Elevation of the Precious Life-Giving Cross



Elevation of the Precious, Life-Giving Cross, by Matthew D. Garrett 2001 Elevation of the Precious, Life-Giving Cross, by Matthew Garrett 2003


"O Lord, save thy people and bless thine inheritance, granting to thy people victory over their adversaries, and by thy Cross preserving thine estate." -- Troparion for the Elevation of the Cross.

The Elevation of the Cross, celebrated September 14th, began as a dedication ceremony for the Basilica of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. It quickly became associated with the discovery of the true Cross by St. Helen. The Cross is lauded not only for its role in the redemption of mankind, bu also as a weapon of victory against the powers hostile to Christianity. Some icons of this subject show the discovery of the cross, this icon shows only the uplifting of the cross.

The icon on the left was commissioned by St. Peter and St. Paul Albanian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia

The icon on the right was done through the St. John of Damascus Icon Studio for Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Portage PA.