Combined Liturgy for Nativity of the Holy Theotokos and the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Saturday 20th September 2025 @ 7pm

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

The chapel was bathed in soft blue light as the faithful gathered to celebrate the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos and the Elevation of the Holy Cross. From the very first hymn of entrance, lead by Metropolitan Raffaele and sung by the congregation with reverence, the evening was clothed in beauty and prayer.

Together we prayed the Common Prayer, followed by the solemn chanting of the Kyrie from the clergy, as fragrant incense swirled about the altar, rising like the prayers of the people. Then the Gloria was sung.

Father Mark read from Scripture, proclaiming that Christ must be glorified. The Prokimenon was sung, preparing our hearts for the Gospel. Then the Holy Gospel was carried with honor among the congregation, as voices lifted in joyful song.

Father Matthew proclaimed from St. Luke: the story of the Lord welcomed into a home, while Martha busied herself with serving, distracted and frustrated that her sister did not help. Christ’s words rang clear: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Metropolitan Raffaele’s homily wove together the mysteries of the feast with vivid images of Scripture and tradition. He spoke of Joachim and Anna, parents of the Theotokos, who endured rejection and shame for their barrenness. Yet, in their old age, an angel appeared, and Mary was given to them as a gift beyond all expectation.

He described their embrace at the Golden Gate, the meeting place of mercy and glory. From that gate Christ Himself would later enter—presented as a child in the Temple, and on Palm Sunday as the humble King.

The Metropolitan reflected on the treasures of the covenant: the manna of heaven, Aaron’s staff, and the healing serpent lifted high. All these, he said, find their fulfillment in the Cross—the instrument of atonement. Jesus is the Lamb, and those who honor His Mother honor the one who offered Him life.

Turning again to the Gospel, Metropolitan Raffaele reminded us that Martha, though zealous in service, only half-heard the Lord. True blessedness, he said, belongs to those like Mary, who listen with their whole heart. The Theotokos is not only the Mother of God but the mother of all who hear and keep His word.

The liturgy continued with the Offertory Hymn, as the gifts were solemnly brought to the altar. A moment of joy followed: Chloe Rose was welcomed into the catechumenate, anointed and led in procession around the altar, embraced into the family of the Church.

The Sanctus was sung, and through holy prayer the gifts were transfigured into the Body and Blood of Christ. A hymn to the Theotokos was sung, followed by the Lord’s Prayer. Then, as the Metropolitan chanted the Agnus Dei, the clergy prepared for Holy Communion.

The clergy received first, then the faithful approached in reverence, receiving the sacred mysteries with awe and gratitude.

Next, the story of the Cross’s exaltation was recalled: how St. Helena, in her holy search, discovered the true Cross buried beneath Golgotha. After fasting and prayer, she was guided by a vision, and the place of crucifixion was revealed by the scent of basil—the “herb of the King.”

Three crosses were unearthed, and as the true Cross was lifted high, healings and miracles abounded. Relics of that same Cross, lifted before us tonight in solemn procession, shone forth its blessing once again.

With hymn and prayer, the Cross was carried around the altar, raised high in triumph, before being returned in reverence.

As the liturgy drew to its close, Metropolitan Raffaele spoke tenderly of the Theotokos, echoing her words of humble obedience: “Let it be.” The final hymn was sung, and the faithful came forward to venerate both the Holy Cross and the relics of the Mother of God (a small piece of her veil).

The evening concluded in joy and fellowship, as we gathered for a simple agape of shared food—snacks, and indeed, “yum!”—the sweetness of community after the sweetness of prayer.

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