Faithful cross, true sign of triumph,Be for all the noblest tree,
None in foliage, none in blossom,
None in fruit your equal be.
Symbol of the world's redemption
For your burden sets us free!
Join us for Vespers at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Divine Service at 6:15 p.m. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ!"
From Great Vespers…
ReplyDeleteThy side being stabbed, O Giver of life, didst nevertheless overflow for all with springs of
forgiveness, life, and salvation. And accepting death in the flesh, thou didst bestow on us deathlessness.
And dwelling in a tomb, thou didst free us and raise us in glory with thee, since thou art God.
Wherefore, do we exclaim to thee, O Lord, Lover of mankind, glory to thee.
Wonderful is thy Crucifixion and thy descent to hades, O Lord, Lover of mankind; for thou didst
lead it captive, since thou art God, raising with thee in glory those who of old had been chained. Thou
didst open to them paradise and didst make them worthy to enjoy it. Grant us, therefore, forgiveness of
sins, who glorify thy third-day Resurrection, and prepare us for dwellings in paradise, since thou art
compassionate.