Forefeast of the Elevation of the Cross

Commemorated on September 13.

The Forefeast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross is celebrated for only one day (September 13) and there are seven days of Afterfeast (September 15-21). The Leavetaking of the Feast falls on September 21.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is preceded by the Saturday and Sunday before the Exaltation, and it is followed by the Sunday after the Exaltation.

Today we also commemorate the Consecration of the church of the Resurrection at Jerusalem.

Saint Constantine the Great (May 21) built the church of the Resurrection on Golgotha. On September 13, 335, the Fathers of the Council of Tyre consecrated it and, at that time, ordained the annual commemoration of its consecration.

Troparion

We offer in supplication
the life-creating Cross of Your goodness, O Lord,
which You have granted to us
although we are unworthy.
Through the Theotokos, save all Orthodox Christians, O only Lover of mankind.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)
Your precious Cross rises like the sun
and mystically makes all things holy and pure.
Let us prepare to welcome it with faith.