Reflections on the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross – September 14

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen.

But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

On September 14 of every year, the Church as a whole celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This day holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Christians worldwide and is one of the 12 major feasts of the Church. With respect to the Liturgical Calendar of the Indian Orthodox Church, we move from the Kyomtho Prayers to the Sleebo Prayers during our liturgical prayers. The Feast is also an occasion that calls for reflection, gratitude, and a deep understanding of the significance of this symbol in our faith.

This feast is a profound reminder of the central place the Cross occupies in Christian theology and spirituality. In this blog post, we will delve into the Orthodox Christian reflection on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, exploring its historical context, theological implications, and its relevance in our lives today.

Historical Context

The Crucifixion of Jesus

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross holds deep significance for Christians around the world. This solemn observance pays tribute to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, an event that forever changed the course of human history.

The Cross, once a grim symbol of torment and suffering, was transformed into a powerful emblem of hope, redemption, and divine love. Through His selfless sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus demonstrated unparalleled compassion and provided a path for humanity to find reconciliation with God.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross serves as a poignant reminder of the immense significance of Christ’s crucifixion. It encourages believers to reflect on the profound depth of God’s love and the immeasurable lengths to which He went to save humanity from sin and eternal separation.

On this day, Christians are inspired to contemplate the meaning behind the Cross, seeking spiritual renewal and strength in the face of challenges. It is a time to meditate on the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and to renew one’s commitment to living a life rooted in faith, love, and compassion.

Through the observance of this sacred feast, believers are reminded that the Cross not only represents the suffering and death of Jesus but also the triumph of His resurrection. It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that, even in the midst of the darkest times, there is always the potential for new life and the promise of eternal salvation.

St. Helena’s Discovery

According to the Christian tradition, the discovery of the True Cross of Christ occurred in the early 4th century, AD 325. The Emperor Constantine sent his pious and elderly mother, St Helena to Jerusalem, with a letter for the Patriarch of Jerusalem, St Macarius, to find the True Cross of Christ. After a long and arduous search, she found the place that buried the remnants of the Cross together with the two other crosses that crucified the penitent thief, and the other thief. Patriarch Macarius was called to discern the crosses, and when the Patriarch touched the True Cloth to a corpse, the dead person came to life. Thus, the True Cross on which our Lord was crucified was identified.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was then built at the site of the discovery, by order of Helena and Constantine. The church was dedicated nine years later, with a portion of the cross. One-third remained in Jerusalem, one-third was brought to Rome and deposited in the Sessorian basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem), and one-third was taken to Constantinople to make the city impregnable.

The date of the feast marks the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335. This was a two-day festival: although the actual consecration of the church was on September 13, the cross itself was brought outside the church on September 14 so that the clergy and faithful could pray before the True Cross, and all could come forward to venerate it.

Although not of spiritual significance, the feast also commemorates the restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem in AD 629 by the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, after the Cross had fallen into the hands of the Persian emperor Chosroes II in AD 614 during the Sasanian conquest of Jerusalem.

Find more details on – The Feast of Exaltation of the True Cross – Sept 14 – Seeking Theosis

Theological Significance

Victory Over Death

You might be wondering, “Why do we exalt the Cross?” Well, my friends, it’s because the Cross represents the ultimate act of sacrificial love. It’s a symbol of hope, redemption, and salvation for all of humanity. Through His crucifixion on the Cross, Jesus not only conquered death but also opened the gates of heaven for us.

The Cross reminds us of the incredible love that God has for us. It serves as a constant reminder of the lengths He was willing to go to save us from our sins.

The Cross is the epicenter of Orthodox Christian theology. Through Christ’s crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, death was conquered, and humanity was offered the promise of eternal life. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates this victory and emphasizes the hope that radiates from the Cross.

Restoration through Forgiveness

One of the most profound lessons we can learn from the Cross is the power of forgiveness. As Jesus hung on the Cross, He uttered the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In that moment, He demonstrated the limitless mercy and compassion of God. It’s a reminder that no matter how broken or sinful we may be, there is always hope for redemption and forgiveness through Christ.

Man who is born into a state of original sin due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, which resulted in a fallen nature which has inclination towards sin, finds redemption and restoration through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus bore the weight of human sin and offered a path to reconciliation with God.

The Cross of Christ teaches us that God’s love and mercy are extended to all, regardless of the depth or nature of their sins. This forgiveness is a free gift, not something that can be earned.

Forgiveness mends the broken relationship between God and humanity. It allows us to draw near to God without the burden of guilt and shame. Forgiveness restores the dignity of the forgiven. It recognizes that despite our sinful nature, we are still deeply valued and loved by God.

Forgiveness is not just an external act, but it leads to an internal transformation. It enables individuals to extend grace and love to others, mirroring God’s character – the same character which was intended to be borne by us, when He created us in His own image and likeness. Forgiveness also brings emotional and spiritual healing. It releases the weight of bitterness, resentment, and anger, leading to a sense of inner peace and wholeness.

The ultimate goal of forgiveness which is received through the Cross is the restoration of human nature to its original state before the Fall. Through forgiveness and union with Christ, we hope for a renewed humanity in the eschatological fulfilment of God’s kingdom.

Theosis and Union with God

Orthodox theology, with its rich and profound teachings, places great emphasis on the concept of theosis. This theological concept, often translated as “divinization” or “deification,” is centered around the belief that human beings can participate in and experience a profound union with God.

At the heart of the Orthodox understanding of theosis is the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. Through the Incarnation, God took on human flesh and entered into a profound and intimate union with humanity. This union is seen as the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity and His desire to share His divine life with us.

The Cross, as a central symbol of the Christian faith, holds deep significance within the Orthodox tradition. It is not merely a reminder of Jesus’ suffering and death, but also a powerful symbol of self-emptying love and humility. Orthodox Christians believe that through His voluntary sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus offered Himself completely for the salvation of humanity. This act of self-sacrifice demonstrates the depths of God’s love and His desire to restore and transform fallen humanity.

The Cross, therefore, serves as a constant reminder for believers to embrace a life of sacrificial love and humility. It calls them to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who humbled Himself for the sake of others. This imitation of Christ’s self-emptying love is seen as an integral part of the journey of theosis.

The Tree of Life

The Cross is not just a symbol of suffering and death, but also a symbol of hope and salvation. It is deeply rooted in the history and beliefs of Christianity. The sacrificial act of Jesus Christ on the Cross is seen as the ultimate act of love and redemption, demonstrating God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness.

Throughout the New Testament, the significance of the Cross is emphasized. It is viewed as the means by which Jesus conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

For believers, the Cross represents the intersection of God’s justice and mercy. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, the debt of sin was paid, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense love God has for His creation.

Christianity teaches that the power of the Cross extends beyond just personal salvation. It is also a call for believers to take up their own crosses and follow Jesus, to live lives marked by selflessness, love, and service to others. The Cross is a symbol of discipleship and the transformative power of faith.

In art and literature, the Cross has been depicted in various forms, reminding believers of their spiritual journey and the triumph of Christ over death. It has become a universal symbol of Christianity, representing the central message of the Gospel and the hope of eternal life.

So, when we refer to the Cross as the “Tree of Life,” we acknowledge its significance as the source of spiritual nourishment and the gateway to eternal communion with God. It serves as a constant reminder of God’s love and the invitation for all humanity to partake in the divine life made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Liturgical Celebrations

Veneration of the Cross

During the Feast of the Exaltation, Orthodox Christians venerate the Cross, recognizing it as the instrument of their salvation. This act of reverence serves as a tangible expression of faith and a reminder of Christ’s redemptive love. On this day, we participate in a special service called the Exaltation of the Cross. During this service, the Cross is unveiled and lifted high for all to see. As we approach the Cross, we bow down, kiss it, and offer our prayers. It’s a powerful moment of reverence and a reminder of the central role the Cross plays in our lives.

Hymns and Prayers

The liturgical texts of this feast are rich with theological depth and poetic beauty, reflecting the profound significance of the Cross. These carefully crafted hymns and prayers recount the events surrounding the crucifixion, inviting us to enter into the mystery of Christ’s self-sacrifice and ultimate act of love. They draw us into the narrative of redemption, reminding us of the magnitude of Christ’s suffering and the immeasurable mercy poured out on humanity through his sacrifice.

In these texts, we find words that express both the sorrow and the hope of the Cross. They articulate the heaviness of Christ’s physical and emotional pain as he bore the weight of the world’s sin, while also proclaiming the transformative power of his death and resurrection. Through the power of language and symbolism, these prayers and hymns guide us to reflect on the paradoxical nature of the Cross, where suffering and triumph, darkness and light intersect in perfect harmony.

Moreover, the liturgical texts of this feast invite us to contemplate our own personal journey of faith and the role that the Cross plays in it. They encourage us to embrace the Cross as a sign of our own commitment to discipleship, urging us to carry our crosses with courage and trust, knowing that the path of following Christ is not always easy but ultimately leads to resurrection and eternal life.

In summary, the liturgical texts of this feast plunge us into the depths of the Christian mystery, inviting us to meditate on the profound significance of the Cross. With their theological depth, poetic beauty, and ability to stir the depths of our souls, these texts offer a profound and transformative encounter with Christ, drawing us closer to the heart of our faith.

One of the hymns of the Indian Orthodox Church that is sung during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is as follows:

Bless’d be the sign of Your cross,
O Lord of all creation,
That by it Satan may fall
and all nations may be saved.

By Your precious cross, O Lord,
The believing Church was saved,
And behold, she venerates,
Adores, and takes pride in it!

Christ, who by Your living cross
Reconciled heaven and earth,
May Your peace reign among us
And Your cross be our fortress. Barekmor

May Your precious cross, O Lord,
Be a weapon in battle;
May its sight frighten Satan
And end the gnashing of teeth!

Relevance in Modern Times

Bearing Our Crosses

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross challenges believers to embrace their own crosses, whatever form they may take. It calls us to follow Christ’s example of self-sacrificial love, finding purpose and meaning in life’s challenges. It encourages us to carry our burdens with patience and trust, knowing that through our union with Christ, even our sufferings can be transformed into sources of grace and spiritual growth.

In a world that often seeks comfort, pleasure, and instant gratification, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites us to reflect on the deeper realities of life, to recognize the value of suffering, and to embrace the transformative power of the cross. It reminds us that true joy and fulfillment can be found not in avoiding pain, but in embracing it as a means to holiness and union with God.

On this feast day, believers are encouraged to venerate the cross, participate in the liturgy, and ponder the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrifice. It is a time to deepen our understanding of the Paschal mystery and draw closer to the heart of Jesus, who willingly endured the cross for the sake of our salvation.

Hope in Difficult Times

In a world often marred by suffering and adversity, the Feast of the Exaltation offers a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the Cross stands as a symbol of God’s unwavering love and the promise of ultimate victory.

Through the Cross, we find solace and strength, knowing that our burdens can be lifted and our sins forgiven. This commemorative occasion urges us to have faith in the face of adversity, reminding us that our struggles are not in vain and that a greater purpose exists beyond our present circumstances.

As we gather in worship and contemplation, let us remember the eternal message of hope and redemption that the Feast of the Exaltation brings. May we draw inspiration from the selfless love displayed on the Cross and let it guide us in our daily lives, fostering unity, compassion, and understanding among all people.

Conclusion

So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may the Exaltation of the Holy Cross inspire us to live with renewed faith, hope, and love. May it remind us that our crosses, however heavy they may seem, are not without purpose or meaning. And may it strengthen our resolve to follow Christ, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Beyond the annual celebration, we are called to carry the spirit of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with us every day. We are called to embrace the teachings of Christ, to love one another as He loved us, and to find strength in the Cross during times of trials and tribulations.

Hence, let us strive to live our lives in a way that honours Christ’s sacrifice and brings His love to the world. And let us always find solace, strength, and hope in the Cross, knowing that it is through the Cross that we find true salvation.

May the Exaltation of the Holy Cross be a time of deep reflection and renewed commitment to our faith. And may the Cross always be a beacon of light guiding us on our journey towards eternity.

Your brother in Christ Jesus

Jobin George