A Mistranslated Hymn and the Cross

At the midpoint of Lent, Orthodox Christians are reminded of the journey they’re on: the Way to resurrection by Way of the cross.

 As a part of this mid-Lent celebration, we sing a hymn about that cross which goes, in part, like this: “Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy …” 

But, if you know Greek and you’ve seen the original hymn, you know that this hymn is purposely mistranslated! There’s something hidden.

 Today, we’ll discover what this hymn actually says, and we’ll learn a bit more about how the meaning of the cross was purposely flipped for early Christians.