An Explanation Of The Veneration Of The Cross Service

The comments below explain the modern practice of the Veneration of the Cross service. This ancient service was recovered and mandated for use in Roman Catholic parishes in 1956 and has provided the basis for many reforms in Protestant worship on Good Friday since that time. Adapt to local usage and custom. The modern service venerating the cross is made up of three parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Communion. The Service of the Word, like other solemn services, begins in silence. The opening prayer catches the full meaning of the event: "Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death for sinners. " Readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and epistle then follow. After these readings, the congregation is involved in the hearing of the Passion from St. John. The Passion reading may be read again as it was on Pal…