Dormition Fast Meditation -- Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Lifegiving Cross of the Lord

Source: antiochpatriarchate.org

Longsuffering is a marvelous thing. It places the soul as in a quiet harbor, freeing it from tossings and evil spirits. And this is everywhere Christ has taught us, but especially now, when He is judged and dragged, and led about … But why was it that Pilate did not make the inquiry in their presence, but apart, having gone into the judgment hall? He suspected something great respecting Him. …

Concerning that of which Pilate must have desired to hear, namely, His Kingdom, He answered, saying, “My kingdom is not of this world.” That is, “I am indeed a King, yet not such an one as you suspect, but far more glorious” … But they cried out, “We have no king but Caesar.”

Of their own will they subjected themselves to punishment. Therefore also God gave them up, because they were the first to cast themselves out from His providence and superintendence … And why did they strive to kill Him in this manner? It was a shameful death.

Fearing therefore lest there should afterward be any remembrance of Him, they desired to bring Him to the accursed punishment, not knowing that truth is exalted by hindrances.

—St. John Chrysostom, Homilies LXXXV, 1, 2, 3, on John XIX