Small Vespers for the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
Feast of St Autonomos the Martyr Anno Domini 2020, September 12
Lifted high upon the Cross, O Master, with Thyself Thou hast raised up Adam and the whole of fallen nature. Therefore, exalting Thine undefiled Cross, O Thou who lovest mankind, we ask Thee for Thy strength from above, crying: O God Most High, in Thy mercy save those who honor the sacred, light-giving and divine Exaltation of Thy Cross.
With the psalmist, O Master, do we now behold the footstool on which Thine undefiled feet rested (Ps. 98:5), Thy precious Cross, exalted this day with love. And with devotion lifting it on high, we beseech Thee, crying: O Thou who hast sanctified all men by Thy divine Cross, make us sharers in Thine ineffable compassion and Thy grace.
As an unconquerable token of victory, an invincible shield and a divine sceptre, we worship Thy. most Holy Cross, O Christ, whereby the world has been saved and Adam filled with joy. With the whole assembly of those born on earth we honor it, singing its praises, and as we celebrate its divine Exaltation, we entreat Thee for forgiveness.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
By the Emperor Leo: O three-branched Cross of Christ, thou art my strong protection. Sanctify me by thy might, that I may venerate and glorify thee in faith and love.
The Cross of Christ is exalted today, the life-giving Wood on which was fastened in the flesh He who restores all mankind.
Exalt ye the Lord our God: and worship at His footstool, for He is holy (Ps. 98:5).
As we behold the Wood of the Cross exalted on high, let us magnify God who in His goodness was crucified upon it in the flesh.
God is our King of old: working salvation in the midst of the earth (Ps. 73:12).
Hail! Cross of the Lord, divine protection of the faithful, invincible rampart, raising us up from earth.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Come ye, and let us all kiss with joy the Wood of salvation, on which was stretched Christ the Redeemer.
Troparion: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting Orthodox Christians victory over their enemies, and guarding Thy commonwealth with Thy Cross.
Kontakion: Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, do Thou bestow Thy mercy upon the new commonwealth that bears Thy Name. Make the Orthodox people glad in Thy strength, giving them victory over their enemies: may Thy Cross assist them in battle, weapon of peace and unconquerable ensign of victory.
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