September 14, 2025

Holy Cross Day

The tradition begins with the mother of Emperor Constantine, Helena, making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 326 AD.  The story goes on that Helena discovered three wooden crosses believed to be from the crucifixion of Jesus.  To learn which one was Christ’s, the bishop of Jerusalem brought them one by one, to a woman who was gravely ill.  The first two had no effect.  When the third cross was brought near, she was suddenly healed.  It was believed that this miracle revealed the True Cross of Christ.

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When the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was dedicated on September 14, 335 AD, the True Cross was raised high for all to see, and the date became forever linked with this act of veneration. The church of the Holy Sepulchre was built on what was traditionally considered the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial in the old city of Jerusalem.  Veneration refers to showing great respect and reverence for something.  In this case, the True Cross.

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For Christians the cross is a constant reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and his Victory over death.  That act transforms this instrument of cruel suffering into a symbol of hope and redemption.  In its simple form the cross speaks of God’s love, of forgiveness, and of the promise of new life.  This spiritual meaning is why the cross has remained central in prayer worship and in Christian art throughout the centuries.

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Holy Cross Day is celebrated across the Christian traditions including Lutherans.  In some traditions the cross is lifted high in a procession as a sign of triumph.  We will have a Cross Bearer bring the Cross down the aisle as part of worship at CELC on Sunday as the opening Hymn is played and sung.

Wear Red – the color of Triumph and if you so choose – wear a cross!