Sunday of The Holy Cross | Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Sunday of The Holy Cross

- Fr. Micah Hirschy -

Today is known as the Sunday of The Holy Cross. The Church places the Cross of Christ in our midst as a signpost on our journey toward Pascha. The Gospel for today from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 says that to follow Jesus we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. In today's world, we tend to avoid discomfort and inconvenience. Father Micah shares in his message that to take up our cross we must be willing to sacrifice for the other. We must practice the pillars of Orthodoxy, prayer, fasting, almsgiving until it becomes uncomfortable and with self-denial. To experience the joy of the Pascha, we must go through the Cross. Orthodox Christians should remember the Church helps us bear the burden of our crosses because Christ tells us His yoke is easy and burden light.

307 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 | Fr. Gregory Edwards, Dean | 205.716.3080

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

Fr. Micah Hirschy grew up in St. Paul, MN and attended St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He graduated from Hellenic College in 2004 and continued his studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he graduated with an M. Div. in 2007. Upon graduating, he began working at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, TN as Pastoral Assistant. He was married in 2011 to Anastasia Hartzes of Mobile, AL and was ordained to the Deaconate and Priesthood by Metropolitan ALEXIOS of Atlanta in December of 2012. He currently serves as Ephemerios at the Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham, AL.