Honoring the Cross
The modern world likes symbols. People celebrate their sports teams and other cultural loyalties by displaying symbols. In marketing, it's called "branding." For many Christians, the Cross serves as a symbol of their brand-loyalty. But this has almost nothing to do with the Orthodox treatment of the Holy Cross.
Modern "symbols" are understood to be signs of something else. They are reminders and pointers. But in Orthodox thought, symbols not only point to something, they participate in it and make it present. Thus the Cross for the Orthodox, is, in some sense,
The Cross.
In our prayers, it is not uncommon to say, "Through the power of the precious wood of the Cross." It is a recognition of the sacramental reality that resides in the Cross itself, and in every instance of its display.
Syrian Orthodox tradition holds that the Shekinah glory of God that dwelt in the Temple, was removed after the Crucifixion of Christ and now resides in the Cross. Devotion to the Cross in Syrian tradition is very, very deep.
This Sunday, the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Cross is placed in the center of the Church. We approach it with prostrations and recognize in it the Throne of God.
"By the Wood of Thy Cross, O Savior, remember me and save me!"
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