Prayers for the Veneration of the Cross

In Donald LaSalle’s article, “Devotion Searching for a Place in the Liturgy: The Development of the Good Friday Veneration of the Cross in the West” LaSalle highlights a the rich tradition that is reflected in the practice of venerating the Cross on Good Friday. It’s a great article if you have time to read it. As I was going through it he listed many of the prayers that the Church had used on this occasion. I thought it would be worthwhile for myself to look up what these prayers were and take time to pray and reflect on them as I prepare for the celebration of Good Friday. I have included recordings of the chats below for you. I’m going to be taking some extra time to pray through these let me know if you find any of them helpful in your personal devotions.

The Trisagion

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς
Sanctus Deus, Sanctus Fortis, Sanctus Immortális, miserére nobis.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

Ecce lignum Crucis

Ecce lignum Crucis, in quo salus mundi pependit.
Venite, adoremus.
This is the wood of the Cross, on which the salvation of the world hung.
Come, let us adore him.

Venite exultemus (Psalm 95)

Crucem tuam

Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine
et sanctum resurrectionem tuam laudamus, et glorificamus
ecce enim propter lignum venit gaudium in universo mundo.

We adore Thy Cross, O Lord
and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection
for behold by the wood of the Cross joy has come into the whole word

Deus misereatur nostri (Psalm 67)

Crux fidelis

Crux fidelis, inter omnes
arbor una nobilis:
nulla talem silva profert,
fronde, flore, germine.
Dulce lignum, dulces clavos,
dulce pondus sustinet.

Pange, lingua, gloriosi proelium certaminis
et super crucis trophaeo dic triumphum nobilem,
qualiter redemptor orbis immolatus vicerit.

Crux fidelis, inter omnes
arbor una nobilis:
nulla talem silva profert,
fronde, flore, germine.

De parentis protoplasti fraude factor condolens,
quando pomi noxialis morte morsu corruit,
ipse lignum tunc notavit, damna ligni ut solveret.

Dulce lignum, dulces clavos,
dulce pondus sustinet.

Aequa Patri Filioque, inclito Paraclito,
sempiterna sit beatae Trinitati gloria,
cuius alma nos redemit
atque servat gratia.

Crux fidelis, inter omnes
arbor una nobilis:
nulla talem silva profert,
fronde, flore, germine.
Dulce lignum, dulces clavos,
dulce pondus sustinet.

Faithful Cross, above all,
one noble tree
no forest produce,
leaf, flower, bud.
Wood, sweet nails,
sweet burden.

Sing, my tongue, the glorious struggle!
the trophy of the triumph of the cross, and of noble birth,
how it takes and wide.

Faithful Cross, above all,
one noble tree
no forest produce,
leaf, flower, bud.

Creator took pity on the father ‘s forefather, was deceived,
when they plunged into the death of the bite of the apple,
tree: Then another, the ancient wood to quell.

Wood, sweet nails,
sweet burden.

Equal to the Father and the Son and to the Illustrious Paraclete,
and eternal glory,
His alma redeemed us
and conserves.

Faithful Cross, above all,
one noble tree
no forest produce,
leaf, flower, bud.
Wood, sweet nails,
sweet burden.

 

Pange Lingua (Lyrics in Video)

Improperia (Full Text)