Services December/January

Exaltation of Cross Kontakion of the Cross, Tone 4
O Christ our God, you willingly accepted to be lifted on the Cross,
Giving your mercies to the new nation named after you;
Giving joy to Orthodox faithful.
And with your power you gave them victory over enemies.
~ May they have as an ally your Cross the invincible trophy,
the weapon of peace.

Services and Other Activities at Holy Cross
Nativity & Theophany: Holy Cross members and friends will be attending English services at the Church of St Paul and St Irene, 15 Rose Street, Hawthorn East, Melbourne.

January 2nd (civil calendar)
9.00am      Great Hours of Nativity

January 3rd
8.30am      Mid-night Office including Nativity canons
10.00am     Divine Liturgy     Fr John (Ioanni) serving

The Feast of Nativity (25th December – Church calendar) falls on 7th January (civil calendar).

January 16th
9.00am      Great Hours of Theophany

January 17th
8.30am      Mid-night Office including Theophany canons
10.00am     Divine Liturgy     Fr John (Ioanni) serving
                      with Blessing of the Waters

The Feast of Theophany (6th January – Church calendar) falls on Tuesday 19th January in the civil calendar.
 

Holy Cross lost access to its regular building at the beginning of the COVID-19 response, and for the present, continues meeting as a house church.

REPSONSE TO COVID-19: Orthodox Christians cannot be prevented from prayer, wherever they may be, and whatever circumstances they find themselves in. This has always been so. When travelling, confined through illness, or impeded by law or the audacity of an oppressor, there are times when Christians cannot meet for public worship.

The Mission family at Holy Cross are encouraged to continue the services at home, and in their normal family setting, and perhaps joining with another Orthodox person or family [as restrictions permit] for shared services and holy fellowship. This has been the norm for many Orthodox faithful through the ages, and the Services themselves routinely provide for this.

The Mission continues to send out the weekly propers (variables) and canons by email. Copies of any and all of the Services and canons are available upon request, by post or via a collection point in Heidelberg. Please contact Holy Cross Administrator – see the Contact page.

The Administrator can also facilitate contact with supporting clergy, should you have the need.