The finding and lifting up of the true cross, kept as a great feast and a strict fast on September 14.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 14, 2025 | Revised Julian | |
| 2025 | September 27, 2025 | Julian calendar churches | |
| 2026 | September 14, 2026 | Revised Julian | |
| 2026 | September 27, 2026 | Julian calendar churches |
Recurrence: Fixed date: Sep 14 on the Revised Julian calendar; Sep 27 for Julian-calendar churches.
Significance
The Orthodox Exaltation of the Cross, on September 14, commemorates the finding of the true cross by Saint Helena and its solemn lifting up for the people's veneration in Jerusalem. It is one of the twelve great feasts. Uniquely among them, the day is kept as a strict fast, whatever day of the week it falls on.
Observance
The cross is raised and venerated in the four directions, and a strict fast is kept even on a Sunday.