Exalting The Cross, Lifting Up Our Burdens: By Diran Avagyan

This Sunday, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of its major feasts. According to tradition, the Cross of Christ was raised for veneration following its recovery from Persian captivity and return to Jerusalem.

We all have our own crosses to carry in life. Rarely, however, do we lift them up. We often carry them silently and privately, bleeding on the inside while shining on the outside.

I see this in the life of our church as well, particularly when people submit prayer requests. Often, these requests are anonymous or offered for others. Seldom have I seen people request prayers for themselves, disclose their names, or specify the reason for their prayer. In my observation, this is not always out of concern for confidentiality or a desire to put others first, but most likely because of cultural stigma, shame, and the fear of being judged.

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross calls us not to be ashamed of raising our own crosses, sharing our vulnerability, and disclosing our wounds and traumas. It is about telling our own stories and acknowledging our struggles, fears, and worries. It is about lifting them up and surrendering them to God. The Exaltation of the Cross is about healing and liberation, overcoming trauma and the sense of victimhood. It is about victory, enduring hope, and embracing life.

The Exaltation of the Cross is also a reminder that we do not have to bear our crosses alone. If we allow others to help us, and if we allow Christ to walk with us on the path of the Cross, He will shoulder our yoke and lighten our burden.