سان دييكو September 15, 2005

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On September 14, 2005, the most reverend Bishop Sarhad Jammo commenced the first annual celebration of the Holy Cross at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Several stood in admiration of the Cross, learning and understanding the history of the Cross with a wonderful play presented to tell the story of how our Savior’s Cross was found.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we honor the Holy Cross by which Christ redeemed the world. This grand feast was begun to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena, (Constantine the Great’s mother), in 355 AD. The True Cross was found in Jerusalem and kept at the Basilica until 614 AD when the Persians conquered Jerusalem. The spot was difficult to find because persecutors had placed a statue of Venus over it. Fourteen years later, Heraclius III took Jerusalem back from the Persians and returned the Cross to the city. This elevation or uplifting of the Cross shows its prominence as the sign of victory.

We celebrate this feast because the cross has become a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, all in one image. We should all unite and celebrate the exaltation of the cross singing: “We bow to Your cross, O Lord, and we praise Your holy resurrection.”

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we honor the Holy Cross by which Christ redeemed the world. This grand feast was begun to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena, (Constantine the Great’s mother), in 355 AD. The True Cross was found in Jerusalem and kept at the Basilica until 614 AD when the Persians conquered Jerusalem. The spot was difficult to find because persecutors had placed a statue of Venus over it. Fourteen years later, Heraclius III took Jerusalem back from the Persians and returned the Cross to the city. This elevation or uplifting of the Cross shows its prominence as the sign of victory. We celebrate this feast because the cross has become a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, all in one image. We should all unite and celebrate the exaltation of the cross singing: “We bow to Your cross, O Lord, and we praise Your holy resurrection.”