Dear Beloved in Christ,
This Sunday, we reach the midpoint of Great and Holy Lent, marked by the Feast of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. At this moment in our Lenten journey, the Church places the Cross before us—not as a burden, but as a source of strength, renewal, and hope. Just as a traveler finds rest under the shade of a great tree, so too do we pause at the Cross to draw courage for the road ahead.
The Cross is at the heart of our faith. It is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice, love, and victory over death. As Christ carried His Cross, He showed us that the path to true life requires us to take up our own crosses—not in despair, but in faith and trust in God. Through the Cross, joy has come into all the world, and through the Cross, we find the strength to continue our journey toward the Resurrection.
As we come to church this Sunday and bow before the Cross, we should ask ourselves:
What burdens do I need to lay before Christ? How can I carry my cross with faith?
The Church, in her wisdom, gives us this feast to encourage and refocus us, reminding us why we fast, why we pray, why we struggle—to be transformed by the love of God and to prepare our hearts for Holy Pascha.
I encourage you to come and venerate the Cross this Sunday, to receive its blessing, and to continue the journey of Lent with renewed strength and faith.
With love in Christ,