Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast Day

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as the commemoration of the discovery and elevation of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. This great feast day is celebrated on September 14 and is one of the most important feasts connected to the Passion of Christ.

Meaning of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates the moment when the Cross of Christ was lifted up and presented to the faithful for veneration. The Cross is seen as the central symbol of Christian faith, representing both the suffering of Christ and the victory of life over death.

The feast emphasizes the power of the Cross as a sign of salvation and redemption.

The Discovery of the True Cross

According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered in the 4th century by St. Helen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

After its discovery, the Cross was brought before the people, and the Patriarch of Jerusalem lifted it high so that the faithful could see and venerate it. This event became the foundation for the feast of the Exaltation.

A Day of Fasting and Reverence

In the Orthodox Church, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is observed as a strict fasting day. The faithful reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the meaning of the Cross in the life of the Church.

During church services, the Cross is ceremonially raised and presented for veneration, symbolizing the triumph of Christ over sin and death.

When the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Is Celebrated

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is observed each year on September 14 in the Greek Orthodox Church. The day commemorates the discovery and elevation of the Cross and its enduring significance in the Christian faith.