Hymn of the Holy Cross (58)
1.
The cross, the salvation of the lost world, having been destroyed,
The life of ages having been destroyed,
Which living hell they fear,
They worship the troops of heaven.
2.
In you life then dies,
The chain of death is set free.
Those freed from the joing together (yoke) of Egypt
Are the sons of the true light.
3.
The judge of all placed you
When he judged you on a throne.
Now then in the two robbers
He separates the goats from the sheep.
4.
You mock the leader of the world,
While you punish suffering;
Having been accustomed to show sinners,
What you now give, removes (your) riches.
5.
In you sacrificial victims are slaughtered,
Who cleanses sins from the world;
A talent is entrusted to you,
Because you released the debt of Adam.
6.
Protect us, sign of life,
By who the king of glory triumphs.
Through you he proceeds to the kingdom,
Whom he frees from slavery.
7.
Let there be praise to the father unbegotten…
In Laudibus (At Lauds) (59)
1.
Cross, blessing of the world,
Hope and sure redemption,
Carry to hell some time,
Now to the bright door of heaven.
2.
To you the sacrificial offering is raised,
To him who drew all things;
Whom the leader of the world assails
And nothing reaches him.
3.
To you the critical moment of the old law
Made null the scripture;
The old slavery passes away,
Truth returns free men.
4.
The supply of your odors
Overwhelms all aromas;
The sweetness of nectar
Fills the secrets of your breast.
5.
Through the cross, Christ, we seek (you);
Carry the reward of life,
You who are fixed to the wood, to those
Whom you have thought worthy to redeem.
6.
Let there be praise to the unbegotten…