Top facts about the feast day for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

·

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a significant Christian celebration observed annually on September 14, honouring the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. This day is particularly special in Greece for those named Stavros and Stavroula.

According to tradition, in 326 AD, Helena the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great travelled to the Holy Land with the mission of identifying key sites associated with Jesus Christ’s life and teachings. Her journey led her to Jerusalem, where she oversaw extensive excavations at Golgotha, the site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. During these efforts, Helena discovered three crosses, including the one believed to be that of Christ, guided by the scent of basil growing at the site.

helen-and-cross
Saints Helen and Constantine with the Holy Cross.

Church historians Philostorgius and Nikephoros recount that the true Cross was identified through a miraculous event: when the crosses were brought to a deceased woman, her resurrection revealed the authentic Cross.

Originally, the site of the Crucifixion had been occupied by a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD after Jerusalem’s second destruction. Helena ordered the temple’s demolition and constructed the Church of the Resurrection in its place, which remains a major Christian landmark. On September 14, 335 AD, the Cross was placed in this church by Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem.

The second significant event related to the Exaltation of the Cross occurred during the Byzantine-Persian Wars (602-628 AD). In 614, Persian forces captured Palestine, looting Christian holy sites and taking the Holy Cross as part of their spoils. Believing the Cross to possess magical properties due to miracles associated with it, the Persians venerated it. Emperor Heraclius, after defeating the Persians in 628, reclaimed the Cross. He first brought it to Constantinople on September 14, 629, as part of his triumph, and later returned it to Jerusalem.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated with great reverence on September 14 each year. Church services feature the well-known hymn “Save, O Lord, Your People,” and basil, associated with the Cross’ discovery, is distributed to the faithful. Observance of the feast includes strict fasting as a mark of respect and devotion.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Fiona Martin MP calls for ‘critically significant’ reform of mental health system

Fiona Martin MP tells the Greek Herald that "every role within the mental health workforce needs to be reviewed" to improve accessibility.

‘Justice is well overdue’: Steve Georganas MP calls on Australian Government to act on Cyprus issue

Federal MP, Steve Georganas has tabled a notice of motion calling on Parliament to support of the territorial integrity of Cyprus.

Rare dolphin with thumbs photographed in Greece’s Corinth Gulf

A dolphin with unusual, hook-shaped "thumbs" on its flippers has been discovered in the Gulf of Corinth in Greece.