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Sunday, 14 September 2025

Exaltation (Elevation) of the Precious Cross

14th Sunday after Pentecost

147 days after Pascha · Tone 5 · Major feast Lord · Fast (Strict Fast (Wine and Oil))

Saints commemorated

Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

326

“Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the Cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifed on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy.” It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (See Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Later, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.” (Great Horologion) A fast is kept today, whatever the day of the week.

Holy Martyr Papas of Lycaonia

Saint Papas was a Christian of Lycaonia in Asia Minor who suffered martyrdom for Christ in the late third century during one of the persecutions before the peace of the Church. He was a man of pious and quiet life, devoted to prayer and to the service of his neighbours, until he was denounced as a Christian and arrested by the local magistrates. Brought before the governor and commanded to offer sacrifice to the idols, Papas refused with great firmness, declaring that he worshipped only the one God who made heaven and earth, and the Lord Jesus Christ His only-begotten Son. He was scourged with such severity that his flesh fell from his body, and his feet were shod with iron sandals studded with nails so that he was made to walk over rough ground. Throughout his torments he sang the psalms and gave thanks to Christ. Finally he was tied to a barren tree, and, while he prayed, he gave up his soul to God. According to his life the tree to which he had been bound at once put forth leaves and bore fruit, as a sign that the witness of the martyr had brought life out of death. He is commemorated on this day in the synaxaria of the Greek Church.

Repose of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople

On 14 September the Orthodox Church remembers the repose of Saint John Chrysostom, although his principal feast is kept on 13 November. Saint John was born at Antioch around 347 to a noble family. After studying rhetoric under Libanius, he turned to the ascetic life and lived for several years as a hermit in the mountains near Antioch, until ill health forced him to return to the city, where he was ordained deacon and then priest. From the pulpit of the great Church of Antioch he became the most celebrated preacher of his age, expounding the Scriptures verse by verse and applying them to the life of his hearers with a directness and a fire that won him the name "Chrysostom," that is, "Golden-mouth." In 397 he was called against his will to the see of Constantinople, where he reformed the morals of clergy and people, gave away the wealth of the patriarchate to the poor and the sick, and rebuked the luxury of the court. For this he was hated by the empress Eudoxia and by certain bishops; he was twice deposed and exiled, the second time being driven on foot through the harsh mountains of Armenia and Pontus until he died of exhaustion at Comana in Pontus on 14 September 407, with the words "Glory to God for all things." Because that day fell on the feast of the Exaltation, his principal commemoration was later transferred to 13 November, but the day of his blessed repose is still marked with a brief hymn at the Liturgy.

Saint Placilla the Empress

386

Saint Placilla, also called Flacilla, was the first wife of the emperor Theodosius the Great and a faithful champion of the Orthodox faith in the troubled years that followed the heresy of Arius. She was born in Spain of a Christian family and married Theodosius before his elevation to the throne in 379, becoming the mother of the future emperor Arcadius and of Honorius. Crowned Augusta, she devoted her life in the palace to works of mercy, visiting the hospitals of Constantinople with her own hands, washing the sores of the sick, attending the dying, and serving the lepers whom others would not approach. She was a confessor of the Nicene faith at a time when the Arians were still strong in the capital, and she encouraged her husband in the calling of the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in 381, which confirmed the consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son. Saint Gregory of Nyssa preached her funeral oration, in which he called her "the ornament of the empire" and praised her as a model of charity and humility. She reposed in 386, and is honoured on 14 September as one who reigned in this world only in order to serve the King of heaven.

Holy New Martyr Macarius of Thessalonica

1527

“A disciple of Patriarch Niphon at the time that the latter was labouring in the asceticism of silence at Vatopedi, Macarius longed for martyrdom for the sake of Christ, and begged St Niphon’s blessing to seek it. The discerning Patriarch, perceiving that this was God’s will, blessed him for the way of martyrdom. Macarius went to Salonica and, in the midst of a crowd of Turks, began to speak of Christ as the one, true God. The Turks seized him and threw him into prison. When he was brought to trial, Macarius cried out to the Turks: ‘Oh, that you would come to know the truth and be baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!’ The Turks beheaded him in 1527. At that moment, Niphon saw this in his spirit at Vatopedi, and told a monk of Macarius’s death by martyrdom, saying: ‘Know, my child, that your brother Macarius has today died a martyr, and is borne to heaven, triumphing and rejoicing in the Lord. May we be worthy of blessing by his prayers!’ (From the Athonite Patrology).” (Prologue)

Daily readings

Vespers

Exodus — Exodus 15.22-16.1

22So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

22And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 25And he cried unto Jehovah; and Jehovah showed him a tree, and he cast it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them; 26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. 26and he said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon thee, which I have put upon the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah that healeth thee.

27And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

27And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

1And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

1And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

Vespers

Proverbs — Proverbs 3.11-18

11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 11My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof: 12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 12For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth, Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. 14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 14For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 15She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her. 16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 16Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

Vespers

Isaiah — Isaiah 60.11-16

11Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. 11Thy gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. 12For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. 12For that nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. 13The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 13The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 14And the sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee The city of Jehovah, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

15Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

15Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man passed through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. 16Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. 16Thou shalt also suck the milk of the nations, and shalt suck the breast of kings; and thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Matins Gospel

John — John 12.28-36

28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 28Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 29The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, An angel hath spoken to him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes. 31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself. 33But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die. 33This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 34The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 35Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

36While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.

Epistle

— Elevation weekly cycle

1 Corinthians — 1 Corinthians 1.18-24

18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

18For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 21For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 22Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 23but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 24but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Epistle

2 Corinthians — 2 Corinthians 1.21-2.4

21Now he that establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 21Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

23But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth. 23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast. 24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

1But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

1But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2For if I make you sorry, who then is he that maketh me glad but he that is made sorry by me? 2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 3And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Gospel

— Elevation weekly cycle

John — John 19.6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35

6When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 6When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Take him yourselves, and crucify him: for I find no crime in him. 7The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 7The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

8When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; 8When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid; 9And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 9and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 10Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? 11Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 11Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.

13When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 13When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 14Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King! 15But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar. 15They therefore cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar. 16Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 16Then therefore he delivered him unto them to be crucified. 17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

17They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha: 18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 18where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 19And Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. And there was written, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

19And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 20This title therefore read many of the Jews, for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city; and it was written in Hebrew, and in Latin, and in Greek.

25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

25These things therefore the soldiers did. But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold, thy son! 26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold, thy mother! And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.

28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

28After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that the scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst. 30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. 30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit. 31The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

31The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 32The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him: 33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 33but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 34howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water. 35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 35And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe.

Gospel

Matthew — Matthew 22.1-14

2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 2The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 3and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 4Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast. 5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise; 6and the rest laid hold on his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. 6And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7But the king was wroth; and he sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. 9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 9Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. 10So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 10And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was filled with guests. 11But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:

11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 14For many are called, but few chosen. 14For many are called, but few are chosen.