The Honorable Cross: The Symbol of Christianity

1. Introduction

The Honorable Cross is the central symbol of Christian Orthodoxy. It is not merely a material object, but the visible seal of the mystery of salvation. On the wood of the Cross, the Son and Word of God was sacrificed, and through His Blood, He redeemed humanity from sin and death. As the Holy Apostle Paul says: “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

2. The Discovery of the Holy Cross

According to tradition, when Saint Helena, the mother of Saint Emperor Constantine the Great, came to Jerusalem (around the year 326 A.D.), she devoted all her strength and zeal to finding the Lord’s Cross. Divine providence guided her steps to a Jew named Judas, who knew the location of Golgotha.

After trials and suffering, Judas indicated a place where a fragrant plant—basil—was growing, which signaled a divine presence. Saint Helena prayed, an earthquake occurred, and a sweet fragrance rose from the depths of the earth. There, three crosses were discovered.

3. The Miracle of Recognition

The difficulty lay in identifying which of the three crosses belonged to the Lord. Then, they brought forth a dying woman. When they touched her with the thieves’ crosses, nothing happened; but when they placed the third cross on her, the woman was immediately healed. Thus, the Honorable Cross of the Lord was recognized. Judas, seeing the miracle, believed and was baptized, receiving the name Cyriacus; he later became bishop of Jerusalem and confessed the faith unto death.

4. The Theological Significance of the Cross

The Cross, once an instrument of shame and death, became “the weapon of salvation.” As Saint John of Damascus writes:

“The Cross has destroyed death and abolished corruption; it has revealed the resurrection, and granted eternal life.”

(Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith)

And the Holy Apostle Paul declares: “But far be it from me to boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14)

5. The Cross in Worship and in the Life of Believers

From the day of its Discovery, the Cross became the center of liturgical and spiritual life. It is traced on the forehead, heart, and shoulders with the sign of the Holy Cross. It is elevated in processions, placed atop church domes, and sealed in the hearts of the faithful.

The Holy Fathers teach that the Cross is a protector of the faithful. Saint Basil the Great writes: “The sign of the Cross is healing for the sick and drives away demons.”(On the Holy Spirit)

6. Conclusion

The Honorable Cross is the eternal symbol of Christ’s victory over death and sin. It is not a mere relic of the past, but a living reality, a weapon and seal of salvation for every believer. As the Church sings:

“The Cross is the guardian of the whole world,

The Cross is the beauty of the Church,

The Cross is the strength of kings,

The Cross is the support of the faithful,

The Cross is the glory of angels,

And the wound of demons.”