while the choir sings these words "Venite adoremus" come let us adore. The first exposition, in a low tone of voice, represents the fear of the Apostles when first preaching the Cross not daring to speak of the great mystery, except to the few faithful disciples of Jesus. For the same reason the priest only slightly raises the Cross. This homage is intended as a reparation for the insults and injuries offered to Christ in the house of Caiphas. A second time the celebrant holds up the holy sign of our redemption higher than the first and sings in a higher note "Ecce lignum crucis," the deacon and sub-deacon joining in as before; the people again falling upon their knees, and the choir again singing Venite Adoremus. This second elevation signifies the Apostles extending their preaching after the descent of the Holy Ghost, and is intended as a reparation for the treatment received by Our Saviour in the Court of Pilate. The priest finally advances to the middle of the Altar, and removes the veil entirely from the Cross, elevating it more than at the two preceding times, and singing triumphantly on a still higher note "Ecce lignum crucis." The deacon and sub-deacon again uniting their voices with his, and the people falling upon their knees, while the choir sings Venite Adoremus. This third and unreserved manifestation represents the mystery of the Cross preached to the whole earth, and is intended as a reparation to Our Lord for the outrages of Calvary. The celebrant and the ministers having removed their shoes, advance successively towards the place where the crucifix has been laid, making three genuflections at intervals, and finally kissing the Cross. The clergy follow in due order. The chants used during this ceremony are most beautiful as well as most ancient. They are called "The reproaches," and at the end of each reproach, the Trisagion is sung in Latin and in Greek "Holy God, Holy Strong One, Holy Immortal have mercy on us!" Towards the end of the veneration of the Cross, the candles are lighted and the deacon spreads a corporal upon the Altar upon
