The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2026 <\/p>
Monday, September 14, 2026 <\/p>
\n
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2027 <\/p>
Tuesday, September 14, 2027 <\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2013 the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019 main shrine that can accommodate a few thousand people at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t move. Then the patriarch explained that it was an Angel who didn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2013 red ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n