Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada served the Hierarchical Vigil for the the Exaltation of the Cross. After the Great Doxology, the Cross was brought out and Archbishop Gabriel led the service of the Exaltation of the Cross. On Saturday morning, Archbishop Gabriel led the Hierarchichal Liturgy for the Feast Day.

In reference to the service of the Exaltation of the Cross, St Andrew of Crete provides an explanation for the pouring of water over the cross. He states, "Had there been no cross, Christ could not have been crucified. Had there been no cross, life itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And if life had not been nailed to it, there would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. Christ is the Living Water."

Also, according to the ancient typicon the original Cross when exhumed was washed with fragrant water.