On Monday, May 20, 2024, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of the appearance of the sign of the Cross in the heavens.
This feast commemorates the event in the year 351 AD when the Cross appeared in the sky on the day of Pentecost, during the archbishopric of Cyril in Jerusalem. The Cross was illuminated by the sun’s rays and visible from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha.
The residents of Jerusalem of all ages were amazed and joyful to witness this extraordinary sight.
Archbishop Cyril of Jerusalem described this miraculous event in a letter to King Constantius, the son of Constantine the Great.
To honor this event, a Divine Liturgy was held on Golgotha, led by Archbishop Theophanes of Gerrash, accompanied by other clergy members. The chanting was performed by Hierodeacon Simeon and the Patriarchal School Students.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a litany was conducted three times around the Holy Sepulchre, with the participation of High Priests and Fathers from the Patriarchate.
At the conclusion of the litany, Archbishop Cyril’s letter was read in front of the Sacred Edicule by the officiating Archbishop in Greek and Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia in Arabic.
The Episcopal group then returned to the Patriarchate Hall for the Patriarchal blessing and respect.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
