Meaning of the Mid-Lent Cross
(special sermon)
There are four powerful prayers in each of the four directions with the Mid-Lent Cross. This sermon is on the meaning of the Mid-Lent Cross, the golgatha, King Abgar and the healing power of the prayer for this auspicious time.
This sermon was given for Mid-Lent, March 18, 2009 by Fr John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.
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The cross in Eastern Christianity has a complex history with surprizing variety and symbology.
"The Holy Cross has illuminated, and it decorated the sky with stars and showed everything like the sun!" ~ from Ethiopian Orthodox blessing at Meskel
"No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a marvelous quenching is come upon it, even the Tree of the Cross." ~ from Greek Orthodox Kontakion
26 March 2009
The Blessing Cross
Dear Father John,
I want to express my thanks for the beautiful article you wrote on the
glorious Cross. I have emailed it to many people, because I think it truly
captures the significance of our blessed symbol of redemption and salvation.
In the Ethiopia Orthodox Church we pray the Prayer of the Cross every day:
The Cross is our power.
The Cross is our strength.
The Cross is our redemption.
And the Cross is the salvation of our souls. Amen
May Our Lord and Our Lady bless you as you continue to use your gift of
writing to proclaim the glorious truths of the Orthodox Faith.
Selam,
Gebre Menfes Kidus
The article "The Blessing Cross" by Fr John Brian was recently published on
the ICON website:
http://www.icon.org.in/jsp/icon/resources/BlessingCross.pdf