Long Island Faithful Celebrate with Festal Procession of the Cross
Water and honey also blessed for the health of the sick

East Meadow, NY – With icons in hand, members of Holy Trinity Church here commemorated the ancient feast of the Procession of the Cross on Sunday, August 1, with their own procession of the cross at the conclusion of the divine liturgy. When the procession reached the front entrance of the church, Father Martin Kraus, parish rector celebrated the lesser blessing of water and a blessing of honey.

During the procession, relics of the saints were also brought out for veneration by the faithful. “With a number of parishioners currently suffering from a variety of illnesses, it was very appropriate to offer prayers of intercession to the saints,” according to Father Martin, “And our collective prayers were offered that God will quickly raise them up in good health.”

The feast of the cross corresponds with the first day of the Dormition fast which begins on August 1, and commemorates the annual procession of the Venerable Wood of the Cross which was brought in procession throughout Constantinople during the Byzantine era, for sanctification of the city, and for relief from sickness for the faithful.

“It was great to see all of the children carrying the icons and participating in the procession,” said Alice Kurtz, a member of the parish choir, adding, “and it was wonderful to hear parishioners of all ages joining us in singing ‘O Lord, save Your people,’ as we walked around the church.”

Photos from the feast

Complete schedule of events