Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Feast Day: September 14)

Jesus Christ's True Cross was discovered in 326 by St. Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor St. Constantine the Great, during a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was then built at the site of the discovery, by order of Sts. Helena and Constantine. The church was dedicated nine years later, with a portion of the cross placed inside it. Other legends explain that in 614, a portion of the cross was carried away from the church by the Persians, and remained missing until it was recaptured by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in 628. Initially taken to Constantinople, the cross was returned to the church the following year.

September 14 is always a fast day and the eating of meat, dairy products and fish is prohibited. The Feast of the Exaltation has a one-day Forefeast and an eight-day Afterfeast. On the eve of the feast before small vespers the priest, having prepared a tray with the cross placed on a bed of fresh basil leaves or flowers, covered with an aër (liturgical veil), places it on the table of prothesis; after that service, the priest carries the tray on his head preceded by lighted candles and the deacon censing the cross, processing to the holy table.

The bringing out of the cross and the exaltation ceremony occur at matins.
The normal antiphons are replaced by special verses from the psalms 22, 74, and 99, which have direct reference to Christ's crucifixion on the Cross. A special hymn replaces the Trisagion hymn, as it is sung, the faithful prostrate. The epistle reading is from I Corinthians 1:18-24, and says that "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." The gospel reading is taken from John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, and 30-35 together. This long reading is the passion account.

Troparion (Tone 1)

O Lord, save Thy people,

And bless Thine inheritance.

Grant victory to the Emperor [or "Thy people" or "the Orthodox Christians"]

Over the barbarians, [or "their enemies"]

And by the power of Thy Cross

Preserve Thy commonwealth. [or "estate" or "habitation"]

Since basil (which was found at the site where the True Cross was buried) is used to decorate a silver plate with a cross, along with flowers, after the service the basil would be taken house and used to bless the house. It is then kept at the icon corner and a little bit burnt each time in the censer.

One idea to help children celebrate is lighting a candle under a Cross to commemorate this holy day. Burn some of the basil received from Divine Liturgy as a "burnt offering" to Christ our God!

You could also cook a meal using basil in the food to remember the place where the True Cross was found by St. Helena. Wine and Olive Oil are allowed, so perhaps a simple Italian dish with lots of basil! This Tomato, Basil and Lemon Zucchini Pasta look like a perfect dish to celebrate the Elevation Feast Day!

Little ones can color this coloring page: