Service on the Exaltation of the Cross: Brieflytranslated

September 27 — the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross. The eve of the feast features all-night vigil, while the day itself includes Divine Liturgy according to St John Chrysostom. Our material focuses on what will take place during the service.

1. Service Dates: September 26, the eve of the Exaltation — All-Night Vigil. - Duration: Approximately 2.5-3 hours. The main feature is the Ceremony of the Exaltation of the Cross at the end of the service.

September 27, on the feast day itself — Hours and Divine Liturgy. Duration: Approximately 2-2.5 hours.

2. All-Night Vigil in the evening of September 26 consists of: - Great Vespers with stichera, paraklitika, and a troparion for the Exaltation. - Duration: About 40 minutes. - Matins with troparia and other hymns, including the Canon of the Exaltation.

Service Highlights: - Polyeleos is served in the altar. - The Gospel is read in the altar. - After the Great Doxology, the Ceremony of the Exaltation of the Cross takes place at the end of Matins. - Anointing follows after the Ceremony of the Exaltation of the Cross. - All variable hymns are dedicated solely to the Exaltation (no Sunday troparia).

First Hour with a troparion and kontakion for the Exaltation. Duration: About 5-7 minutes.

3. Morning Services on September 27, 2026: - Third Hour with a troparion and kontakion...