Lord…

Canticle Six

Irmos: Jonah stretched out his hands in the form of a cross within the belly of the sea monster, plainly prefiguring the redeeming Passion. Cast out from thence after three days, he foreshadowed the marvellous Resurrection of Christ our God, who was crucified in the flesh and enlightened the world by His Rising on the third day.

Bent with age and wasted by sickness, Jacob was straightened when he crossed his hands, showing thereby the power of the life-giving Cross. For God, who was crucified upon it in the flesh, thereby wrote anew the letter of the old Law written in shadows, and drove away the soul-destroying disease of error.

Holy Israel, by laying his hands crosswise on the heads of the young, signified that the people serving under the Law should enjoy for a time the honour due to the firstborn. When suspected of error in so doing, he changed not the life-giving figure: for, cried he, the newly-planted people of Christ our God, fortified by the Cross, shall take the higher place.

Katavasia: Jonah stretched out his hands in the form of a cross…

Kontakion

Tone Four

Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, do Thou bestow Thy mercy upon the new commonwealth that bears Thy Name. Make the Orthodox people glad in Thy strength, giving them victory over their enemies: may Thy Cross assist them in battle, weapon of peace and unconquerable ensign of victory.

Ikos

He who was caught up in the third heaven to Paradise, and who heard unspeakable and divine words which it is not lawful for the human tongue to utter, wrote to the Galatians—as lovers of the Scriptures, you have read His words and know—‘But God forbid’, said he, ‘that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’ on which He killed our passions by His Passion. Let us, then, firmly hold fast to the Cross of the Lord, the glory of us all: for this Wood is our salvation, weapon of peace and unconquerable ensign of victory.

Canticle Seven

Irmos: The senseless decree of the wicked tyrant, breathing forth threats and blasphemy hateful to God, confused the people. Yet neither the fury of wild beasts nor the roaring of the fire could frighten the three Children: but standing together in the flame, fanned by the wind that brought refreshment as the dew, they sang: ‘Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our fathers.’

The first man, through eating from the tree, went to dwell in corruption: condemned to shameful banishment from life, he fell prey to bodily corruption, which he transmitted to all our kind like some pollution from disease. But the inhabitants of the earth, finding restoration in the wood of the Cross, cry aloud: Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our Fathers.

The breaking of the law of God came through disobedience, and the untimely partaking of the fruit of the tree brought death to mortal men. Henceforth the tree of precious life was kept under guard, until the confession of the good thief opened the path of access to it once again, as he perished in agony, crying: ‘Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our Fathers.’

Israel, foreseeing the future, did reverence to the top of Joseph’s staff, revealing how in times to come the most glorious Cross should be the safeguard of royal power. For it is a triumphal glory to kings, and a light to those who cry with faith: Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our fathers.

Katavasia: The senseless decree of the wicked tyrant…

Canticle Eight

Irmos: O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God the Father and Creator; sing ye the praises of the Word who descended and changed the fire to dew; and exalt ye above all for ever the most Holy Spirit, who gives life to all.

At the exaltation of the Wood that is sprinkled with the blood of the incarnate Word of God, sing praises, ye powers of heaven, feasting the restoration of mortal men. Ye people, venerate the Cross of Christ, whereby resurrection has been granted to the world unto all ages.

Ye earthly dispensers of grace, reverently exalt with your hands the Cross on which hung Christ our God, and the lance that pierced the body of God the Word. Let all the nations see the salvation of God and glorify Him unto all ages.

Ye faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, rejoice. Receiving from God the Precious Cross, make this victorious weapon your glory, for by it the tribes of the enemy that rashly seek battle are scattered unto all ages.

Katavasia: O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity…

Canticle Nine

The Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim are not sung, but before the irmos and the troparia we sing the megalynarion:

Magnify, O my soul, the most precious Cross of the Lord.

Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical Paradise, who untilled hast brought forth Christ. He has planted upon earth the life-giving Tree of the Cross: therefore at its Exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.

Let all the trees of the wood rejoice, for their nature is made holy by Christ, who planted them in the beginning and who was outstretched upon the Tree. At its Exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.

The Cross is raised up as a sacred horn of strength to all God’s people, upon whose foreheads it is marked. Thereby are all the horns of the spiritual powers of wickedness crushed. At its Exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.

Another Canon

Before the irmos and the troparia we sing:

Magnify, O my soul, the Exaltation of the life-giving Cross of the Lord.

Irmos: Today the death that came to man through eating of the tree, is made of no effect through the Cross. For the curse of our mother Eve that fell on all mankind is destroyed by the fruit of the pure Mother of God, whom all the powers of heaven magnify.

Not suffering the deadly bitterness of the tree still to remain, Thou hast utterly destroyed it through the Cross. In like manner of old did wood once destroy the bitterness of the waters of Marah, prefiguring the strength of the Cross that all the powers of heaven magnify.

Through the Cross, O Lord, today Thou hast raised us up again, who were plunged continually in the gloom of our forefather. Unrestrained greed thrust down our nature into error: but now we have been restored to our full inheritance by the light of Thy Cross which we, the faithful, magnify.

To show the world, O Lord, the figure of the Cross, reverenced in all places as most glorious, Thou hast formed it in the sky, shining with boundless light, unconquerable armour for the King. This holy Cross do all the powers of heaven magnify.

Katavasia

The two irmoi, each preceded by its megalynarion:

O Theotokos, thou art a mystical Paradise…

Today the death that came to man…

Exapostilarion:

Tone Two

The Cross is the guardian of the whole earth; the Cross is the beauty of the Church. The Cross is the strength of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful. The Cross is the glory of angels and the wounder of demons (twice).

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Today the Cross is exalted and the world is sanctified. For Thou who art enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit hast spread Thine arms upon it, and drawn the world to knowledge of Thee, O Christ. Make worthy of divine glory those that have put their trust in Thee.

Lauds. Four stichera are sung:

Tone Eight

to the special melody, O marvellous wonder…

O marvellous wonder! The most holy Cross, the life-giving Tree, is lifted up on high today and shown to the world. All the ends of the earth give glory, all the devils are affrighted. How great a gift is here bestowed on mortal men! Through Thy Cross save our souls, O Christ, Thou who alone art full of compassion (twice).

O marvellous wonder! The Cross which carried the Most High as a cluster of grapes full of life is seen today exalted high above the earth. Through the Cross we all are drawn to God, and death has been for ever swallowed up. O undefiled Wood! Through thee we enjoy the immortal fruit of Eden, as we glorify Christ.

O marvellous wonder! The length and breadth of the Cross is equal to the heavens, for by divine grace it sanctifies the whole world. By the Cross barbarian nations are conquered, by the Cross the sceptres of kings are confirmed. O divine ladder! By thee we go up to heaven, exalting Christ the Lord in song.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Six

Today the Cross of the Lord goes forth, and the faithful welcome it with love; and they receive healing of soul and body and of every weakness. Let us kiss it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of sin; with joy, for upon it Christ the Lord was in His great mercy crucified, who grants the world salvation.

Great Doxology

During the Doxology the priest puts on all his vestments, and stands with the incense before the Holy Table, on which lies the Precious Cross, upon a tray with branches of basil or flowers. When the choir begins to sing Holy God, he goes round the Holy Table, censing the Cross from the four sides. Then, while the choir sings the concluding Holy God to a slow and solemn melody, he takes the Cross with the tray and, placing it upon his head, he proceeds round the Holy Table and out of the sanctuary through the north door. The Cross is preceded by processional candles and the exapteryga, and by the deacon with the incense. The priest stops in front of the Royal Doors, facing to the east, and when the final Holy God has ended, he says:

Wisdom, let us attend.

The choir then sings the troparion of the feast, O Lord, save Thy people, 3 times.

The priest proceeds to the centre of the church, and places the Cross on a table or analogion specially prepared for it: and he censes the Cross from the four sides of the table.

The priest makes three prostrations, whatever day it may be, and, taking the precious Cross with the branches of basil, he faces towards the east, raises it above his head, and says in a loud voice:

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy; we pray Thee, hear and have mercy.

The choir sings Kyrie eleison a hundred times. The priest makes the sign of the Cross three times with the precious Cross, and then slowly bends to the ground with it, after which he slowly rises again, finally raising the Cross once more above his head. As the choir comes to the end of the first hundred Kyrie eleison, the priest lowers the Cross to the level of his chest, and once more makes the sign of the Cross with it three times.

Then he stands on the right side of the table and, facing towards the north, he says:

Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.

And he raises the Cross as before, while the choir sings the second hundred Kyrie eleison.

He then stands on the east side of the table and, facing towards the west, he says:

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name) and for all our brethren in Christ.

The choir sings the third hundred Kyrie eleison, while he raises the Cross as before.

He then goes to the left side of the table and, turning towards the south, he says:

Again we pray for the souls of all Orthodox Christians, for their health and salvation, and the remission of their sins.

The choir sings the fourth hundred Kyrie eleison, as he raises the Cross a fourth time.

Finally he returns to the front of the table and, facing towards the east again, he says:

Again we pray for all who serve or have served in this holy church (or monastery), for their health and salvation, and the remission of their sins.

The choir sings the final hundred Kyrie eleison, while the Cross is elevated for the fifth and last time.

Holding the Cross above his head, the priest sings the kontakion of the feast, Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, and makes the sign of the Cross once more over the people.

Then the priest lays the Cross on the table and sings once:

Tone Six

We venerate Thy Cross, O Master, and we glorify Thy holy Resurrection.

This is repeated twice by the choir.

Meanwhile the priest makes two prostrations in front of the Cross and kisses it, after which he makes a third prostration. The Cross is then venerated by the other clergy in order of rank and by all the faithful, each making three prostrations, two before venerating the Cross, and one after.

During the veneration of the Cross, the choir sings the following:

Tone Two

by the Emperor Leo

Come, ye faithful, and let us venerate the life-giving Wood, on which Christ, the King of Glory, stretched out His hands of His own will. To the ancient blessedness He raised us up, whom the enemy had before despoiled through pleasure, making us exiles far from God. Come, ye faithful, and let us venerate the Wood, through which we have been counted worthy to crush the heads of our invisible enemies. Come, all ye kindred of the nations, and let us honour in hymns the Cross of the Lord. Hail, O Cross, complete redemption of fallen Adam. With thee as their boast, our faithful kings laid low by thy might the people of Ishmael. We Christians kiss thee now with awe, and glorifying God who was nailed upon thee, we cry: O Lord, who on the Cross wast crucified, have mercy upon us, for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Tone Five

Come, ye people, and looking on this marvellous wonder, let us venerate the might of the Cross. For a tree put forth the fruit of death in Paradise; but life is the flower of this Tree on which the sinless Lord was nailed. Reaping incorruption from it, all the nations cry: O Thou who through the Cross hast laid death low and set us free, glory to Thee.

Same Tone

O God, fulfilled are the words of Thy prophets Isaiah and David, saying: ‘All the nations shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord.’ For behold, O Thou who art good, the people filled with Thy grace in Thy courts at Jerusalem. O Thou who hast endured the Cross for us and hast brought us life by Thy Resurrection, guard us and save us.

Tone Six

Today is lifted up from the hidden places of the earth the Tree of life on which Christ was nailed, confirming our faith in the Resurrection. And exalted on high by priestly hands, it proclaims His Ascension into heaven, whereby our nature, lifted from its fallen state on earth, is made a citizen of heaven. Therefore let us cry in thanksgiving: O Lord who wast raised upon the Cross, Thou hast raised us with Thyself; count worthy of the joy of heaven those that praise Thee.

Same Tone

The four ends of the earth, O Christ our God, are sanctified today by the Exaltation of Thy Cross with its four arms: and with it is the horn of Thy faithful people exalted, who thereby dash in pieces the horns of their adversaries. Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvellous in Thy works: glory to Thee.

Same Tone

The sayings of the prophets foretold the holy Wood, whereby Adam was set free from the ancient curse of death. And today, at the Exaltation of the Cross, all creation raises its voice, asking of God plenteous mercy. O Master, who alone art boundless in compassion, be our atonement and save our souls.

Tone Eight

O God, fulfilled are the words of Thy prophet Moses, saying: ‘Ye shall see your life hang before your eyes’. Today the Cross is exalted and the world is set free from error. Today the Church of Christ’s Resurrection celebrates its dedication, and the ends of the earth rejoice greatly; with cymbals like David, they offer Thee their song, saying: O God, Thou hast worked salvation in the midst of the earth through the Cross and the Resurrection, whereby Thou hast saved us, O Thou who art good and lovest mankind. Glory be to Thee, O all-powerful Lord.

Same Tone

Today the Master of the Creation and the Lord of Glory is nailed to the Cross, and His side is pierced; and He who is the sweetness of the Church, tastes gall and vinegar. A crown of thorns is put upon Him who covers heaven with clouds; He is clothed in a cloak of mockery. He who formed man with His hands, is struck by a hand of clay. He who wrappeth the heaven in clouds, is smitten upon His back. He accepts spitting and scourging, reproach and buffeting; and all these things my Deliverer and God endures for me that am condemned, that in His compassion He may save the world from error.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Same Tone

Today He Who is by nature unapproachable, becomes approachable for me, and suffers His Passion, thus setting me free from passions. He who grants light unto the blind is spat upon by the mouths of the transgressors, and He gives His back to scourging for the sake of those that are captive. When the pure Virgin, His Mother, beheld Him upon the Cross, she cried out in pain: ‘Woe is me, my Child: why hast Thou done this? Thou, whose beauty was fairer than that of all mortal men, dost appear without life and form, having neither shape nor comeliness. Woe is me, O my Light. I cannot bear to look upon Thee sleeping, and I am wounded in my innermost self, a harsh sword pierces my heart.’ I sing the praises of Thy Passion, I venerate Thy merciful kindness: glory to Thee, O longsuffering Lord.

And the Dismissal.

Antiphon One

Tone Two

℣ 1. My God, my God, look upon me: why hast Thou forsaken me? (Psalm 21:2)

At the prayers of the Theotokos, save us, O Saviour.

℣ 2. The words of my transgressions are far from my salvation (Psalm 21:2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 3. O my God, I cry in the daytime, but Thou hearest not (Psalm 21:3).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 4. But Thou, the praise of Israel, dwellest in the sanctuary (Psalm 21:4).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Antiphon Two

Same Tone

℣ 1. O God, why hast Thou cast us off for ever? (Psalm 73:1)

O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

℣ 2. Remember Thy congregation, which Thou hast purchased of old (Psalm 73:2).

O Son of God…

℣ 3. This is Mount Zion wherein Thou hast dwelt (Psalm 73:2).

O Son of God…

℣ 4. God is our King of old: working salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 73:12).

O Son of God…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

O Only-begotten Son and Word of God…

Antiphon Three

Tone One

℣ 1. The Lord reigneth, let the people rage: He sitteth upon the cherubim, let the earth be moved (Psalm 98:1).

The troparion of the feast:

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting Orthodox Christians victory over their enemies, and guarding Thy commonwealth with Thy Cross.

℣ 2. The Lord is great in Zion: and He is high above all the people (Psalm 98:2).

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 3. Let them give thanks to Thy great name: for it is holy (Psalm 98:3).

The troparion of the feast.

Introit:

Exalt ye the Lord our God: and worship at His footstool, for He is holy (Psalm 98:5).

O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

The troparion of the feast; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; the kontakion of the feast.

In place of the trisagion is sung:

We venerate Thy Cross, O Master: and we glorify Thy holy Resurrection (three times).

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

And we glorify Thy holy Resurrection.

We venerate Thy Cross, O Master: and we glorify Thy holy Resurrection.

Prokimenon:

Tone Seven

Exalt ye the Lord our God: and worship at His footstool, for He is holy (Psalm 98:5).

℣. The Lord reigneth, let the people rage (Psalm 98:1).

Reading from the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (1:18–24).

Brethren, the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Alleluia:

Tone One

℣ 1. Remember Thy congregation, which Thou hast purchased of old (Psalm 73:2).

℣ 2. God is our King of old: working salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 73:12).

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (19:6–11, 13–20, 25–28, 30–35).

At that time the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. And they came to Pilate, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgement hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art Thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto Him, Speakest Thou not unto me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgement seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he Him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him away. And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha: where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day (for that sabbath day was an high day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true.

In place of It is meet, we sing the megalynarion and first irmos from Canticle Nine of the Canon.

Magnify, O my soul, the most precious Cross of the Lord.

Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical Paradise, who untilled hast brought forth Christ. He has planted upon earth the life-giving Tree of the Cross: therefore at its Exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.

Communion verse:

The light of Thy countenance is marked upon us, O Lord (Psalm 4:7).

Whatever the day of the week on which the Exaltation of the Cross occurs, even Saturday or Sunday, it is observed as a fast: neither meat, fish, nor animal products are eaten, but oil and wine may be used.

The apodosis of the feast falls on 21 September. On that day all the office of the feast is repeated, omitting only the entrance, lessons, lity, and breaking of bread at Vespers; and the polyeleos and Gospel at Mattins, together with the ceremonies of the Exaltation and Veneration of the Cross.

After the conclusion of the Liturgy, the priest comes out from the sanctuary with the censer, preceded by the deacon with a candle. He goes to the centre of the church, where the Cross is resting on a table, and he censes the precious Cross. Then he takes it with the tray and, placing it on his head, he carries it into the sanctuary, the deacon going in front and censing the Cross. Then the priest places the Cross on the Holy Table and censes it from the four sides, going round the Holy Table.