“The awe inspiring countenance of the Judge will compel you to speak the truth. Even if you are silent, it will convict you. You will rise clothed either in your sins or in your just deeds.” (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Fathers of the Church Series, 64:70).
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On the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the Veneration of the Life-Giving Cross, and for this reason: inasmuch as in the forty days of fasting we in a way crucify ourselves and become bitter and despondent and failing, the Life-Giving Cross is presented to us for refreshment and assurance, for remembrance of our Lord’s Passion, and for comfort… We are like those following a long and cruel path, who become tired, see a beautiful tree with many leaves, sit in its shadow and rest for a while and then, as if rejuvenated, continue their journey; likewise today, in the time of fasting and difficult journey and effort, the Life-Giving Cross was planted in our midst by the holy fathers to give us rest and refreshment, to make us light and courageous for the remaining task….
This most compunctionate Canon – which is truly great not only because of the quantity of troparia as compared with other canons, but also because of the multitude of mystical thoughts and insights – is the excellent composition of Saint Andrew of Crete (see July 4). Examining the entire history of the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New, and artistically fitting it together into one sacred song, this divine Father incites every soul to imitate the good and to flee from evil, and to return to God by means of repentance. (Sung in its entirety this Weds, night).
The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in al forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.
“It is impossible…to spend the present day devoutly unless we regard it as the last of our whole life” (St. John Step 6:24).