The Church celebrates Veneration of the Cross Sunday

The Cross in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: Lavra website

On March 23, 2025, Orthodox churches around the world mark the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross – a special period during Great Lent that signifies the faithful reaching the halfway point on their journey toward Pascha.

This observance falls on the third Sunday and the fourth week of Great Lent. During this time, the cross is solemnly brought out into the center of the church, where the faithful venerate it with the troparion: “We venerate Your Cross, O Master, and we glorify Your holy Resurrection.”

According to theologians, the cross is presented to the faithful in the middle of Lent not only as a reminder of Christ’s sufferings but also as a source of spiritual strength. Just as travelers on a long journey find a spring to refresh themselves, so too do the faithful find renewed strength in the contemplation of the Cross.

The tradition of bringing out the cross for veneration mid-Lent has ancient roots. Historical sources indicate that this custom dates back to Byzantine practice. In Constantinople, on this day, a portion of the True Cross was brought out from the imperial treasury for public veneration, to strengthen the faithful for the remainder of the Lenten journey.

Throughout the entire week, special hymns dedicated to the Cross are sung during services. According to the liturgical order, during Matins, following the Great Doxology, the Cross is solemnly brought out from the altar and placed in the center of the church, where it remains throughout the week for veneration. Each believer may come forward, venerate it, and reflect on the redemptive sacrifice of the Savior.

The Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross holds particular significance for modern Christians, who often live in a constant rush and informational noise.

Beholding the Cross in the middle of Lent is a spiritual pause – a chance to reflect on the part of the fast already completed and to draw strength for the remainder. The Cross reminds believers that there is no victory without sacrifice, no resurrection without struggle.

Church tradition recommends that during this time, special attention be given to meditating on Christ’s sacrifice and on one's own cross – the personal trials and challenges of life.

It is especially beneficial during this week to read the Akathist to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross daily, attend church services, and strive to show mercy to others. Through acts of mercy, the faithful participate in the cruciform love of Christ.

After the conclusion of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, the Cross is returned to the altar. However, the spiritual momentum gained by the faithful during this time helps them continue their Lenten journey with renewed strength toward the greatest Christian feast – the Bright Resurrection of Christ, which in 2025 will be celebrated on April 20.

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