Holy Liturgy – The Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On this day we commemorate: Saint Eustathius the Great Martyr and his wife Theopista, along with their two sons, Agapius and Theopistus; Saint Hilarion of Crete, the New Martyr; and the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—the Taking Up of the Cross and the Following of Christ.

The Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross presents us with the call of our Savior Jesus Christ addressed to every Christian: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Today’s Gospel reminds us that following Christ is not a path free from trials, but a path of faith, sacrifice, and renouncing everything that distances us from God. The personal cross, borne with patience and trust, is not a sign of defeat, but the path through which a person draws near to Christ and discovers the true value of his or her life.

On the same day, the Church honors the Holy Great Martyr Eustathius, his wife, Theopista, and their two sons, Agapius and Theopistus, who remained steadfast in their faith amid great trials and sufferings. The life of this family of saints is a powerful testimony to the strength of faith lived together, to the love that unites the family around God, and to the courage to remain faithful to Christ even when it requires sacrifice.

We also commemorate the Holy and Venerable New Martyr Hilarion of Crete, who received the crown of martyrdom for confessing his faith. His example, like that of Saint Eustathius and his family, shows us that true steadfastness is attained when a person places all their hope in God and does not allow themselves to be overcome by fear or by the trials of this world.

This Sunday calls us to look at our own lives in the light of the Cross of Christ and to understand that every trial can become an opportunity to draw closer to God. Through the example of the saints commemorated today, we are called to bear our cross with patience, to remain united in faith and in family, and to follow Christ with hope, confident that sacrifice and faith are the path to eternal life.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel of the Saint Thecla Foundation, in a warm and welcoming setting!