The document discusses the significance of the cross during the mid-day of Lent. It draws a connection between the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses to save the Israelites, and Jesus being lifted up on the cross to save humanity. The cross represents salvation, purification, and suffering for believers. It is a weapon against evil and a shield of salvation. The prayer asks God for wisdom to see crosses as a bridge to salvation, and for comfort in facing trials.

1. MID DAY LENT Readings Numbers 21 : 4 – 9 Psalms 34 : 1 – 10 Zachariah 12: 6- 14 Acts 15: 22-33 2 Corinthians 9: 1 – 15 St. John 3 : 13-21

2. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The mid day of the lent diverts the attention of the faithful to the Cross on the Calvary. As a typological interpretation, the forefathers of the holy church teach that the cross is the type of the bronze snake which was elevated by Moses to save the people of Israel from the ‘snake bitten people’. Moses was considered to be the head of the prophets who crafted the bronze snake which signifies the mystery of the salvation of Jesus Christ by the cross. Thus cross becomes the central theme of the New Israelite

3. Bronze Serpent – A Type of the Cross The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

4. THECROSS Cross is the salvation track for the New Israelite Cross is the purification energy for the New Israelite Cross is the suffering that we face in our day to day lives Cross is the spiritual energy creator for the believing people Cross is the powerful weapon against the evil forces of darkness Cross is the shield of salvation Cross is the weapon for salvation

5. St. Paul says in Galatians 6 : 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

6. Prayer for Mid Lent Day O Lord God! I am burdened with worldly temptations, trials and tribulations. Let all the crosses that You have given to me purify me and save me from hating the crosses. Grant me with Thy wisdom to discern that all these crosses would be a bridge for me to salvation, I came unto Thee for succour; You alone can help me, comfort and console me. When I have Your vision, I am freed from all vexations and my heart is enlightened. O Lord Merciful! Incline to show me Thy blessed countenance. In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

7. JESUS LOVES ALL OF YOU Let our heart , mind and thoughts be at cross on the Calvary where Jesus was crucified for all of us. Take our cross and follow Lord Jesus.RoyAchenSt. Gregorios Orthodox Church London