The service for the feast of the Elevation of the Cross began in a somewhat unorganized manner, for a few things could not be found but, finally, all was in order and we began. Father Shio served in Georgian and since we are not very familiar with this language, we were not quite certain when to respond with “Lord Have Mercy” or “Grant this O Lord” in the best Georgian that we could imagine. Still, I am grateful that we were able to complete the service, even though Father Moses had to leave for a while because of the effects of the ptomaine poisoning. The ladies prepared a good lenten lunch in just a few minutes and the day felt somehow joyous, in a lenten sort of way. In the evening, men from the Narcotics Anonymous gathered and Vladika went over to meet them and to speak to them.