MThA Celebrates Feast of the Elevation of the Cross

“The Cross, being elevated today, calls all creation to praise the pure passion of Him who was raised upon it,” proclaims a stichera from the All-Night Vigil.

While the Nativity of the Mother of God, celebrated six days earlier, marks the threshold of the mystery of God’s Incarnation on earth, the Cross heralds His future Sacrifice.

The Church joyfully commemorates the return of the Lord’s Cross from Persia to Jerusalem. Yet, for the Cross, once a Roman instrument of shameful execution to become a holy symbol, the Son of God offered a voluntary Sacrifice upon it to redeem humanity. In memory of the Redeemer's suffering, Christians observe a strict fast on the day of the Elevation.

Archimandrite Platon (Igumnov) led the festive All-Night Vigil at the Intercession Church on September 26.

During Vespers, the Academy’s Father Confessor, Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets), performed the Litiya and the blessing of the loaves.

Before the reading of the Kathismata at Matins, fourth-year undergraduate student Sergey Artamonov delivered a sermon.

During the festive Matins, following the Great Doxology, the Cross was solemnly brought out from the altar. After a procession, Archimandrite Platon performed the ancient Rite of the Elevation. 

On the feast day itself, September 27, the academic community gathered for the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Church, presided over by Archimandrite Platon (Igumnov).

Before Communion, Hieromonk John (Merzlyakov) delivered a sermon.

He observed that our personal crosses often feel unbearable, leading us to complain about the weight of our burdens. He suggested that this struggle often stems from the fact that we impose "crosses" on others through our offenses and unjust treatment.

"The more we build crosses for others, the harder it becomes to carry our own," Father John noted. "The Cross represents suffering; when we cause others to suffer while asking God for help with our own burdens, we create a spiritual contradiction."

He concluded by encouraging the faithful to emulate Simon of Cyrene, who helped our Lord Jesus Christ carry His Cross.

We are called to raise the Cross of Christ within our own hearts to remain under its protection. A true Christian is one who reaches out to help carry a neighbor's cross.

Background information:

Chanting performed by the first academic choir under the conduct of E.V. Borovinskiy and the first mixed choir led by S.P. Borovinskaya. 

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