The Third Sunday of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ.
On this day, members of the Greek Orthodox faith are reminded of the Passion of the Lord and get prepared for the commemoration of the Crucifixion during Holy Week.
The religious day is marked with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by basil or daffodils and is taken in solemn procession through the church.
The tray is placed on a table before the people who, together with the priest, chant: “We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and Your holy Resurrection we glorify.”
Afterwards, people come and venerate the Cross and receive flowers or basil from the priest.
