Exaltation of the Holy Cross in 2024

When is Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a public holiday in Armenia.

This holiday is celebrated on the Monday after the Sunday that falls between 11th and 17th of September. On this Sunday, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates the return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem following its capture by the Persians.

The public holiday usually compensated by a working day on the following Saturday.

History of Exaltation of the Holy Cross

In the Orthodox and Armenian Churches, it is believed that the Holy Cross used to crucify Jesus had been found at the beginning of the 4th century by St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I. The Holy Cross was kept in Jerusalem and venerated by Christians.

In 610 the Persian King Khosrov II attacked the Byzantine Empire, and in 614, the Persian army entered Jerusalem. The Persians took the Holy Cross from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Supported by the Armenian army, the Byzantines went after the Holy Cross, retrieving it after defeating Khosorov in battle. The Holy Cross was returned to Jerusalem. On the way to Jerusalem, the Holy Cross was carried aloft to celebrate its recapture. On its journey, it traveled through Karin in Armenia.

In the Armenian Apostolic Church, this day is known as a 'Merelots' a Remembrance Day of the Dead that is observed. 'Merelots are observed on the day after five religious holidays in Armenia. The five Remembrance Days of the Dead are on the days after Christmas, Easter, Feast of the Transfiguration, Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Did you know?

The first church in the world was built in Armenia and Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion.