Leavetaking of the Elevation of the Cross

Commemorated on September 21



Because of the Leavetaking of the Elevation of the Cross, the service to St Quadratus of the Seventy is sung on September 22.



At the end of Liturgy, the priest comes out from the altar with a censer, preceded by a deacon with a candle. Going to the center of the church, he censes three times around the Cross. He takes the tray with the Cross and places it on his head to carry it into the altar. The deacon goes before him, censing the Cross. After placing the Cross on the altar, the priest censes the four sides of the Holy Table.

Troparion - Tone 1

Lord, save Your people,And bless You inheritance.Grant victories to the Orthodox ChristiansOver their adversaries.And by virtue of Your Cross,Preserve Your habitation.

Kontakion - Tone 4

As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake,Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God;Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,Granting them victories over their adversaries,By bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.

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