On September 14/27, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, one of the most solemn and meaningful days in the liturgical calendar. This feast, rich in history and deep in spiritual significance, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the power of the Cross as a symbol of life, especially in the face of the moral and social crises of our times.

The Feast of the Exaltation commemorates two significant events in the life of the Church. First, it celebrates the finding of the True Cross by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the fourth century. According to tradition, after the miraculous discovery, the Cross was exalted (lifted up) for veneration by the faithful in Jerusalem, marking a moment of profound reverence. The second event commemorated is the return of the Cross to Jerusalem by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in the seventh century after it had been captured by the Persians.

These historical events, though centuries removed from our daily lives, have always served as a reminder that the Cross of Christ is not merely an object of veneration but a source of real and tangible grace. It is through the Cross that death is defeated and life restored, and this truth resonates today more than ever.

In the Orthodox tradition, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is marked by solemn and beautiful liturgical services. The hymnography of the feast is filled with profound theological reflections on the meaning of the Cross. The Troparion proclaims: "O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory to Orthodox Christians over their adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation."

The Kontakion echoes this theme: "As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake, grant mercy to those who are called by Your name, O Christ God; make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, granting them victories over their adversaries, by bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace."

These hymns are not just prayers for physical protection but invocations for spiritual victory over sin, despair, and death. The Cross is, for us, a weapon of peace - a paradox that transcends human understanding, as it is both the instrument of Christ's suffering and the source of His triumph over death.

In today’s world, we are confronted with a "culture of death" that Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA often speaks about. This culture manifests itself in various forms: the disregard for human life, the breakdown of moral values, and the increasing alienation from God. Whether it is seen in the global conflicts that tear nations apart, the exploitation of the vulnerable, or the degradation of human dignity through various forms of addiction, consumerism, and individualism, this culture stands in stark contrast to the life-giving power of the Cross.

Yet, the Cross remains a sign of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, life will always triumph over death. As Archbishop Daniel reflects, "The Cross, far from being a symbol of defeat, is the ultimate symbol of victory and renewal. It is a reminder that our Lord did not leave us to face the world’s challenges alone, but has given us the strength of His Cross, a source of life and transformation."

As followers of Christ in the 21st century, we are called to embrace the Cross not just as a historical event, but as a living reality. In the face of moral decay, social injustice, and personal suffering, the Cross offers us a way forward. It calls us to die to the selfishness and pride that perpetuate the culture of death and to rise to a new life in Christ, where love, compassion, and mercy reign.

The Cross is not an easy path; it is a path of sacrifice and self-denial. Yet, it is the only path that leads to true life. In the words of our Savior, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). This call to follow Christ through the Cross is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

As we contemplate the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross, let us be reminded that we are all called to carry our own crosses. Whether it be the cross of personal suffering, the cross of standing up for truth in a world that often rejects it, or the cross of caring for those in need, we are not alone. Christ is with us, and through His Cross, we have the strength to overcome any trial.

Archbishop Daniel reminds us that in times of crisis, we must not lose hope. "The Cross teaches us that there is no situation so dire that God’s grace cannot redeem it. The darkness of Good Friday is always followed by the light of the Resurrection."

In a world filled with uncertainty, the Cross remains our sure and steadfast hope. Let us take courage, knowing that through the Cross, death has been overcome, and life - true, eternal life - is ours in Christ.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross is not just a remembrance of past events, but a living and dynamic call to embrace the Cross in our lives. In a society fraught with moral confusion and social decay, the Cross stands as a symbol of life, hope, and renewal. It challenges us to confront the culture of death with the life-giving power of Christ’s victory, and to live out the Gospel with courage, humility, and love.

May we, as modern-day followers of Christ, draw strength from the Cross, and may it be for us what it has always been for Christians throughout the ages: the invincible weapon of peace, the source of life, and the path to eternal victory in Christ.