This day is dedicated to the Cross on which Jesus was crucified and is also a symbol of the raising of the Cross from the ground when it was found. Like other feasts, the Ukrainian people hold certain traditions and beliefs on the Feast of the Holy Cross.

When is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated in 2025

Previously, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was observed on September 27 according to the Julian calendar. However, on September 1, 2023, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church switched to the Revised Julian calendar, which shifted the date of the feast 13 days earlier.

Thus, in 2025, Ukrainians will celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14.

History of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The history of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross begins in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great and his mother, Helena. At that time, Christianity had been proclaimed 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 Jerusalem’s caves in 326 AD.

According to legends, three crosses were discovered. To determine the true Cross of the Lord, each of them was successively brought to the sick. The first two had no effect, but the third brought miraculous healing. In other accounts, the Cross not only healed but also restored the dead to life.

In honor of this discovery, Christians gathered at the site, and Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem raised the relic high so that all could see it. This is where the name of the feast — the Exaltation of the Holy Cross — originates.

After this significant event, Queen Helena divided the Cross into two parts: one was left in Jerusalem, and the other was sent to her son, the emperor. On her way back, Helena stopped in every settlement where Jesus had once been, founding more than 80 churches.

The Lord’s Cross continued to be divided over the years, but in 1187 the portion kept in Jerusalem was lost after the Crusaders’ defeat by the Muslims. Some believe the Cross was buried to save it, but it has never been found. The Feast of the Holy Cross remains a symbol of the establishment of Christianity for Ukrainians and many other nations of the world.

The significance of the feast for Christians

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and its history carry profound spiritual and religious meaning for believers. Above all, this feast symbolizes victory over death and sin. The Cross, once an instrument of suffering and death for Jesus, became a symbol of salvation for all humanity.

The Cross of the Lord also stands as a sign of hope for eternal life and salvation for those who believe in Jesus and His great sacrifice.

The Exaltation of the Cross also calls Christians to follow Christ’s example — to “carry one’s cross,” overcome life’s difficulties, and walk the path of self-improvement. On this day, believers remember Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and the discovery of the True Cross, which granted humanity protection, faith, and hope for salvation.

Main traditions and customs of celebrating the Holy Cross

When the Feast of the Holy Cross arrives, it is customary to attend church and services. On this day, the Cross is brought out from the altar to the center of the church, where it remains until September 21 — the day of the feast’s leave-taking. The Cross is adorned with flowers and greenery, symbolizing eternal life, and the faithful venerate it.

Another tradition includes processions with icons and prayers. Our ancestors also placed small crosses in barns and even drew them on the walls of their homes. It was believed that on this day, one could be healed from illnesses and protected from misfortunes.

Cabbage, which was usually harvested during this period, was thought to have healing properties. It symbolized ensuring the family’s provision for the winter.

For those who cannot attend church services, it is recommended to pray at home for family well-being and health. It is also important to fast on this day as a sign of respect for Jesus’ sufferings and His voluntary sacrifice.

It was believed that those who fast on this day would be forgiven of all sins, provided they pray and repent. On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, people refrain from household chores, physical labor, and starting new undertakings.

Signs and beliefs connected to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Almost every feast in Ukraine is filled with folk beliefs and omens, and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is no exception. Here are some that our ancestors observed:

Warm weather on this day means a warm winter.
A north wind foretells a hot summer; a west wind — bad weather.
Rain on the feast signals a wet autumn and cold weather by the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God (October 14).
If cranes call loudly and fly away slowly, autumn will be warm and long.
It was believed one should not go to the forest on this day, as snakes seek dens for winter.
Doors and windows should be closed to prevent snakes from entering the home.
It was not recommended to start new undertakings, as they could end in failure.
Girls gathering for evening meetings on this day could recite special prayers to hasten finding their beloved.
It was forbidden to throw away crumbs or food to avoid hunger in the family.

Prohibitions on the day of the feast

In addition to traditions and omens, Ukrainians observed a set of prohibitions on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Among them:

Traveling or going on business trips — believed to cause unforeseen problems.
Starting new endeavors — thought to bring failure.
Quarreling or cursing — disrupts harmony and spiritual cleansing.
Lending money — believed to harm the family’s well-being and bring financial troubles.
Walking in forests or near rivers — dangerous because of snakes seeking shelter.

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 memory of the Savior’s sufferings. In churches, the Cross, richly decorated with flowers and greenery, is displayed, venerated, and exalted.

For Ukrainians, this feast carries sacred and spiritual meaning. On this day, the faithful commemorate the discovery of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is a date when we honor His great sacrifice and gain hope for salvation and eternal life.