Feast of the Cross: About the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Feast of the Cross, also known as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is a Christian liturgical feast that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The feast is observed on different dates in various Christian traditions.
According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, in the early 4th century. The story goes that Helena traveled to Jerusalem and ordered the excavation of the site where she believed the Cross was buried. Three crosses were found, and it was determined that the True Cross was identified when it was used to miraculously heal a sick woman.
The Feast of the Cross is celebrated with special religious services, prayers, and the veneration of the Cross. In Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches, the feast is observed on September 14th. In Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some Protestant denominations, the feast is celebrated on September 14th or on May 3rd.
During the celebration, the Cross may be adorned with flowers, and believers often participate in processions and special liturgical rituals. The feast holds significant theological importance in Christian theology, emphasizing the triumph of the Cross as a symbol of salvation and redemption.
Learn More about Feast of the Cross
As you’ll see below, the specific practices and customs vary widely among Christian denominations and individual churches, but the common thread for the Feast of the Cross is the celebration of the Cross as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death.
Liturgical Observances
The liturgical services on the Feast of the Cross are carefully crafted to reflect the solemnity and significance of the occasion. The prayers and hymns often emphasize themes of redemption, salvation, and the triumph of the Cross over sin and death.
In some traditions, a special rite called the “Exaltation of the Cross” may be performed during the service. This ritual involves lifting the Cross high for veneration, symbolizing the exaltation and honor given to the instrument of Christ’s sacrifice.
The procession, if part of the celebration, is a symbolic journey that echoes the historical discovery of the True Cross. It is a visual and participatory element that engages the congregation in the act of venerating the Cross.
Liturgical Colors
The choice of liturgical colors is intentional and symbolic. The color red, associated with the Feast of the Cross in some traditions, symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on the Cross for the redemption of humanity.
In other traditions, green or blue may be used, signifying hope, renewal, and the life-giving nature of Christ’s sacrifice. The selection of colors for the Feast of the Cross can vary, adding a layer of visual symbolism to the worship experience.
Fasting and Preparation for the Feast of the Cross
Fasting before the Feast of the Cross is a spiritual discipline observed by some Christians. The duration and intensity of fasting can differ, with some traditions advocating for a period of abstaining from certain foods or activities.
The fasting period serves as a time of self-reflection, repentance, and heightened prayer. It is viewed as a way to prepare both physically and spiritually for the celebration of the Cross and the joy of Christ’s victory.
Relics and Artifacts of the True Cross
The depiction of the discovery of the True Cross is a recurring theme in Christian art. Paintings, icons, and sculptures often portray Saint Helena and the miraculous healing that confirmed the authenticity of the Cross.
Churches that possess relics believed to be fragments of the True Cross may display them for veneration during the feast. Pilgrims and worshippers may approach the relics with reverence, believing in the spiritual significance of these artifacts.
Symbolism of the Cross
The Cross is a multifaceted symbol in Christianity. It represents the sacrificial death of Jesus for the atonement of sins and, simultaneously, serves as a symbol of hope and resurrection.
During the Feast of the Cross, believers reflect on the profound theological meanings associated with the Cross. It is a time to contemplate the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of eternal life through faith.
