On September 27, 2026, the Christian Church observes the Exaltation of the Cross, commemorating the wooden crucifix used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and celebrating its miraculous discovery. The solemn day follows the September 26, 2026 Feast of the Resurrection, which marks the consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Jerusalem.
Fourth-Century Origins and the Search by Queen Helena
The history of the holiday traces back to the fourth century during the reign of Emperor Constantine, who established Christianity as the state religion. Constantine dispatched his mother, Queen Helena, to Jerusalem with the specific mission of locating the cross of Jesus. Excavations in a cave near the city ultimately uncovered three crosses alongside a plaque bearing the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” which had previously rested atop one of the beams.
To identify which cross belonged to Christ rather than the criminals, the relics were brought individually to a seriously ill woman. Two of the crosses produced no effect, but the third healed her. Another tradition recounts that life was restored to a deceased person touched by the cross, establishing its identity as life-giving.
Did You Know? According to tradition, the true Cross was made from a part of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the fruit of which Adam and Eve tasted.
Exaltation and Division of the Relic
Following the discovery, crowds of Christians gathered at the site to venerate the artifact. Jerusalem Patriarch Macarius lifted the relic high above the assembly, an act of elevation that gave the holiday its name. Queen Helena subsequently divided the relic into two pieces, leaving one in Jerusalem and sending the other, accompanied by two nails, to her son Emperor Constantine.
The relic underwent further divisions over the centuries. In 1187, the Jerusalem portion was lost following the defeat of the Crusaders by Muslim forces, though a legend suggests a Templar buried the cross for safekeeping. After completing her work in Jerusalem and laying the foundation for the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord, Queen Helena established over 80 churches along her return route at sites associated with the earthly life of Jesus.
Traditions, Fasts, and Prohibitions on September 27
Observances on September 27, 2026, include attending church services, joining processions, and observing a strict fast in memory of the Savior’s passion on the cross. Traditional activities also involve preparing meals with cabbage from the new harvest and planting trees and bushes. Conversely, customs dictate specific prohibitions: individuals are restricted from lending money, performing cleaning or home repairs, engaging in quarrels, or leaving doors wide open.
Folk Weather Indicators for the Coming Season
Traditional folklore ties the date to seasonal weather forecasting. A west wind on this day signals upcoming bad weather, while morning frosts point toward an early winter. A sharp drop in temperature forecasts an early spring, and the departure of migratory birds indicates that frost is imminent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event does the Exaltation of the Cross celebrate?
The celebration is dedicated to the wooden crucifix on which Christ completed His earthly life and symbolizes the lifting of the cross from the ground after its discovery in Jerusalem.
Who discovered the cross in the fourth century?
Queen Helena, sent to Jerusalem by Emperor Constantine, directed the excavations that uncovered three crosses in a cave near the city.
What are the traditional practices associated with this day?
Believers typically attend church services, participate in processions, observe a strict fast, cook with new-harvest cabbage, and plant trees and bushes while avoiding tasks like cleaning, repairing, or lending money.
How do traditional seasonal signs in your region align with the weather patterns noted on this date?
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