Theological Treasures of the Armenian Church
Canon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Որ զանարատ բազուկս քո ի խաչին տարածեցեր) - Tone 1
Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan
Exodus 15 [օրհ]
O Christ God, who spread apart your spotless arms on the cross and gave us the sign of triumph. Through it preserve our lives.
O Christ God, in the world-saving unfolding of the arms of your cross you gave us a scepter of power; through it preserve our lives.
Through the wood of life you restored to life the one who died by eating from the wood of transgressions. Through it preserve our lives.
The holy cross, relief for the faithful, was erected on earth, triumphing over the enemy. Come, people, let us venerate it.
God the creator was lifted onto the cross, and upon it he renewed and revived those who had died in sin by eating of the wood.
When the Son of God comes again, the holy cross will appear and shine light, for it is the hope of the faithful.
The wondrously built and powerful wood of your cross, O Christ, appeared on earth as a scepter of power. Come, people, let us venerate it.
Concealed by the Jews, the unconcealed treasure was revealed as the wood of life at the Queen’s wish. Come, people, let us venerate it.
This is the weapon of triumph for the faithful, trophy and victorious seal against the enemy. Come, people, let us venerate it.
The indescribable apparition appeared to the Queen. Sitting in the court in Jerusalem she searched for the precious wood of the cross, upon which they nailed the Messiah.
At her stern command, the Jews assembled, displaying for her the precious wood of the cross, on which the creator of creatures went up and ascended.
When the holy cross was discovered in the place of holiness with a fragrant scent of incense, the universe was abundantly filled with gifts.
Daniel 3 [հրց]
Today, by your precious cross, you have revived your people. It is a scepter of power and the wood of life, O God of our fathers.
For we became immortal by means of the wood of life after having eaten the fatal fruit. The four-armed cross was erected in the middle, facing south, O God of our fathers.
And you willingly ascended your cross, O Christ. You spread out your arms to gather to yourself the human race, which had been alienated from you, Lord, God of our fathers.
Bless the Lord and most highly exalt him forever.
Today the only-begotten Son spread out his spotless arms upon the holy cross. Most highly exalt him forever
For he triumphed over death by his mighty power, and he called the universe to salvation and to eternal life. Most highly exalt him forever.
Magnificat [մեծ]
Mother and virgin maiden of Christ, who always intercede for the world. All nations call you blessed.
Pure dove and heavenly bride, Mary, temple and throne of God the Word. All nations call you blessed.
Through you the rational ones and the earthly ones were well-pleased, and through you, we have drawn near to the wood of life. All nations call you blessed.
Psalm 50 [ողր]
O wood of life, instead of the fatal fruit, you gave forth Christ. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.
Through you was opened to us the path to the tree of life, which was guarded by the Seraphim. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.
Through you the forefather was liberated from [the sin of] eating the fruit. And all faithful bow down before you. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.
Psalm 148 [տէր]
Called “tree of knowledge,” it removed and exiled us from life. Through it Mother Eve transgressed and deceived the forefather.
But the life-giving wood of your cross is a scepter of power for the life of mankind and hope of creation. It became our guide to life eternal.
You gave us a triumphant sign, your holy cross, so that through it we might enter by the narrow gate to the constricted path, for which the earthly sons of mankind have yearned.
Psalm 92 [ճշւ]
Faithful people, let us always sing a triumphant and new blessing in the highest to Christ the king.
Who came to illuminate his chosen, holy church. And he crowned her with his holy cross. Let us sing his glory.
Today we too celebrate the Dedication of [the] Holy Cross. And to the Savior we offer glory and honor forever.
Hymn for the Veneration of the Cross [Խաչի քո Քրիստոս]
Before your cross, O Christ, we bow down;
And we magnify your burial;
And we glorify your holy resurrection.
Come, faithful ones, let us bow down to Christ our God.
For he came [and] through his Cross,
Glory to the holy Cross. Alleluia.
[Glory] to holy Sion. Alleluia.
[Glory] to [the] holy Resurrection. Alleluia.
The light of your countenance became a sign for us,
And you filled our hearts with joy.
You filled them with their fruits of wheat, wine and oil.
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