The Celebrations of the Cross

Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khach-ve-ratz)

Importance: Armenians are part of the cross' rescue and adoration.  The most important feast of the cross, it is one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church.

What: The Persians had seized the cross when they conquered the city of Jerusalem.  Leading a coalition of forces (including Armenians), the Emperor Heraclius recaptured the cross and passed through Armenia with it where it was repeatedly raised up and venerated.

When: 7th century, 629 being the year of Heraclius' march through Armenia

Who: Emperor Heraclius

Where: Jerusalem, Persia (modern Iran), Armenia

Celebrated in the Armenian Church: The Sunday nearest September 14; the liturgy is marked with an "antasdan" service (blessing of the fields) during which the processional cross is adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty) and the four corners of the church are blessed as a symbol for all the world.

Holy Cross of Varak (Varaka Khach)

Importance: An authentic relic of the cross is cradled in Armenian soil--a cross feast unique to the Armenian Church.

What: In the 3rd century, the nun Hripsime buried a piece of the cross on Mt. Varak in historic Armenia as a way of protecting it from the soldiers of Emperor Constantine, who were pursuing her.  Centuries later, a monk by the name of Todik had a dream of a church on Mt. Varak with 12 pillars in the center of which was a radiant cross.  The cross then came to rest over the altar of the monastery of Varak, where Todik discovered the cross relic.  When told the news by the monk, Catholicos Nersess (the Builder) came to Varak, verified the relic's authenticity, and established a feast in honor of the discovery.

When: 650 A.D.

Who: The monk Todik

Where: Mt. Varak in historic Armenia

Celebrated in the Armenian Church: Nearest Sunday to September 28, always two weeks after the Exaltation.

Discovery of the Holy Cross (Kyood Khach)

Importance: The rediscovery of all three of the crosses of Golgotha -- our Lord's and the two on which the thieves were hung.

What: Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine, commissioned an army to find the true cross.  After many years, they found three in Jerusalem in a rubble heap.  When the body of a deceased man was taken from a passing funeral procession and placed before each cross, the man miraculously came to life on what was thereafter designated as the one True Cross.

When: 327 A.D.

Who: Empress Helena

Where: Jerusalem

Celebrated in the Armenian Church: The closest Sunday to October 26