When the Cross Appeared

Armodoxy for Today: When the Cross Appeared

On the fifth Sunday of the Feast of Resurrection (28 days following Easter) the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross, remembering an event which took place in the fourth century (351) when a luminous cross appeared over Jerusalem, stretching from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem documents the event in a letter that has been kept by the Armenian Church and is read during the feast. He writes that during the Holy Easter Season, a large cross of light – “a vast luminous body” – appeared in the sky above Holy Golgotha and stretching to the Mount of Olives. It was revealed to everyone in the city of Jerusalem, unmistakably, he says, not just a few people. And very clearly, that is, it was not an optical illusion. It was visible for several hours. The light emitted, he insists, was brighter than the rays of the sun. Everyone in the city, ran to the holy church, with fear and joy at this vision from God. Christians, as well as foreigners sang hymns of praise to God’s Only Begotten Son.

St. Cyril says this event took place “On the nones of May.” The nones is the nineth day before the ides by inclusive reckoning, or in this case, the 7^th day of May, placing it on the Feast of Pentecost of that year. The Apparition of the Holy Cross is one of four feasts dedicated to the Cross that the Armenian Church celebrates. The three others are the Elevation of the Cross, the Discovery of the Holy Cross and the Cross of Varak, which are all celebrated as Summer moves to Autumn.

I leave you with this historic account of a phenomenon, miracle, or demonstration, which ever you wish to call it, as the background to the excitement of discovering that the luminous Cross is still shining. Yes. Our receptors have weakened, even to the rays brighter than the sun, but it is necessary to take this break before I continue tomorrow so you will  not be overwhelmed by the incredible opportunity to view the Apparition of the Holy Cross now, seventeen centuries later. Yes! As we continue tomorrow with our next Armodoxy for Today.

We pray today, O Christ, whose glory once stretched across the sky, stretch now Your mercy across our souls, that we may reflect Your light in every word and deed. Amen.