Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
13.09.2026
On September 13, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church solemnly celebrated the fifth and final of the five major feasts: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On this sacred occasion, the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin celebrated a Divine and Immortal Liturgy, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The Diocese of Shirak Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan served as celebrant.
Reflecting on the spiritual meaning of the feast, the Archbishop noted that the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is not a day of sorrow, grief, mourning, and suffering, but rather a day of victory and exaltation of the Cross.
Speaking about the historical events associated with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Archbishop Mikael emphasized that, like every feast of the Church, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross has a message for people today. For us, it is not merely a historical event, but a living reality that continues today and is intended to transform us so that we may become like our Heavenly Father.
“The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross calls us to embrace the Cross and the mystery of the Crucified One, and thereby to attain resurrection not only in our individual lives, but also in our collective and national life. The Cross must triumph in every corner of our country, and we must never allow the sign of the Cross to be dishonored,” the celebrant added.
At the conclusion of his sermon, addressing those present once again, His Eminence exhorted them to keep the Life-Giving Cross of Christ in their hearts, minds, and souls as a life-giving source that has given life throughout the centuries, gives life today, and will give life tomorrow, for there is no death for the Crucified One, and resurrection and victory await those who embrace the Cross.
