The Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of the All-Glorious Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Friday, September 27, 2024.
This celebration commemorates Saint Helen’s discovery of the Holy and Life-giving Cross on Golgotha and the consecration of the Church of the Resurrection in 326-336 AD.
Archbishop Makarios consecrated the Church in the presence of Saint Helen on September 13, 336 AD, raising the Cross for the people to venerate. This tradition is now celebrated annually on September 14th.
To honor this event, a Great Patriarchal Vespers was held at the Church of the Resurrection, presided over by Patriarch Theophilos.
The next day, a Divine Liturgy was officiated by Patriarch Theophilos and other clergy members, followed by a litany with the Holy Cross around important sites in Jerusalem.
In his address, Patriarch Theophilos highlighted the significance of the Cross in Christian theology and the love of God for humanity.
The special state that God refers to through Christ’s presence in the world is not the wisdom of the people, but the power of faith. This is highlighted by Zigavinos, who mentions that faith is now more important than thoughts, as the mystery of the Divine Incarnation surpasses human understanding and requires only faith. The completion of this mystery, sealed by Christ’s passion on the Cross and His Resurrection, is a cause for celebration and worship. The hymnographer beautifully expresses this sentiment, acknowledging the Holy Cross as a symbol of salvation and victory over evil. The congregation praises God for the blessings brought to the world through the Cross, where His Son was crucified for the salvation of mankind. Amen. May peace and blessings be upon the world and our troubled region.
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