Festvals and Symbols - The Parish of Greenford Magna

This icon and information are from the website of theMelkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia and NewZealandIcons of the Feast usually portray St. Macarius in thecentre of the Icon, elevating the Holy Cross andshowing it to the people. This elevation or uplifting ofthe Cross shows its prominence as the sign ofvictory. Hence the name "Exaltation" or "Elevation ofthe Holy Cross."St. Constantine the Emperor, and St. Helena, hismother, are frequently shown, although some iconsdepict only St. Helena. Gathered about the Crosswith St. Macarius and St. Helena are bishops,priests, and hymnographers.With them, too, we are joined in oneness of mind andpurpose as we sing: "We bow to Your cross, 0 Lord,and we praise Your holy resurrection."TROPARION - Save Your people, 0 Lord, and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to Your Church over itsenemies and protect Your people by Your cross.From my personal point of view, Holy Cross Day has a special place because of my 30 years as rector of HolyCross Church. I was Installed on Holy Cross Day, 1982 and each Holy Cross day is a Parish Feast of Title andfor me, another anniversary of becoming the rector. The relevance of the cross and cross theology is just asclear to me today as it was when I studied theology back in 1974. The inspired words of St. Paul about thecross are still powerful and moving. 1 Corinthians 1: 18, and 22-25.“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it isthe power of God..... For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, astumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks,Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, andGod’s weakness is stronger than human strength.”The theology is expressed crisply and beautifully in this stanza from the hymn we call “Rock of ages” byAugustus Montague Toplady.Nothing in my hand I bring,Simply to thy cross I cling;Naked, come to Thee for dress;Helpless, look to Thee for grace;Foul, I to the Fountain fly,Wash me, Saviour, or I die.A. M Toplady (1740-1778)5