Gospel of Exaltationtranslated

In 2026, the permanent feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (September 27, New Style) falls on Sunday.   The Gospel reading on this day is the 60th from the Gospel of John (John 19, 6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35). The reading reminds us of the Cross and the sufferings of the Lord, beginning with the trial of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate and ending with the death of Jesus on the Cross. This narrative takes us into the sublimely mournful atmosphere of Good Friday - creation crucifies its Creator, who voluntarily gave Himself into his hands.

When the chief priests and ministers saw Him, they shouted: Crucify Him, crucify Him! Pilate says to them: Take Him and crucify Him; for I find no fault in Him. The Jews answered him: We have a law, and according to our law He must die, because He made Himself the Son of God. When Pilate heard this word, he became more afraid. And he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus: Where are you from? But Jesus did not give him an answer. Pilate says to Him: Do you not answer me? Do you not know that I have the power to crucify You and the power to release You? Jesus answered: You would not have had any power over Me if it had not been given to you from above; therefore there is greater sin on the one who delivered Me to you...