The Holy Cross

It is said that St. Helena, the mother of Constantine discovered a portion of the true cross in 326 on this day,.  (St. Helena discovered the true sites of many events, guided by dream, a fiend of mine calls her the patron St. of Travel Agents), and while there might be questions about some of the sites, there is a certain amount of archaeological evidence showing that the location of the church of Holy Sepulchre is accurate.  The church was dedicated on the 13th of September 335.  The following day, the cross was taken out to the hill top believed to be Calvary and venerated. 

This day, for us a day of fasting, we remember the cross as the instrument of our salvation.  Red vestments are worn. 

Eucharist
Psalm 98 or 98:1-4;
Isaiah 45:21-25
Philippians 2:5-11 or Galatians 6:14-18
John 12:31-36a
Daily Office:
AM Psalm 66;
Numbers 21:4-9;
John 3:11-17
PM Psalm 118;
Genesis 3:1-15;
1 Peter 3:17-22

Collect:  Dear Lord, as you on this day miraculously helped Helena to discover your cross and nails, daily remind us that each day we must take up our own cross and follow you.  Help us to remember that when we sin, we help nail you to the cross and grant us grace to turn away from our sins and to turn to you.  This we ask in the name of our Lord Yeshua, who lives and rains with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. 

 (red)

Note:  Other traditions celebrate the Holy Cross on 14 September and others on 3 May and  1 Ocober.