Aposticha of Lauds. Of the Cross.

Glory. Both now.

**Cross-Theotokion**

May your Cross be a wall for us, Jesus our Saviour; for we the faithful have no other hope but you who were nailed to it and who grant us your great mercy.

You have given as a sign to us who fear you, Lord, your precious Cross, through which you triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness and brought us back to our ancient blessedness. Therefore we glorify your loving dispensation, Jesu all-powerful, the Saviour of our souls.

How should we not marvel at your struggles, holy Martyrs, for clothed in mortal bodies you wounded bodiless foes? The threats of tyrants did not fright you, nor the assaults of tortures make you cower. Fittingly indeed you have been glorified by Christ and you ask for our souls his great mercy.

As your Mother watched you stretched out upon the Cross, pierced by the nails and wounded in the side by the lance, lamenting she cried: Alas, my beloved Child, how has the lawless people put you to death, who give life to those in Hades? But arise quickly, and give joy to those you have loved.