Elevation of the Holy Cross
Thou art the mystical paradise, O Theotokos;
for that thou being untilled, didst bud forth Christ,
by Whom was planted on earth
the life-giving tree of the Cross.
Wherefore, as we adore it being elevated,
we magnify thee.
(Holy Cross Canon)
Come ye faithful, let us adore the life-giving Wood,
on which Christ the King of glory,
stretched out His hands of His own will.
To the ancient blessedness He raised us up,
whom the enemy had before despoiled through pleasure,
making us exiles far from God.
Come ye faithful, let us adore the wood,
through which we have been made
Worthy to crush the heads of invisible enemies.
We Christians kiss thee now with fear
and, glorifying God Who was nailed upon thee,
we cry: O Lord, Who on the cross was crucified,
have mercy on us,
for thou art good and lovest mankind.
(ldiomelon)