$14 per couple or $7 per person

Today, Judge Edgar W. Dickson, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas, issued an Order finding that the Church of the Holy Cross did not accede to the 1979 Dennis Canon and is thus the owner of its property. He further found that no other Parish acceded to the Dennis Canon and thus no trust was ever created in favor of The Episcopal Church (TEC) or TECSC. This is the ruling for which we have been praying and the second time we have prevailed in circuit court.

You may read more on our diocesan website HERE.  The actual court order of Judge Dickson can be found HERE.  I direct you to page 31 of the Order where Judge Dickson speaks particularly about The Church of the Holy Cross (Stateburg). 

Do not be surprised if TEC and TECSC appeal, but I feel confident that Judge Dickson’s ruling followed SC law and will be affirmed. However, let us humbly continue to pray and let us give thanks to God as we continue our mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all people.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.19-20)

Holy Cross continues to follow CDC Guidelines 

including allowing those fully vaccinated to remove their masks once seated. 

The Vestry met Sunday 16 May 2021 after worship and prayerfully considered the conversation and polling that occurred as a parish family immediately after worship last Sunday.

For the health and safety of our congregation and in love for each other, starting this Sunday 23 May 2021:

Anyone who has been fully vaccinated may remove their mask after being seated. We ask that you replace your mask after worship as you exit and that conversation after worship be kept to a minimum inside, but may continue outside the buliding.

We will continue to practice social distancing in seating so that Fr Michael can continue to distribute communion to parishioners seated in the pews and for safety reasons outlined further below.

Additionally, we will offer the option of receiving hosts with intinction of wine by Fr Michael and placed in the flattened palm of communicants. This procedure has worked well in other churches and particularly in Africa, even in the midsts of an Ebola outbreak without adverse risk. It is optional and further instructions will be provided before communion. 

Since social distancing continues as before, and under the CDC guidelines,
those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks at all times.  It is believed that it is not necessary to separate the congregation between those vaccinated and those not as long as the guidelines are followed.

We will continue to Live Stream and upload worship for those unable to attend. Anyone who has felt or been ill, especially running a fever, coughing, or experiencing any symptoms that would suggest that COVID testing is warranted, should stay home and watch on Facebook, Youtube, or from our website.

Please let Fr Michael know of any medical or other concerns affecting you, your family, or loved ones.  

A more detailed outline follows:

• Communicants stay in pews as before to receive communion, whether by wafer host only or inticted host.
• Seating every 3rd row as before. This is because it is otherwise difficult for Fr. Michael to give communion.
• Masks should be worn coming in and going out of the church regardless of vaccination status.
• People who are fully vaccinated may remove their masks while in their pew, but they are not required to remove their masks.
• People who are fully vaccinated may seat more than 2 per pew unmasked or masked, but are not required to sit more than two per pew.
• People who are fully vaccinated may choose to socially distance with or without a mask.
• People who are not fully vaccinated are requested to please continue to wear their masks while in church, and are asked to continue to socially distance
• We are not having separate areas to segregate fully vaccinated people from not fully vaccinated people. Intermingled fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated is expected to occur. The logic here is that the CDC says that COVID contagious people are not a danger to fully vaccinated people, and people that are not fully vaccinated should choose to wear their masks, which protects others from them and one another. We are not going to demand vaccination status of people.
• People will be reminded to re-mask as they exit the church quietly, and hold their conversations outside.

Wearing a mask does not demonstrate fear, but demonstrates medically advised safety concern for oneself as well as others. The love and grace that you would like to receive should be extended to others.

Virtual Easter Lilies are given to the Glory of God and in Celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour and as listed below

In memory of my husband, Albert Samuel Turner by Mary Turner
In memory of my parents, Albert and Winifred Faour by Mary Turner
In memory of my husband’s Mother and Step Father, Mary Turner Massey and Thomas Massey and my husband’s father, Albert Sylvester Turner  by Mary Turner
In memory of my brothers and sisters: Jimmy, Norman, David, Margaret, Rosalyn, Sandra and Donna Jean  by Mary Turner
In thanksgiving for my great grand children Turner James and Amélie Claire Martin by Mary Turner

In thanksgiving for my Holy Cross family by Kathy Brown.

In memory of Fran Orne by Bill Orne.

In memory of Raymond R Cook, Jr. by Edward Cook.

In thanksgiving for our family, friends, and church family by Fr Michael and Devvy Ridgill.

Given by Jim & Beth Donelan

The Way of the Cross

A hymn or other song may be sung during the entrance of the ministers.

Opening Devotions
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Officiant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, trial, but deliver us from evil.

V. We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: 
R. In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The procession goes to the First Station.

First Station
Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate. And they all condemned him and said, “He deserves to die.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. Then he handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

V. God did not spare his own Son: 
R. But delivered him up for us all.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Second Station
Jesus takes up his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

V. The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:
R. For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Third Station
Jesus falls the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped; but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is the Lord our God.

V. Surely he has borne our griefs: 
R. And carried our sorrows.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Fourth Station
Jesus meets his afflicted mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

To what can I liken you, to what can I compare you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What likeness can I use to comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion? For vast as the sea is your ruin. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.

V. A sword will pierce your own soul also: 
R. And fill your heart with bitter pain.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, who willed that in the passion of your Son a sword of grief should pierce the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother: Mercifully grant that your Church, having shared with her in his passion, may be made worthy to share in the joys of his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Fifth Station
The Cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
As they led Jesus away, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

V. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me: 
R. Cannot be my disciple.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Sixth Station
A woman wipes the face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

We have seen him without beauty or majesty, with no looks to attract our eyes. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of men. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.

V. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts:
R. Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Seventh Station
Jesus falls a second time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

V. But as for me, I am a worm and no man: 
R. Scorned by all and despised by the people.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Eighth Station
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

There followed after Jesus a great multitude of the people, and among them were women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”

V. Those who sowed with tears: 
R. Will reap with songs of joy.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Teach your Church, O Lord, to mourn the sins of which it is guilty, and to repent and forsake them; that, by your pardoning grace, the results of our iniquities may not be visited upon our children and our children’s children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Ninth Station
Jesus falls a third time
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light. He has besieged me and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. Though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes. “Remember, O Lord, my affliction and bitterness, the wormwood and the gall!”

V. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter:
R. And like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he
opened not his mouth.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Tenth Station
Jesus is stripped of his garments

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And they divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill the scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.”

V. They gave me gall to eat:
R. And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Eleventh Station
Jesus is nailed to the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, the other on the left, and Jesus between them. And the scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was numbered with the transgressors.”

V. They pierce my hands and my feet: 
R. They stare and gloat over me.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Twelfth Station
Jesus dies on the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished!” And then, crying with a loud voice, he said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” And he bowed his head, and handed over his spirit.

V. Christ for us became obedient unto death: 
R. Even death on a cross.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Thirteenth Station
The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

All you who pass by, behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. My eyes are spent with weeping; my soul is in tumult; my heart is poured out in grief because of the downfall of my people. “Do not call me Naomi (which means Pleasant), call me Mara (which means Bitter); for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”

V. Her tears run down her cheeks: 
R. And she has none to comfort her.

Let us pray. (Silence)
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Fourteenth Station
Jesus is laid in the tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb.

V. You will not abandon me to the grave: 
R. Nor let your holy One see corruption.

Let us pray. (Silence)
O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day: Grant that we who have been buried with him in the waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon us.

Concluding Prayers before the Altar

Savior of the world, by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us:
Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.

Let us pray. (Silence)
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

To Christ our Lord who loves us, and washed us in his own blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Tenebrae

The ministers enter the church in silence and proceed to their places. The Office then begins immediately with the Antiphon on the first Psalm. It is customary to sit for the Psalmody.

First Nocturn

Antiphon 1
Zeal for your house has eaten me up; the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
Psalm 69, or Psalm 69:1-23 

Antiphon 2
Let them draw back and be disgraced who take pleasure in my misfortune.
Psalm 70

Antiphon 3
Arise, O God, maintain my cause.
Psalm 74

V. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked: 
R. From the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.

All stand for silent prayer. The appointed Reader then goes to the lectern, and everyone else sits down.

Lesson 1

A Reading from the Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet. [1:1-14]

Aleph. How solitary lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow has she become, she that was great among the nations! She that was queen among the cities has now become a vassal.

Beth. She weeps bitterly in the night, tears run down her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her; all become her enemies.

Gimel. Judah has gone into the misery of exile and of hard servitude; she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place; all her pursuers overtook her in the midst of her anguish.

Daleth. The roads to Zion mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan and sigh; her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.

He. Her adversaries have become her masters, her enemies prosper; because the Lord has punished her for the multitude of her rebellions; her children are gone, driven away as captives by the enemy.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God!

Responsory 1 In monte Oliveti

On the mount of Olives Jesus prayed to the Father:
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

V. Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Lesson 2

Waw. And from Daughter Zion all her majesty has departed; her princes have become like stags that can find no pasture, and that run without strength before the hunter.

Zayin. Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and bitterness all the precious things that were hers from the days of old; when her people fell into the hand of the foe, and there was none to help her; the adversary saw her, and mocked at her downfall.

Heth. Jerusalem has sinned greatly, therefore she has become a thing unclean; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; and now she sighs, and turns her face away.

Teth. Uncleanness clung to her skirts, she took no thought of her doom; therefore her fall is terrible, she has no comforter. “O Lord, behold my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed.”

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God!

Responsory 2 Tristis est anima mea

My soul is very sorrowful, even to the point of death;
Remain here, and watch with me. Now you shall see the crowd who will surround me; you will flee, and I will go to be offered up for you.

V. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

You will flee, and I will go to be offered up for you.

Lesson 3

Yodh. The adversary has stretched out his hand to seize all her precious things; she has seen the Gentiles invade her sanctuary, those whom you had forbidden to enter your congregation.

Kaph. All her people groan as they search for bread; they sell their own children for food to revive their strength. “Behold, O Lord, and consider, for I am now beneath contempt!”

Lamedh. Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted, on the day of his burning anger.

Mem. From on high he sent fire, into my bones it descended; he spread a net for my feet, and turned me back; he has left me desolate and faint all the day long.

Nun. My transgressions were bound into a yoke; by his hand they were fastened together; their yoke is upon my neck; he has caused my strength to fail. The Lord has delivered me into their hands, against whom I am not able to stand up.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God!

Responsory 3 Ecce vidimus eum

Lo, we have seen him without beauty or majesty,
with no looks to attract our eyes. He bore our sins and grieved for us, he was wounded for our transgressions, and by his scourging we are healed.

V. Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows:
And by his scourging we are healed.

When this Responsory is sung rather than recited, repeat all that precedes the Verse: Lo, we have seen . . . we are healed.

Second Nocturn

Antiphon 4
The kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.
Psalm 2

Antiphon 5
They divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing. Psalm 22, or Psalm 22:1-21

Antiphon 6
False witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice.
Psalm 27

V. They divide my garments among them: R. They cast lots for my clothing.

All stand for silent prayer. The appointed Reader then goes to the lectern, and everyone else sits down.

Lesson 4

A Reading from the Treatise of Saint Augustine the Bishop on the Psalms. [Vulgate Psalm 54. Prayer Book Psalm 55:1,2,10c]

Hear my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my petition. Listen to me and answer me. I mourn in my trial and am troubled.” 

These are the words of one disquieted, in trouble and anxiety. He prays under much suffering, desiring to be delivered from evil. Let us now see under what evil he lies; and when he begins to speak, let us place ourselves beside him, that, by sharing his tribulation, we may also join in his prayer.

“I mourn in my trial,” he says, “and am troubled.”

When does he mourn? When is he troubled? He says, “In my trial.” He has in mind the wicked who cause him suffering, and he calls this suffering his “trial.” Do not think that the evil are in the world for no purpose, and that God makes no good use of them. Every wicked person lives either that he may be corrected, or that through him the righteous may be tried and tested.

Responsory 4 Tamquam ad latronem

Have you come out as against a robber,
with swords and clubs to capture me? 

Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me; but now, behold, you scourge me, and lead me away to be crucified.

V. When they had laid hands on Jesus and were holding him, he said:
Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me; but now, behold, you scourge me, and lead me away to be crucified.

Lesson 5
Would that those who now test us were converted and tried with us; yet though they continue to try us, let us not hate them, for we do not know whether any of them will persist to the end in their evil ways. And most of the time, when you think you are hating your enemy, you are hating your brother without knowing it.

Only the devil and his angels are shown to us in the Holy Scriptures as doomed to eternal fire. It is only their amendment that is hopeless, and against them we wage a hidden battle. For this battle the Apostle arms us, saying, “We are not contending against flesh and blood,” that is, not against human beings whom we see, “but against the principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” So that you may not think that demons are the rulers of heaven and earth, he says, “of the darkness of this world.”

He says, “of the world,” meaning the lovers of the world––of the “world,” meaning the ungodly and wicked––the “world” of which the Gospel says, “And the world knew him not.”

Responsory 5 Tenebrae factae sunt

Darkness covered the whole land when Jesus had been crucified;
and about the ninth hour he cried with a loud voice: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And he bowed his head and handed over his spirit.

V. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

And he bowed his head and handed over his spirit.

Lesson 6

“For I have seen unrighteousness and strife in the city.”

See the glory of the cross itself. On the brow of kings that
cross is now placed, the cross which enemies once mocked. Its power is shown in the result. He has conquered the world, not by steel, but by wood. The wood of the cross seemed a fitting object of scorn to his enemies, and standing before that wood they wagged their heads, saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” He stretched out his hands to an unbelieving and rebellious people. If one is just who lives by faith, one who does not have faith is unrighteous. Therefore when he says “unrighteousness,” understand that it is unbelief. The Lord then saw unrighteousness and strife in the city, and stretched out his hands to an unbelieving and rebellious people. And yet, looking upon them, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Responsory 6 Ecce quomodo moritur

See how the righteous one perishes,
and no one takes it to heart. 

The righteous are taken away, and no one understands. From the face of evil the righteous one is taken away, and his memory shall be in peace.

V. Like a sheep before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away:

And his memory shall be in peace.

When this Responsory is sung rather than recited, repeat all that precedes the Verse: See how the righteous . . . in peace.

Third Nocturn

Antiphon 7
God is my helper; it is the Lord who sustains my life.
Psalm 54

Antiphon 8
At Salem is his tabernacle, and his dwelling is in Zion.
Psalm 76

Antiphon 9
I have become like one who has no strength, lost among the dead.
Psalm 88

V. Hehasmademedwellindarkness: 
R. Like the dead of long ago.

All stand for silent prayer. The appointed Reader then goes to the lectern, and everyone else sits down.

Lesson 7

A Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews.
[4:15––5:10; 9:11-15a]

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people.

Responsory 7 Eram quasi agnus

I was like a trusting lamb led to the slaughter.

I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living.

V. All my enemies whispered together against me, and devised evil against me, saying:

Let us destroy the tree with its fruit;
let us cut him off from the land of the living.

Lesson 8

And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also, Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, this day have I begotten you;” as he says also in another place, “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and, being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Responsory 8 Velum templi

The veil of the temple was torn in two,

and the earth shook, and the thief from the cross cried out, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

V. The rocks were split, the tombs were opened, 
and many bodies of the saints who slept were raised:

And the earth shook, and the thief from the cross cried out, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Lesson 9

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that are to come, then, through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

Responsory 9 Sepulto Domino

When the Lord was buried, they sealed the tomb,

rolling a great stone to the door of the tomb; and they stationed soldiers to guard him.

V. The chief priests gathered before Pilate, and petitioned him:
And they stationed soldiers to guard him.

When this Responsory is sung rather than recited, repeat all that precedes the Verse: When the Lord . . . to guard him. Lauds

Antiphon 10

God did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all.
Psalm 63, or Psalm 63:1-8

Antiphon 11

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and he opened not his mouth.
Psalm 90, or Psalm 90:1-12

Antiphon 12

They shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only child; for the Lord, who is without sin, is slain.
Psalm 143

Antiphon 13

From the gates of hell, O Lord, deliver my soul. The Song of Hezekiah [Isaiah 38:10-20]

1  In my despair I said,“In the noonday of my life I must depart; * my unspent years are summoned to the portals of death.”
2  And I said,
“No more shall I see the Lord in the land of the living, * never more look on my kind among dwellers on earth.
3  My house is pulled down and I am uncovered,* as when a shepherd strikes his tent.
4  My life is rolled up like a bolt of cloth,* the threads cut off from the loom.
5  Between sunrise and sunset my life is brought to an end; * I cower and hope for the dawn.
6  Like a lion he has crushed all my bones; *
like a swallow or thrush I utter plaintive cries; I mourn like a dove.
7  My weary eyes look up to you; *
Lord, be my refuge in my affliction.”
8  But what can I say? for he has spoken; * it is he who has done this.
9  Slow and halting are my steps all my days,* because of the bitterness of my spirit.
10  O Lord, I recounted all these things to you and you rescued me; * when entreated, you restored my life.
11  I know now that my bitterness was for my good,*
for you held me back from the pit of destruction, you cast all my sins behind you.
12  The grave does not thank you nor death give you praise; * nor do those at the brink of the grave hang on your promise.
13  It is the living, O Lord,
the living who give you thanks as I do this day; *
and parents speak of your faithfulness to their children.
14 You, Lord, are my Savior; *
I will praise you with stringed instruments all the days of my life, in the house of the Lord.
Ant. From the gates of hell, O Lord, deliver my soul. 

Antiphon 14

O Death, I will be your death; O Grave, I will be your destruction.

Psalm 150

1 Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; * praise him with lyre and harp.
4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; * praise him with strings and pipe.
5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; * praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath* praise the Lord.

Ant. O Death, I will be your death;
O Grave, I will be your destruction.

V. My flesh also shall rest in hope:
R. You will not let your holy One see corruption.

All stand. During the singing of the following Canticle, the candles at the Altar, and all other lights in the church (except the one remaining at the top of the triangular candlestick), are extinguished.

Antiphon
Now the women sitting at the tomb made lamentation, weeping for the Lord.

Canticle 16: Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel

After the Canticle, during the repetition of the Antiphon, the remaining candle is taken from the stand and hidden beneath or behind the Altar, or in some other convenient place.

All kneel for the singing of the following anthem

Christus factus est

Christ for us became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the Name which is above every name.

A brief silence is observed. 
The following Psalm is then said quietly. If it is sung, it is customary to monotone alternate verses.

Psalm 51

The Officiant says the Collect without chant, and without the usual conclusion.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross.

Nothing further is said; but a noise is made, and the remaining candle is brought from its hiding place and replaced on the stand.
By its light the ministers and people depart in silence.

Additional Directions

This book provides for the full ancient form of the service: Matins, subdivided into three Nocturns, and Lauds. If desired, the service may be shortened somewhat by using the shorter form indicated for certain of the Psalms. The first two responsories of each Nocturn may also be omitted.

In preparation for the service, a large triangular candlestick with fifteen candles is placed at the liturgical south side of the sanctuary. One candle is extinguished at the end of each Psalm, and at the end of the Song of Hezekiah. Finally, during the singing of the canticle Benedictus, the candles at the Altar, and all other lights (except the one at the top of the triangular stand), are extinguished.

There should be no musical prelude or postlude at this service, nor should a processional cross or torches be carried, or hymns sung, or sermons preached.

The ministers, servers, and choir vest in the manner customary for choir offices. The presider may wear a tippet over the surplice.
The appointed antiphons are sung or recited in full before and after each Psalm. The Psalms themselves are sung or recited antiphonally. Gloria Patri is not used at this service.

Each group of lessons is announced only at the beginning, as indicated in the text. The usual concluding formula is omitted.

The successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, prefixed to the verses of the readings from Lamentations, are an integral part of the traditional chant, and should not be omitted when these lessons are sung. (In the Hebrew original, each verse begins with the letter indicated.)

If the responsories after the lessons are recited rather than sung, the congregation reads the parts in italics. In musical settings the responsories may be sung in full by the choir or by all; the verse [V.] may be sung by a solo voice. The repetition of the first part of the text in Responsories 3, 6, and 9 is intended for use in musical settings only.

If a much shorter form of the service is desired, Nocturns 2 and 3 and the second or third Psalm of Lauds (Psalm 90 or 143) may be omitted. In this case two candles are extinguished after each Psalm. Alternatively, Nocturns 2 and 3 and two of the Lauds’ Psalms may be omitted, and a seven-branched candlestick used.

Entrance Hymn 167, v 1 & 5

1
There is a green hill far away,

outside a city wall,

where our dear Lord was crucified

who died to save us all.

5
O dearly, dearly has he loved!

And we must love him too,

and trust in his redeeming blood,

and try his works to do.

Processional Hymn 154, v 1 & 5 (For procession of the Palms)

  
All glory, laud, and honor

to thee, Redeemer, King!

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.


1
Thou art the King of Israel,

thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s Name comest,

the King and Blessèd One.

All glory, laud, and honor

to thee, Redeemer, King!

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.


5
Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest,

thou good and gracious King.


All glory, laud, and honor

to thee, Redeemer, King!

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.

Offertory Hymn 156, v 1 & 5 (While the Altar is being prepared)

1
Ride on! ride on in majesty!

Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry;

thy humble beast pursues his road

with palms and scattered garments strowed.

5
Ride on! ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die;

bow thy meek head to mortal pain,

then take, O God, thy power, and reign.

Exit Hymn 168, v 1 & 5

1
O sacred head, sore wounded,

defiled and put to scorn;

O kingly head, surrounded

with mocking crown of thorn:

what sorrow mars thy grandeur?

Can death thy bloom deflower?

O countenance whose splendor

the hosts of heaven adore!

5
My days are few, O fail not,

with thine immortal power,

to hold me that I quail not

in death’s most fearful hour;

that I may fight befriended,

and see in my last strife

to me thine arms extended

upon the cross of life.

Many members of Holy Cross are retired military veterans, spouses, or active military on duty – some single, some with families, but all with an understanding of the call of duty, sacrifice, and family. We’ve moved around and know what it’s like to tdy or be posted for a season only to move again.

At Holy Cross we hope to be your home away from home. We want to help and come alongside you with the special stress of military life, deployment and family separation. There is a special place in our hearts for the men and women of our armed forces and their families. We look forward to meeting you and serving you while you serve our nation. Contact Fr Michael anytime 803.305.8780 or by email.

Wednesday Holy Eucharist 12.15-12.45 pm designed intentionally for the men and women at Shaw AFB and USARCENT for lunch hour. Only 2.5 miles from Shaw! – CURRENTLY SUSPENDED UNTIL COVID 19 PROHIBITIONS ARE LIFTED – PRAYERS CONTINUING!