Already in the era of the first Christians, the Cross, as a symbol of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, was given great importance. On it the Savior accepted his sufferings, on it he died to unite people with God. Without him, there would be no resurrection. We worship, pray, grow and die with the cross, the symbol of our faith. The Church sets aside several days for the worship of the cross, but one week of Lent is special.
It is no coincidence that the worship of the Cross falls on the third week of fasting. Those who believe in Him will be saved, and they will be saved. And on the other hand, the heart is already beginning to beat happily at the thought that a little more, now, and come the most joyful, bright, most wonderful day — Easter.
Fasting is a period when we analyze our actions, repent of our sins. Often, such mental work leads to despondency. The Cross, the Life-giving One, offers comfort, strengthens us on the path of perfection.
The tradition originated in the 7th century, when the Persians captured the Patriarch of Constantinople and took with them the cross, which Queen Helena brought from Jerusalem.
The return of the shrine was solemn. It was carried by the emperor himself, and the patriarch, also released from captivity, served a solemn service.
On the victory over death, about the boundless love of the Lord, we remember at the week of the Cross. From the very moment when the cross decorated with flowers is laid on the anala and the whole week after that, we gladly offer prayers to the symbol of the Resurrection, beat earthly bows to it and fall in reverence to it.
Like a shady tree on a long road, the worship of the Cross refreshes and encourages, shifting focus from hardship to joyful waiting.
Let a week of worship serve to strengthen faith, encourage the soul, and resolve to continue the feat of fasting.
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