Holy Cross Day

Holy Cross Day, also known as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is a significant Christian observance celebrated on September 14 each year. This day honours the discovery and veneration of the True Cross, the actual cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. It is an important feast in the liturgical calendar, particularly within the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some Anglican and Lutheran traditions.

Historical Background

The origins of Holy Cross Day trace back to the early 4th century. According to tradition, Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, journeyed to Jerusalem in 326 AD to search for the relics of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Her quest was successful, and she purportedly discovered the True Cross beneath a pagan temple that had been built on the site of Calvary, the place of Christ’s crucifixion.

In 335 AD, Emperor Constantine built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, encompassing the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The church was dedicated on September 13, and the following day, September 14, was established as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to celebrate the discovery and veneration of the cross.

Significance of the Day

Holy Cross Day serves as a reminder of the centrality of the cross in Christian faith. It commemorates not just the physical cross but also its profound spiritual significance. The cross, a symbol of suffering and death, is transformed into a symbol of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This feast day underscores the belief that through the cross, Christ redeemed humanity from sin and death.

Liturgical Observances

On Holy Cross Day, Christians participate in various liturgical observances. In many churches, the day begins with a special service or Mass dedicated to the exaltation of the cross. The liturgy often includes the reading of biblical passages related to the cross, such as the story of the discovery of the True Cross and Jesus’ crucifixion. Hymns and prayers focus on the significance of the cross as a symbol of salvation and grace.

In Eastern Orthodox traditions, the day is marked by the veneration of the cross during the Divine Liturgy. The cross is often carried in procession and placed prominently in the church for the faithful to venerate. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one of the Great Feasts in the Orthodox Church, and its observance is accompanied by special hymns and prayers.

Cultural and Regional Observances

Holy Cross Day is observed differently across various Christian denominations and regions. In some countries, the day is marked with public celebrations and processions. In others, it remains a solemn religious observance with a focus on prayer and reflection.

In the Catholic tradition, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and to deepen their devotion to the cross. It is a day for recognising the transformative power of Christ’s suffering and for expressing gratitude for the redemption it represents.

Conclusion

Holy Cross Day is a profound and meaningful observance in the Christian liturgical calendar. Celebrated on September 14, it commemorates the discovery of the True Cross and honours its significance as a symbol of salvation. Through liturgical services, prayers, and reflections, Christians around the world acknowledge the central role of the cross in their faith and give thanks for the redemption brought through Christ’s sacrifice.