September 14th:
Exaltation
of the Holy Cross
Introit: Galatians vi:
But it behoves us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we were saved and delivered. [Ps. xlvi] May God have mercy on us and bless us; may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us. Glory be.... But it.
Collect:
O God, who year by year, dost gladden us by the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross: we beseech Thee; grant unto us, who on earth have known its mystery, to be found worthy to enjoy the rewards of its redemption in heaven.
Epistle: Philippians ii: 5-11
A reading from the epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the
Philippians:
Brethren: Have this in mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who though He
was by nature God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be clung to,
but emptied Himself, taking the nature of a slave and being made like unto men.
And appearing in the form of man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient
to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore
God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the name that is above every
name, [Genuflect] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven,
on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord
Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Gradual: Philippians ii: 8-9
Christ
became obedient for us unto death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has given Him a name that is above
every name.
Alleluia,
alleluia. Sweet the wood, sweet the
nails, sweet the load that hangs thereon: for thou alone, O Holy Cross, wast
worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Alleluia.
Gospel: John xii: 31-36:
+
The continuation of the
Holy Gospel according to John.
At that time, Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: "Now is the judgment of the world; now will the prince of the world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself." Now He said this signifying the death by which He was to die. The crowd answered him: "We have heard from the law that the Christ abides forever. And how can Thou say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up.'? Who is the Son of Man?" Jesus therefore said to them: "Yet a little while the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."
Credo.
Offertory:
By the sign of the Holy Cross, protect Thy people, O Lord, from the snares of every foe: that we may exhibit to Thee a pleasing service, and our sacrifice may become acceptable, alleluia.
Secret
We are now, O Lord, our God, about to feed on the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the banner of the holy Cross was hallowed: grant, we beseech Thee; that since we have been found worthy to worship the same holy Cross, we may enjoy forevermore the glorious salvation it has won for us.
Communion Hymn:
By the sign of the holy Cross, deliver us from our enemies.
Postcommunion:
Be Thou with us, O Lord, our God: and defend with Thine abiding help, those Thou makest to rejoice in the honor of Thy holy Cross.
