When is The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2025
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2025
Sunday, September 14, 2025
When is The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2026
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2026
Monday, September 14, 2026
Why we celebrate The Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a crucial religious holiday celebrated by Christian churches. The cross symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and resurrected. It’s a symbol of salvation directed to all cardinal points. The celebration also associates with other events, including: the Finding of the Holy Cross; the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Restitution of the Holy Relic.
The Finding of Holy Cross by Saint Helena and Bishop Macarius
Around 327 AD, Bishop Macarius of Jerusalem organized a large-scale search for Golgotha (the place where Jesus Christ was crucified), and the Holy Sepulchre. The Holy Cross was found during the excavations and recognized by the bishop. According to another version, Empress Elena – the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great – was on a pilgrimage. Then, she found 3 crosses next to the Holy Sepulchre, one of which belonged to the Savior. The cross of Jesus was distinguished from others when a dying person touched it and was healed. There is another version of how it was possible to distinguish the Holy Cross. When a deceased person was being carried to a cemetery, the cross touched the dead, and he rose. Due to this version, it is also known as the Life-Giving Cross.
The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
After the Finding of Holy Cross, Emperor Constantine I ordered to build the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The construction was dedicated to the Resurrection of the Son of God and included the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha. It took about 10 years to build it. At the same time, Empress Elena ordered to build temples in the places related to Christ’s earthly deeds. Under the order, 80 temples were founded. The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre took place on September 13, and on the next day it was ordered to celebrate the Exaltation of the Honorable and Life-giving Cross. This is the Christians’ main shrine that can accommodate a few thousand people at once.
The Restitution of the Holy Relic
During the war, the Persian king Khosrow II plundered Jerusalem and took the Holy Cross. 14 years later, Emperor Heraclius I defeated the king and returned the holy relic. When Heraclius was approaching the Golgotha gate, he suddenly stopped and couldn’t move. Then the patriarch explained that it was an Angel who didn’t allow him to pass wearing rich clothes. Since the return was like the Way of the Cross, which Christ made wearing humble clothes. After Heraclius put on a plain robe, he could enter Golgotha.
What Do People Do?
Since the IV century, the Eastern Church has raised the cross into the public realm so that people can see it and pray. It was a special worship ritual. Since the VII century, the Roman Catholic Church has set an official celebration of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Since that time, believers have celebrated the holiday, observing the prescribed rituals. The holiday traditions are similar in all Christian denominations. For example, the fasting is mandatory. On this day, people sing hymns, attend church, pray, and confess. The Eastern Orthodox clergy wear purple robes, and the Western – red ones.
How to Celebrate The Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated annually in September. It is celebrated by Orthodox, Catholic, and Ancient Eastern churches. The holiday dates may differ depending on the calendar that the church adheres to. It is mainly celebrated on September 14 according to the Gregorian calendar, for example, by the Roman Catholic Church. According to the Julian calendar, this holiday is celebrated on September 27. In some cities, this holiday is an official day off.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Observances
List of dates for other years
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 14 September | 2022 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Thursday | 14 September | 2023 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Saturday | 14 September | 2024 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Sunday | 14 September | 2025 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Monday | 14 September | 2026 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Tuesday | 14 September | 2027 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Thursday | 14 September | 2028 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Friday | 14 September | 2029 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Saturday | 14 September | 2030 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Sunday | 14 September | 2031 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Tuesday | 14 September | 2032 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Wednesday | 14 September | 2033 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Thursday | 14 September | 2034 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| Friday | 14 September | 2035 | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
Video
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Cards
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