On September 14, 2026, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) observes one of the Great Twelve Feasts — the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord. This was announced by the OCU press office, whose publication was carried by RBC-Ukraine. On this day, the faithful commemorate and venerate the historical event of the discovery and glorification of the life-giving tree of the Cross of our Lord, which, according to church tradition, came about through the care of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Helena — the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. "When the Cross on which our Savior was crucified and died was found, it became a great spiritual joy for the Christians of Jerusalem and for the whole Church," the OCU emphasized.

Historical Tradition: From the Equal-to-the-Apostles Helena to Patriarch Macarius

According to OCU representatives, after the Cross of the Lord, which had been buried near Golgotha, was found, it was "washed with great reverence." In memory of this rite, a symbolic washing of the Cross is still performed during the service of exaltation. As the number of pilgrims gathering at Golgotha from the city and surrounding areas to venerate the life-giving tree grew, Patriarch Macarius began to lift the Cross high above the people and bless them with it toward the four directions, while all bowed in prayer, saying "Lord, have mercy!"

The Miracle at Golgotha and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ

The OCU also recalled the miraculous event associated with the discovery of the Cross. When people found several buried crosses, they did not know which one belonged to Jesus Christ. A funeral procession was passing by the excavation site at that moment. "Tradition testifies that at the moment when Patriarch Macarius touched the deceased with the Cross of our Savior, the dead man came to life, stood up, and walked home on his own feet," the OCU reported. Subsequently, the Church of the Resurrection of Christ was built on the site of the discovery of the Cross and consecrated on September 13, 335. "To this day, numerous pilgrims from all over the world flock there," the church added.

Divine Liturgy at Saint Michael's Cathedral and Online Broadcast

On the feast day, the Divine Liturgy is held at the Saint Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral on the grounds of the eponymous monastery in Kyiv. In the photographs from the service, clergy in red liturgical vestments and mitres can be seen against the backdrop of a gilded iconostasis with icons of the Theotokos and the saints. Those believers who cannot physically be present in the church can follow the liturgy remotely — via the online broadcast organized by the OCU.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Feast: Carrying One's Own Cross

The OCU explained that the Cross of the Lord is not only the historical tree on which the Savior was crucified. The image of the Cross, laid out adorned with flowers in the middle of the churches, and every cross placed for veneration in churches around the world, carries spiritual power. "Therefore, the faithful venerate this image, bow before it and honor it — so that through the power granted by the Cross of the Lord they may be able to bear their own cross worthily, as the Savior commanded," the OCU emphasized. The Church calls on the faithful to "patiently, with unshakable hope in God, endure all the trials that occur on our life's path." Concluding its address, the OCU wished Ukrainians: "May the image and sign of the Cross of the Lord always be a reminder, a help, a comfort, and a protection for us through faith in the Son of God, who died on the cross for us — and rose again, as the Victor over evil."