The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one of the most important church festivals for Ukrainians. This day is dedicated to the Cross on which Jesus was crucified, and also symbolises the raising of the Cross from the ground when it was found. As with other feasts, the Ukrainian people have certain traditions and beliefs associated with the Feast of the Holy Cross.

When is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated in 2026?

Previously, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was observed on 27 September according to the Julian calendar. However, on 1 September 2023, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church switched to the New Julian calendar, according to which the date of the feast has moved forward by 13 days. If you are wondering on which date the Exaltation falls this year, in 2026 Ukrainians will celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September.

The history of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The history of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross dates back to the 4th century, during the reign of Constantine the Great and his mother, Helena. At that time, Christianity had been declared the state religion, which is why Helena set out in search of the Cross on which Jesus had been crucified. The Cross was found in one of the caves of Jerusalem in 326.

According to legends and folklore, three crosses were initially found; to identify the true Cross of the Lord, all three were presented in turn to the gravely ill. The first two did not produce the desired result, but the third brought about the long-awaited healing. Other accounts also mention how the Cross not only possessed healing properties but also brought the dead back to life.

In honour of this discovery, Christians gathered at the site, and Macarius, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, raised the relic high so that all might see it. This is the origin of the name of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Following this momentous event, Queen Helena divided the Cross into two parts: one was left in Jerusalem, whilst the other was sent to the Emperor’s son. On her return journey, Helena stopped at every settlement where Jesus had been, thus founding over 80 churches.

The Cross of the Lord continued to be divided over many years, and in 1187 the portion kept in Jerusalem was lost following the defeat of the Crusaders by the Muslims. One theory suggests that the Cross was buried to save it, but it was never found. The Feast of the Holy Cross symbolises the establishment of the Christian faith for Ukrainians and many other peoples of the world.

What is the significance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and its history hold great spiritual and religious significance for believers. When speaking of such an important date, one cannot fail to note that this feast is, above all, a symbol of victory over death and sin. The Cross, which was an instrument of suffering and death for Jesus, became a symbol of salvation for all humanity. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is also a sign of hope for eternal life and salvation for those who believe in Jesus and his great sacrifice.

It is also worth noting that the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a feast that calls upon us to follow Christ’s example. In other words, every person must carry their own ‘cross’, overcoming life’s difficulties and trials on the path to self-improvement. On this day, Christians commemorate Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice, as well as the discovery of the true Cross of the Lord, which has granted humanity protection, faith and hope for salvation.

Traditions and customs for the Feast of the Holy Cross

When the Feast of the Holy Cross arrives, it is traditional to visit churches and attend services. On this day, the Cross is carried from the altar to the centre of the church, where it remains until 21 September – the day of the Exaltation of the Cross. The Cross was decorated with flowers and greenery, symbolising eternal life, after which the veneration of the Cross took place. It is also customary on this feast day to hold a procession with icons and prayers. Our ancestors would place small crosses in barns and even paint them on the walls of their homes. There was a belief that on the day of the Feast of the Exaltation, one could be cured of ailments and protected from misfortune.

Healing properties were attributed to cabbage, which people were just beginning to prepare for the winter at this time. This served as a kind of sign that the large family would be provided for during the winter.

For those unable to attend church services, it is worth praying at home for the well-being and health of the family. It is also important to fast on this feast day as a sign of reverence for the sufferings of Jesus and his voluntary sacrifice.

There is a belief that anyone who fasts on this day will have all their sins forgiven. To this end, one should fast, pray and repent for sins committed. On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one should refrain from carrying out any household chores or physical labour. It is also advisable to postpone the start of any new undertakings.

Folk omens for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Almost every holiday for Ukrainians is steeped in beliefs and distinctive omens. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is no exception. Here are some of the omens that our ancestors believed in and passed down to subsequent generations:

Warm weather on this day means winter will also be warm.
A north wind means the coming summer will be hot; a west wind portends bad weather.
Rain on the feast day means a damp autumn and cold weather on the Feast of the Intercession.
If cranes are calling and flying away slowly, autumn will be warm and long.
It is best not to go into the woods on this day, as snakes are looking for burrows to hibernate in.
It is advisable to close the doors and windows of the house to prevent a snake from slithering in.
It is not recommended to start new ventures on this feast day, as they may end in failure.
Young women who gather for a get-together on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross may recite a charm to help them find their beloved sooner.
It is forbidden to throw away crumbs or food, to avoid famine in the family.

What not to do on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

As well as festive traditions and superstitions, Ukrainians also observe a number of prohibitions on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. These include the following:

Setting off on a journey or business trip – this may lead to unforeseen problems.
Starting new ventures – according to popular belief, the outcome is unlikely to be successful.
Arguing and swearing on the feast day – this hinders harmony and spiritual purification.
Lending money – this may negatively affect the family’s well-being and security and cause financial difficulties.
Walking in the woods or near bodies of water – you may encounter snakes, which can be dangerous at this time of year.

How the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated in Ukraine

In Ukraine, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, it is customary to attend church services and observe a strict fast in remembrance of the Saviour’s suffering. In churches, the Cross, lavishly decorated with flowers and greenery, is carried out; people venerate it and the raising of the Cross takes place. Another tradition cherished by Ukrainians on this feast day is sprinkling homes with holy water and making crosses from rowan berries by hand. Prayers are also an integral part of the celebration, as it is believed that the Lord may forgive all seven deadly sins to those who say a prayer on this festive day. Prayers can also be said at home before an icon; the main thing is to do so with sincere faith and good intentions.

For our people, the Feast of the Holy Cross in 2026 carries sacred and spiritual significance. On this day, believers celebrate the discovery of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is a date on which we pay homage to the great sacrifice and gain hope for salvation and eternal life.