Exaltation of the Cross (Orthodox)

Culture of origin: Christian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Eastern Orthodox

One of the Twelve Great Feasts. It goes back to the consecration of the basilica over the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on 13 September 335; the next day the relic of the cross was first shown ("exalted") to the people. In 614 the relic fell into the hands of Khosrow II, when the Persians took Jerusalem, and the Byzantine emperor Heraclius recovered it (628 or 629, the sources differ). The day is always a fast, with no meat, dairy or fish, and the cross is laid on a bed of basil or flowers for veneration. The old-calendar churches keep it on 14 September Julian, which is 27 September until 2100.