Melkite Greek Catholic Church Information Center Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Lifegiving Cross

Feast of Feasts and Great Feasts
Feast	Event Commem- orated	Action of Event	Significance of Event	Celebrate	Apostolos	Gospel	Date	Class
Exaltation of Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross	Jesus Christ's Holy Cross is found.	ºSt Helena finding Holy Cross ºRecovering Holy Cross from Persians, returning It to Jerusalem, and raising It up (exalting).	Holy Cross is a sign of glory and victory.	Jesus Christ's victory over death.	1 Cor. 1:18-24	John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28a, 30-35a	14 Sept.	Great Feast Class 1

The Trisagion Hymn is the Hymn of the Cross

We bow in worship before your Cross, O Master, and we give praise to your Holy Resurrection.
Li saleebika ya Sayyidana nosjed, wa li quamatik almoqaddasal numajjid.
Ton Stavron sou proskinoomen, Dhespota, keh teen Agian sou Anastasin dhoxaxomen.

Feast

14 September - Ikons of the Feast usually portray St. Macarius, the Bishop of Jerusalem, in the center of the ikon, elevating the Holy Cross and showing it to the people.
This elevation or uplifting of the Holy Cross shows Holy Cross' prominence as the sign of victory. Hence the name "Exaltation" or "Elevation of the Holy Cross."

The Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross calls us to remember in a special way the central role of the Cross of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ in God's plan of salvation. Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ transformed the Cross. The Cross, which was a tree of death, was transformed into The Holy Cross, which is the Tree of Life. The Cross, which was an instrument of humiliation and death, was transformed into The Holy Cross, which is a sign of victory over sin and death and a means of salvation and eternal life.

The Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross is a good day for us to recall how we were saved through the Holy Cross of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ tells us we must take up our crosses and follow Him. The Holy Cross is a symbol of suffering and sacrifice leading ultimately to redemption, resurrection, and new life.

The Feast of the Holy Cross commemorates two important events.

Year	Event	Person
about 326	Discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem by The Holy and Glorious Sovereign, the Equal of the Apostles Helena In about 326, in Jerusalem, The Holy and Glorious Sovereign, the Equal of the Apostles Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, discovered the three crosses on which Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ and the two thieves had been crucified. To discern which was the True Cross of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Archbishop Makarios touched each one to a dying, sick woman. She was perfectly healed immediately by the touch of the True Cross. The Holy and Glorious Sovereign, the Equal of the Apostles Helena built the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for the Holy Cross. The Holy Cross is kept and venerated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.	The Holy and Glorious Sovereign, the Equal of the Apostles Helena,
628	Recovery of the Cross from the Persians and its return to Jerusalem, where it was raised up (elevated or exalted) for all the people to see and worship. In 614, Jerusalem was conquered by the Persians. The Persians burned the Church of the Resurrection and stole the Holy Cross. In 628, the Emperor Heraclius defeated the Persian king and brought the Holy Cross back to Jerusalem. As he tried to carry the Cross into the Church, he was stopped by an invisible hand. Archbishop Zachary warned him to remove all his splendid clothing and imperial jewels so that he could carry the Holy Cross in humility, like Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Then, the Emperor, wearing only a simple tunic, walked barefoot with the Holy Cross to plant it on Golgotha. All the people prostrated themselves to the ground, singing, "We bow in worship before your Cross, O Christ, and we give glory to Your Holy Resurrection."	Emperor Heraclius

Apostolos

1 Cor. chapter 1, verses18-24 The Old Testament readings for this feast reveal to us many prefigurations of the Cross before the coming of Christ:

Tree of Paradise
Ark of Noah
Jacob stretching out his arms
Moses stretching out his arms
Rod of Moses that made the bitter water sweet and caused water to gush from the rock
Rod of Aaron that flowered

Gospel

John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28a, and 30-35a

Kontakion, Troparion, Exapostilarion, and Vespers Sticheron

KONTAKION (TONE 2)
O Christ our God, who chose by your free volition to be elevated upon the Holy Cross, grant your mercies to your new people who are called by your name. In your power gladden the hearts of our public authorities. Strengthen them in every good deed so that your true alliance may be for them a weapon of peace and a standard of victory.

TROPARION OF THE HOLY CROSS (TONE 1)
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Strengthen our public authorities is every good deed, and protect your nation by the power of your Cross.
Khallss ya Rab sha'bak wa barek meerathak, wamnah muloukan all-ghalabah 'alal barbar. Wahfaz be qouwat salee- bika ra'lyataka.
Soson, Kyrie, ton Laon Sou, Keh evloghison tin klironomia-an sou, nekas tees vasilevsi kata varvaron doroumenos, keh to son philatton dia tou Stavrou sou politevma.

Antiphon

Palsm 98
0 Son of God, who were crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Khallisna YabnAllah, ya man suliba biljasad, nahnul muran-neemeena Laka, Halleloueya.

Fast Day

The Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross is the only Great Feast that is a day of fasting. This Great Feast is a day of strict fasting (fast and abstinence) in solidarity with the sacrificial suffering of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ for us on the Cross.
Fasting Guidelines

Name

The Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross is also known as "The Great Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross".

Ikon

Ikons of the Feast usually portray St. Macarius, the Bishop of Jerusalem, in the center of the ikon, elevating the Holy Cross and showing it to the people.
This elevation or uplifting of the Holy Cross shows its prominence as the sign of victory. Hence the name "Exaltation" or "Elevation of the Holy Cross."
The Holy and Glorious Sovereign, the Equal of the Apostles Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine is always shown. Some ikons also show her son, St. Constantine the Emperor.
Bishops, priests, and hymnographers are gathered about the Holy Cross.

Paper

The Feasts of September By His Excellency, Archbishop Joseph Tawil, Eparchy of Newton, Roslindale, Massachusetts, United States

Celebrating Our Holy Days By Fr. Fred Saato, Eparchy of Newton, Roslindale, Massachusetts, United States

Exaltation of the Holy, Life-Giving and Precious Cross Saint Ann Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Paterson, NJ

More Information

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Saint Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts, Click on Fixed Feasts of the Lord

Ikon

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Saint Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts, Click on Fixed Feasts of the Lord

Liturgical Cycle

From the Monday after the Great Feast of Pentecost to Great and Holy Saturday, Sunday is the last day of the Liturgical week.
From Holy and Glorious Pascha to the Great Feast of Pentecost, Sunday is the first day of the Liturgical week.

Preparation
Mon.	Sat.	Sunday of Holy Cross
	Saturday Before 7-13 Sept.	Sunday Before 7-13 Sept.
Preparation Dedication of Basilica of Resurrection of Christ our God; Holy Hieromartyr Cornelius Centurion 13 Sept.
Vespers 13 Sept.

Celebration
Mon.	Sat.	Sunday of Holy Cross
Exaltation of Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross 14 Sept.
	Saturday After 15-21 Sept.	Sunday After 15-21 Sept.
Second Day Celebration Holy Martyr Nicetas 15 Sept.
Third Day Celebration Great-Martyr and all-celebrated Euphemia 16 Sept.
Fourth Day Celebration Holy Martyr Sophie and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Charity 17 Sept.
Fifth Day Celebration Holy Father Eumenius Wonder-worker, Bishop of Gortyna in Crete 18 Sept.
Sixth Day Celebration Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Sabbatuis, and Dorymedes 19 Sept.
Seventh Day Celebration Great-Martyr Eustathius, his wife Theopista and their two children Agapius and Theopista 20 Sept.
Leave-taking Holy Apostle Codratus of Magnesia 21 Sept.
		(Sunday of) 1st Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Miraculous Catch 22-28 Sept.
		(Sunday of) 2nd Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Love Your Enemies
		(Sunday of) 3d Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Widow's Son
		(Sunday of) 4th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Fathers of 7th Ecumenical Council (2d Council of Nicaea) 11-18 Oct.
		(Sunday of) 5th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Rich Man and Lazarus 30 Oct.- 5 Nov.
		(Sunday of) 6th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Gerasene Demoniac
		(Sunday of) 7th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Daughter of Jairus
		(Sunday of) 8th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Good Samaritan
		(Sunday of) 9th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Fool
		(Sunday of) 10th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Crippled Woman 4-10 Dec.
		(Sunday of) 11th Week of Great Feast Holy Cross Twentyninth Sunday after Great Feast Pentecost (Sunday of) 12th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Ten Lepers 14-20 Jan. when Pascha is 8-25 April
		(Sunday of) 13th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Rich Young Man 24-30 Nov.
		(Sunday of) 14th Week after Great Feast of Holy Cross Blind Man
		(Sunday of) 15th Week after Holy Cross Sunday Zacchaeus when 1 to 4 Sundays between Sunday after Great Feast of Holy Theophany and 1st Sunday of Triodion Pharisee and Publican Last Sunday of Cycle except when 3 or 4 Sundays between those 2 Sundays
		17th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday Canaanite Woman when 3 or 4 Sundays between Sunday after Great Feast of Holy Theophany and 1st Sunday of Triodion Pharisee and Publican Last Sunday of Cycle when 3 or 4 Sundays
		(Sunday of) 16th Week after Holy Cross Triodion 1st Sun. Pharisee Publican 10th Sunday before Pascha
		(Sunday of) 17th Week after Holy Cross Triodion 2d Sun. Prodigal Son 9th Sunday before Pascha

Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ's Feast of Feasts and Great Feasts
Feast	Event Commem- orated	Action of Event	Significance of Event	Celebrate	Apostolos	Gospel	Date	Class
Annun- ciation of Theotokos Ever Virgin Mary	Jesus Christ's conception in human form Incar- nation.	Future Theotokos' accepting Holy God's will saying yes to Holy God.	Holy God becomes human Incar- nation.	Beginning of process of our redemption.	Heb. 2:11-18	Lk. 1:24-38	25 March	Great Feast Class 2
Nativity According to Flesh of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ's birth in human form.	Jesus Christ being born in human form.	Messiah is born.	Jesus Christ's birthday.	Gal. 4:4-7	Mt. 2:1-12	25 Dec.	Great Feast Class 1
Circum- cision of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ's Naming and Circum- cision.	Jesus Christ submitted to Mosaic Law.	Jesus Christ is named	Jesus Christ's Naming and Circum- cision.	Col. 2:8-12	Lk. 2:20-21, 40-52	1 Jan.	Feast Class 3
ºHoly Hypapanty of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ ºPurifi- cation of Theotokos	ºJesus Christ's presen- tation at Temple. ºTheotokos' purification.	Theotokos bringing Jesus Christ to Temple at prescribed time for prescribed rituals.	Messiah's first meeting with His people.	A step in process of our redemption.	Heb. 7:7-17	Lk. 2:22-40	2 Feb.	Great Feast Class 2
Holy Theophany of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ's baptism	Holy Prophet and Glorious Fore- runner John Baptist baptizing Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ in River Jordan.	ºAs an adult, Jesus Christ shows His people that He is Holy God (manifestation Jesus Christ to the world). ºHoly God shows His people that Holy God is a Holy Trinity.	ºJesus Christ is Holy God. ºHoly God is a Holy Trinity	Tim. 2:11-14, 3:4-7	Mt. 3:13-17	6 Jan.	Great Feast Class 1
Transfig- uration of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ's transfig- uration	Jesus Christ showing His disciples "...as much of His glory as they could behold...".	Jesus Christ is both fully Holy God and fully man.	ºReve- lation of glory of Holy God ºConfir- mation of two natures of Jesus Christ both fully Holy God and fully human.	2 Pet. 1:10-19	Mt. 17:1-9	6 Aug.	Great Feast Class 1
Triumphal Entry of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ into Jerusalem Holy and Glorious Palm Sun. Shaneeneh	Jesus Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.	Children throwing garments into Jesus Christ's path, pulling down branches from olive and palm trees, putting them in the road, and waving them in air, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"	Jesus Christ's people hailing Him as Messiah.	Jesus Christ is Messiah.	Phil. 4:4-9	John 12:1-18	7 days before Pascha	Great Feast Class 1
Great and Holy Friday	Jesus Christ's death in human form on Holy Cross	Jesus Christ dies on Holy Cross	Holy God redeems our souls.	We have possi- bility of "eternal life".	1 Cor. 1:18-24	John 5:48-55	2 days before Pascha	Great Holy Fri.
Holy and Glorious Pascha	Jesus Christ's resurrection in human form	Jesus Christ rising from dead and giving "eternal life" to good.	ºJesus Christ is Holy God. ºOpening possi- bility of "eternal life"	ºJesus Christ's victory over death. ºWe have possi- bility of "eternal life".	Acts 1:1-9	John 1:1-17	1st Sun. after 1st full moon after 03/20 Ear- liest is 03/22 latest is 04/25.	Feasts of Feasts
Ascension into Heaven of Our Lord, God Savior, Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ's ascension in human form into heaven.	Jesus Christ going to heaven.	Jesus Christ is Holy God.	Jesus Christ's victory over death.	Acts 1:1-12	Lk. 24:36-53	40th day of Pascha	Great Feast Class 1
Exaltation of Precious and Lifegiving Holy Cross	Jesus Christ's Holy Cross is found.	ºSt Helena finding Holy Cross ºRecovering Holy Cross from Persians, returning It to Jerusalem, and raising It up (exalting).	Holy Cross is a sign of glory and victory.	Jesus Christ's victory over death.	1 Cor. 1:18-24	John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28a, 30-35a	14 Sept.	Great Feast Class 1

Liturgical Cycle

Great Feast Days

Feasts Days - Specific

Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ
The Theotokos
The Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist

Melkite Greek Catholic Church Information Center
Martha Liles
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Melkite Greek Catholic Church Information Center is dedicated to my cousins: Bucky (Richard C. Liles), Shirley (Shirley Jean Liles Buck), and Donna (Donna Bertha Liles Campbell). Bucky fell asleep in the Lord on Dec. 12, 2000, Shirley fell asleep in the Lord on Nov. 8, 2001, and Donna fell asleep in the Lord on March 9, 2020.
O God of all spirits and of all flesh, who have destroyed death, overcome the devil, and given life to the world: grant, O Lord, to the souls of your servants Bucky and Shirley, who has departed from this life, that it may rest in a place of light, in a place of happiness, in a place of peace, where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing. And since You are a gracious God and the Lover of Mankind, forgive him/her every sin he/she has committed by thought, or word, or deed, for there is not a man who lives and does not sin : You alone are without sin, your righteousness is everlasting, and your word is true. You are the Resurrection and the Life, and the repose of your departed servants Bucky and Shirley. O Christ our God, and we send up glory to You, together with your eternal Father and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and for ages upon ages. Amen.

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