The Feast of the Cross

Continued 👇🏾 The Feast of the Cross and Its Discovery The Feast of the Cross, celebrated on the 17th of Meskerem, recalls not only Christ’s death and resurrection but also the miraculous rediscovery of the Cross itself. After Christ’s passion, many were healed by touching the wood of His Cross. But when the unbelieving Jews saw the miracles, they hid the Cross in a garbage heap. Over time, the place was forgotten. In 70 AD, after Jerusalem’s destruction, it became unrecognizable, and for three centuries, the Cross lay buried beneath the dust of men’s indifference. Then, in the fourth century, holy Queen Eleni, mother of Emperor Constantine, journeyed to Jerusalem, inspired by divine zeal to find the precious Cross. Guided by an aged man named Kyriakos, she poured incense upon the ground, and a fragrant smoke rose like a rainbow, revealing the sacred spot. Excavations began on Meskerem 17 and concluded on Megabit 10, when the Cross was finally raised in triumph. A great church was built there and consecrated again on the 17th of Meskerem the day we celebrate its discovery. The Cross in Ethiopia: A Living Witness we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross by lighting candles, praying, and standing in reverence before God. This celebration is not only a tradition but a way to honor the great miracles performed through the Cross. Historically, when the great kings of that time witnessed the wonders of the Cross, they divided it into four parts so that each could receive a portion. Of these four parts, only the section where the right hand of Christ rested was placed in Debre Kerbe, Geshen Maryam, while the whereabouts of the other three remain unknown. This sacred Cross was brought to Ethiopia by Emperor David in the 14th century. Upon its arrival, those who sought to build a temple for it found the ground shaking, and no structure could be completed. After many prayers, God revealed, “Place my Cross in the place of Cross.” Miraculously, the place was discovered in the shape of a cross at a place called Debre Kerbe, in Geshen, where it remains to this day. Because countless people have received blessings from this holy Cross, it is important for us to celebrate this feast with proper reverence and dignity. By doing so, we honor God and participate in the grace that flows from this sacred symbol. The Meaning of the Cross Let us, therefore, hold fast to the Cross, not as an ornament, but as the sign of our salvation. Through it, death was slain, sin was destroyed, and peace was restored between God and mankind. The Cross is the throne of divine mercy, the key of Paradise, the banner of victory, and the bridge that leads the faithful from death to life. Whoever clings to it with faith partakes of the power that shattered hell and opened heaven. Part 11 Continues ... May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends:https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance