Feasts
The Exaltation of the Cross
The finding of the Cross by St Helena and the meaning of the veneration of the Cross.
History
By tradition Empress Helena found the Cross in Jerusalem in 326; Patriarch Macarius raised it before the people. In 335 the Church of the Resurrection was consecrated. A second commemoration is the return of the Cross from Persian captivity by Emperor Heraclius (628).
Worship and fast
At Matins the Cross is brought to the centre of the church for veneration. The day is a fast day in memory of Christ's sufferings on the Cross.