10/03/2026
Mid Lent, also known as the 25th day of Lent, is a significant observance in the Orthodox Church. It is one of the few days during the Great Lent when the Holy Qurbana is celebrated on a weekday other than Sunday or Saturday. On this day, there is a procession around the church carrying the cross, followed by an exaltation of the cross facing the four directions. The cross is then placed on a decorated stand in the middle of the church, remaining there until the Feast of Ascension of our Lord, which occurs 40 days after the Kyomtha (Easter). This exaltation of the cross is linked to the Gospel reading from the Holy Qurbana of Mid Lent, John 3:14-15, which emphasizes the importance of lifting up the cross so that those who are bitten by sin can gain eternal life.