Procession of the Holy Cross; Seven Maccabean Martyrs

Orthodox Calendar, August 1 The Procession of the Venerable Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord : In the Greek Horologion of 1897 the derivation of this Feast is explained: “Because of the illnesses that occur in August, it was customary, in former times, to carry the Venerable Wood of the Cross through the streets and squares of Constantinople for the sanctification of the city, and for relief from sickness.

On the eve (July 31), it was taken out of the imperial treasury, and laid upon the altar of the Great Church of Hagia Sophia (the Wisdom of God). From this Feast until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, they carried the Cross throughout the city in procession, offering it to the people to venerate. This also is the Procession of the Venerable Cross.”

In the Russian Church this Feast is combined also with the remembrance of the Baptism of Rus, on August 1, 988.

Troparion — Tone 1

O Lord, save Your people, / and bless Your inheritance! / Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians / over their adversaries. / And by virtue of the Cross, / preserve Your habitation!

The seven holy Maccabee martyrs Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus and…