What is Holy Cross Day?

Holy Cross Day, also known as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is observed annually on September 14th by various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. This ancient feast has its roots in the 4th century and commemorates two pivotal events in Christian history. The first is the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem around 326 AD. The second event celebrates the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 335 AD, built over the site where Christ was believed to have been crucified and buried.

The term "exaltation" refers to the lifting up or elevation of the cross, both literally and symbolically. According to tradition, when the cross was discovered, it was raised high for all the people to see and venerate, leading to the name "Exaltation of the Holy Cross." This gesture of elevation transformed the cross from a symbol of shame and death into one of triumph and salvation.

The Legend of Saint Helena's Discovery

The story of Saint Helena's discovery of the True Cross has become one of Christianity's most celebrated legends. According to historical accounts, Helena traveled to Jerusalem at the age of nearly 80, determined to find the relics of Christ's crucifixion. Local tradition guided her to a site where three crosses were buried. To determine which was Christ's cross, the crosses were tested by touching them to a seriously ill woman. When one cross immediately healed her, it was proclaimed to be the True Cross.

Helena is said to have divided the cross into pieces, keeping some in Jerusalem and sending portions to Rome and Constantinople. This distribution of relics led to the widespread veneration of cross fragments throughout the Christian world, with many churches claiming to possess pieces of the True Cross.

Liturgical Observance and Traditions

Holy Cross Day is marked by special liturgical celebrations that focus on the paradox of the cross as both an instrument of death and the source of eternal life. Churches often display ornate crosses prominently during services, and many congregations participate in processions where the cross is carried and venerated. The liturgical color for the day is typically red, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the sacrifice made upon the cross.

In many traditions, this day serves as an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the central mystery of their faith: that through Christ's death on the cross, humanity received the gift of salvation. The feast emphasizes themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the transformation of suffering into triumph.

Modern Significance and Observance

Today, Holy Cross Day continues to hold deep meaning for Christians worldwide. It serves as a reminder that the cross, once a symbol of Roman execution and ultimate shame, has become Christianity's most recognizable symbol of hope and salvation. Many believers use this day for personal reflection on the meaning of sacrifice and the call to "take up their cross" in following Christ.

Contemporary observances often include special prayers, hymns focused on the cross, and educational programs about the historical development of Christian symbolism. For many Christians, Holy Cross Day provides an annual opportunity to deepen their understanding of how the central symbol of their faith connects them to both the historical Jesus and the ongoing Christian mission.