Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sunday between 7 and 13 September

Apostle of the Sunday before the Exaltation.
Galatians §215 (6:11-18).
Brethren: See what a letter I have written to you with my own hand. For as many as desire to please in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer the persecution of the Cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised, keep the law; but they will have you to be circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by Whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me; for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel of the Sunday before the Exaltation.
Saint John §9 (3:13-17).
The Lord said: No man hath ascended into heaven, but He that descended from heaven, the Son of man Who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him, may not perish; but may have life everlasting. For God so loved the world, as to give His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting. For God sent not His Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by Him.