Holy Cross Mission Celebrates Patronal Feast Day 2026
The Holy Cross Mission in Hattiesburg, MS celebrated their patronal feast day on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross in 2026.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
The sturdy metal walls of the mission shuddered from the deep rumble of thunder that was growing outside. The Friday evening Great Vespers service was already well underway when the gathering storm outside began to grow. The darkness of the storm clouds were beaten back by the light emanating from the altar within the small Holy Cross mission in Hattiesburg. Another peal of thunder rolled over the building as the choir started their slow hymn of "Before Thy Cross". Fr. Herman Garrison picked up the beautifully decorated cross and processed around the altar into the midst of the nave. It was festooned with flowers of various yellow, purple, and red hues - denoting that the Cross is the fragrant tree that gives us life.
The hymn rolled on and floated in the midst of the incense-soaked air as the faithful approached to venerate the cross. As the evening wore on, many came to confession and prepared for their patronal feast day liturgy the next day. The evening was capped with a humble dinner to cover the exciting next steps in the growth of the mission.
The next morning, many gathered for Liturgy as the storm clouds were no where in sight. Fr. Herman spoke of the high calling of having the Holy Cross as the guiding point for the Christian community. The epistle reading for the day was First Corinthians 1:18-24 in which St. Paul writes about the paradox of the Cross. The faithful of the mission were encouraged, but also challenged to keep this image and verse before them as they grow. As Christians, we live a crucified life daily and we draw all men to the foot of the Cross. We preach Christ and Him crucified in our lives.
The day ended with a festal meal together where all the faithful gathered to sing the troparion of the Cross and enjoy a festive meal together. Many of the people in the mission are new to the Orthodox faith - including student groups from the local colleges. There is also a core group of dedicated lay leaders and minor clergy who have been faithfully guiding the mission into the next phase of growth. It is a reminder that we plant, but God gives the increase.
