The Origin And Meaning Of The Veneration Of The Cross Service

The aim of this essay is to set forth the origin and the significance of the Veneration of the Cross service with the hope that it will provide the basis for a more faithful interpretation and practice of the Veneration of the Cross service. Origin and Development At the outset it must be emphasized that veneration of the cross was not part of the ancient Roman liturgy. Until the seventh century, the Good Friday service at Rome consisted only of the scriptural readings and solemn orations. The custom of venerating the cross, therefore, arose not at Rome, but at Jerusalem where the true cross was discovered during the second quarter of the fourth century. Tradition credits St. Helena, the mother of Constantine, with this discovery. Once unearthed, the sacred wood immediately became the object of great popular devotion. In 403, Paulinus of Nola reported that "every year during the Lord's Pasch the bishop of that city [Jerusalem] brings it [the cross] out to be venerated by the peopl…