GENEVA: September 30, 2019
Elevation of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Geneva celebrates its feast day

The feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland, was celebrated with special ceremony on September 27, 2019. The Ruling Bishop of the diocese, His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, officiated, along with His Grace Bishop Alexander of Vevey, Vicar of the diocese, clergymen of the cathedral and of nearby parishes of Bern, Zurich and Vevey. Despite the work day, the church was filled beyond capacity. Matfey Malinin and Larisa Popovich led the choir, which sang artfully.

Two hierarchs performed the Rite of the Elevation of the Cross during all-night vigil the day before. Bishop Alexander ordained reader Aviv Salliu-Diallo to the deaconate during Liturgy.

Vladyka Irenei delivered a sermon, explaining to significance of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in the life of every Christian. His Grace pointed out that "the Cross of the Lord is the foundation of the universe. The Cross is the true Tree of Life which was first planted in the Garden of Eden. The Cross is the entryway to the Kingdom of Heaven." Vladyka Irenei underlined the fact that the path of carrying one's cross is the only way for the Christian, and it leads to eternal life.

A procession of the cross then commenced with holy water sprinkled on the worshipers. Protopriest Pavel Tsvetkoff, Senior Priest of the cathedral, welcomed Vladyka Irenei and the visiting clergymen on behalf of his parishioners, expressing his joy at the Ruling Bishop's care for the cathedral community and wishing everyone good health and long life. Many Years was then sung to the parishioners and to the newly-ordained Deacon Aviv.

After the service, an outdoor trapeza luncheon was offered behind the cathedral's apse under splendid weather.