BERWICK, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, the faithful of Holy Annunciation Church in Berwick, PA, gathered to celebrate the midpoint of the Great Fast.

At Great Vespers, the Life-Giving Cross was brought out for veneration in accordance with the tradition of the Church, marking the midpoint of Great Lent. The faithful approached the Cross and offered veneration as they continue their Lenten journey toward Holy Pascha.

The Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, places the Cross at the center of the church not only as a remembrance of Christ’s redemption, but as the means by which the faithful are called to live. As the Lord teaches, “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt. 10:38). In the Cross of Christ Crucified is revealed both “the power of God and the wisdom of God” for those being saved (1 Cor. 1:24). The observance of the Sunday of the Cross serves as a reminder of the central place of the Cross in the life of the Church and in the spiritual life of the faithful during Great Lent.

The hymnography of the Church likewise proclaims the saving power of the Cross:

“O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries. And by virtue of Thy Cross preserve Thy habitation!”

The observance of the Sunday of the Cross serves as a reminder of the central place of the Cross in the life of the Church and in the spiritual life of the faithful during Great Lent.

Photo credit: Vanessa Baker

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office