One of the most popular and included in the list of obligatory for Orthodox believers glorifications is the prayer “Life-giving Cross”. It is included in the morning prayer rule and is usually read on a wooden or silver cross. In this article, we will understand the options for a prayer service, determine in which cases it helps and consider the facts from history related to the Honest Cross.
Interpretation of the Prayer to the Life-Giving Cross
The life-giving cross is the wooden pillar on which Jesus Christ was crucified. For many centuries, prayers have been offered to him, and copies are carried with them in the form of a talisman. The prayer addressed to the life-giving cross is a symbol of a person’s faith in the Divine essence and power of the Most High in all His manifestations.
Through a prayer service, the worshiper recognizes that the most powerful amulet against evil spirits and evil deeds is a sign granted from above. This is a request for spiritual help and the blessing of the Lord. It is considered life-giving, because it is a symbol of eternal life in heaven, which was granted to the human race through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
That is why many Orthodox Christians wear crosses consecrated with holy water on a chain as a reminder of the gift received, the sacrifice of God’s son, and as a protection. Also, crosses are nailed to the walls of the house and stored in glass cabinets, so that their power guards the house and family.
How does prayer help?
Praying to the Honest Cross is not just a symbol or tribute to the faith, also It helps people in various situations:
- protects from diseases;
- heals;
- protects from evil and unkind people;
- calms in difficult minutes;
- removes damage and evil eye;
- protects from dangers.
His miraculous power has repeatedly saved and defended believers, bestowing deliverance from sorrows and misfortunes, and in return bringing peace and happiness.
The text "May God be resurrected and scattered to defeat him ..."
There are two options for prayers to the Life-giving Cross. The text of the prayer, “May God be resurrected, and be scattered to defeat Him ...” completely:
“May God rise again, and bewildered unto Him, and let them flee from His sight, who hate Him. As smoke disappears, let them disappear; as wax melts from the face of fire, so demons perish on behalf of those who love God and are marked by the sign of the Cross, and who say merrily: Rejoice, most honorable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, cast away demons by the power of you our Lord Jesus Christ, descended to hell and have made amends to the devil, and bestowing upon you to you His Honest Cross to drive out every adversary. Oh, the Sacred and Life-giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Virgin Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever. Amen".
The short text of the prayer to the life-giving cross in Russian is as follows: “Protect me, Lord, by the power of the Honest and the Life-giving Thy Cross, and save me from all evil.”
The difference is that a short prayer is recommended to be read at night before going to bed. In this case, it is necessary to kiss the cross, preferably the one that you always carry with you. Then you should cross yourself and sign the bed with a sign.A calm sleep without nightmares and worries is provided, and unnecessary thoughts and anxieties will not prevail, preventing sleep.
Historical facts
From history, the most famous is the case of Queen Elena, the mother of King Constantine, eager to find the very cross on which Christ was crucified. The queen helped her son in the search and, at the prompting of Judah, found three crosses in a deep cave. On which the Son of the Lord was crucified - no one knew, so it was decided to check each one. In turn, they were brought to a sick woman. As soon as the life-giving cross touched her, she was healed of the disease. Then, to confirm, they lowered him to the deceased and he instantly rose again. Thus, the incredible power of the cross remaining in the tree after the death of Jesus was confirmed.
Since then, the reading of the prayer “May God rise again ...” sincerely, with hope and from the heart, will grant the worshiper heavenly protection and salvation from adversity and misfortune. This legend is considered the first, therefore the most true and traditional.
