My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS (Part III)

On the 14 of September, 628 A.D., Emperor Herakleios finally entered his capital of Constantinople. It had been six years since his return, and his son Constantine, Patriarch Sergios (610-638 A.D.), the clergy, the Senate and the people received him on the coast of Asia Minor with olive branches and lighted candles, with hymns and acclamations of joy. Before him went the True Cross, and behind, four elephants. These were the first ever seen in Constantinople. The Emperor, though only in his mid-fifties, appeared old, worn out, and ill. But by the grace of God, through his efforts, the victorious Byzantine Empire dealt the death blow to its constant enemy, leaving the Persian army prostrate.

During the service of thanksgiving, the True Cross was slowly raised up by Patriarch Sergios, until it stood, vertical, before the altar. It was a deeply moving episode in the history of the Church.

Now the Holy Cross had to be returned to Jerusalem. On the 21st of March, 629 A.D. Herakleios left with his wife Martina and his eldest son Constantine for Jerusalem. Upon their entrance into the city, there was much joy; sounds of weeping and sighs, the burning of flaming hearts, the exaltation of the Emperors, the princes, soldiers and inhabitants. The Emperor himself carried the Life-Giving Cross of Christ to the rebuilt church of the Holy Sepulchre, or, as it is also known, the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Anastaseos), where the Patriarch was waiting to receive it. As the Holy Cross reached the church, hardly anyone could chant due to treat emotion. Together with Patriarch Zacharias, the Emperor then restored the Holy Cross, to the Joy of all Christendom, to its place in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Herakleios then returned all the church objects, each to its place. He next distributed gifts to all the churches and to the inhabitants of the Holy City. There was great rejoicing by the faithful, and again they pressed forward to venerate the wood of the Cross. Once more it was elevated by the holy sufferer Patriarch Zacharias, on the 14th of September, 629 A.D. After the days of the recovery, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross received new emphasis in the Church.

Following Zacharias' blessed repose on the 21st of February, 632 A.D., the great Modestos again ascended to the throne of Saint Iakovos (Apostle James), the brother of the Lord. He succeeded Saint Zacharias as a vessel of choice and as a worthy laborer for the Gospel of Christ. He too is commemorated by the Holy Church on the 16th of December.

This great event of the recovery of the Holy Cross of Christ was linked with the feast day of the "Finding of the Cross and Nails" by Saint Helen, which took place on the 6th of March. And together with that occasion on the 14th of September, we celebrated the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. With also celebrate and venerate the Holy Cross especially on the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent.

Later, when the holy Fathers realized the dangers of invading infidels in the Holy Land, it was resolved to cut the Holy Cross of Jesus into pieces and distribute them to the great spiritual Christian centers. Many portions were taken to Constantinople, Mount Athos (Holy Mountain), Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

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" Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George