The flowering herb basil is often called the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb"—appropriate, given its connection with the finding of the True Cross of the King of Kings.
The Exaltation (Elevation) of the Cross (Sept 14) commemorates the finding of Christ's Cross by St Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine in 326 AD and, after it was taken by the Persians, of its recovery by the Emperor Heraclius in the seventh century. At that time it was elevated in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem, and celebrated annually thereafter in all churches in the Christian Empire. [1/2]
The Exaltation (Elevation) of the Cross (Sept 14) commemorates the finding of Christ's Cross by St Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine in 326 AD and, after it was taken by the Persians, of its recovery by the Emperor Heraclius in the seventh century. At that time it was elevated in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem, and celebrated annually thereafter in all churches in the Christian Empire. [1/2]
[2/2] At the place where the cross was buried, lay a flowering basil plant, which St Helen named “Vasiliko”, meaning “of the King.” The story also goes that when the Empress looked under the basil, she found two other crosses-- the ones used in the crucifixion of the two thieves on either side of Christ. In order to determine which cross was the true Cross of Christ, a sick woman was brought to kiss each of the three crosses. When she kissed the True Cross, she was made well immediately.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross (Sept 14/27)
As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God;
Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,
Granting them victories over their adversaries,
By bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.
The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross (Sept 14/27)
As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God;
Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,
Granting them victories over their adversaries,
By bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.
Come, O Lord! In this digital age, many of us frequently and obsessively monitor our digital devices. What sudden ray of light are we expecting them to deliver to us? Are we able to patiently, prayerfully wait for the Lord’s coming, or are we busy cluttering our souls with “news” of the day, hoping that somewhere in the madness we will find respite, if only momentarily. It will be well with our souls if we can determine to make it through the day without hearing every outrage in the nation and the world, stirred up in a toxic, captivating cocktail called “the news.” Just what are we waiting for? Better, Who are we waiting for? St. Nikolaj Velimirovic sets us aright. “We are waiting for Christ, and not a better time.” Are we? From this moment forward, and with practice, let us resolve to make it so! Maranatha. Come, O Lord!
The Unburnt Bush is the Bush that burned, yet was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). The Holy Prophet and Godseer Moses witnessed the awesome revelation of God on Mount Horeb. The flame Moses saw was God's Uncreated Energies or Glory, as Light, which is why the bush was not consumed. When God spoke to Moses, Moses heard the pre-Incarnate Word (Logos), of God. The vision of God's glory as light in this life and the next is the Orthodox definition of salvation, even moving after death "from glory to glory" eternally.
The encounter is commemorated on Sept 4/ Sept 17.
The Unburnt Bush also signifies the Holy Virgin's sinless conception of Christ when the Holy Spirit came upon her and she was overshadowed by the power of the Most High (Luke 1:35). This “revealed the Holy Trinity by naming the Holy Spirit, the Power which is the Son, and the Most High which is the Father" (Saint Theophylact).
The Theotokos gave birth to the Incarnate God without suffering harm, just as the bush was burnt without being consumed.
The encounter is commemorated on Sept 4/ Sept 17.
The Unburnt Bush also signifies the Holy Virgin's sinless conception of Christ when the Holy Spirit came upon her and she was overshadowed by the power of the Most High (Luke 1:35). This “revealed the Holy Trinity by naming the Holy Spirit, the Power which is the Son, and the Most High which is the Father" (Saint Theophylact).
The Theotokos gave birth to the Incarnate God without suffering harm, just as the bush was burnt without being consumed.
Has a loved one committed suicide or died in separation from the Church?
Based on the godly counsel of Optina Elder Leonid:
Humble yourself before our merciful God.
Temper your sorrow and do not fall into despair.
Trust in God’s wisdom, omnipotence, goodness and compassion.
Without reservation, ask for God’s loving mercy for your loved one and for you. If God is “well-pleased to show mercy, then who shall oppose Him?”
The following is a model of a private prayer, based on the consolation given by Elder Leonid to one of his disciples after the disciple’s father committed suicide.
“Have mercy, O Lord, if it is possible, on the soul of Thy servant (name), departed to eternal life in separation from Thy Holy Orthodox Church! Unsearchable are Thy judgments, unfathomable are Thy mercies. Account not this my prayer as sin, but may Thy holy will be done!”
Based on the godly counsel of Optina Elder Leonid:
Humble yourself before our merciful God.
Temper your sorrow and do not fall into despair.
Trust in God’s wisdom, omnipotence, goodness and compassion.
Without reservation, ask for God’s loving mercy for your loved one and for you. If God is “well-pleased to show mercy, then who shall oppose Him?”
The following is a model of a private prayer, based on the consolation given by Elder Leonid to one of his disciples after the disciple’s father committed suicide.
“Have mercy, O Lord, if it is possible, on the soul of Thy servant (name), departed to eternal life in separation from Thy Holy Orthodox Church! Unsearchable are Thy judgments, unfathomable are Thy mercies. Account not this my prayer as sin, but may Thy holy will be done!”