Church of the Holy Sepulchre

A major feast day observed by many Christian faiths on September 14, Holy Cross Day honors and commemorates the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. It is also known as “The Triumph of the Cross” in the Roman Catholic Church, the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross” in the Eastern Orthodox church, and in some sects "Holy Rood Day."

September 14

Holy Cross Day dates from the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 after the mother of Emperor Constantine, Saint Helena, found "the True Cross" at the site during a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem in 326.

The complex of buildings commission by Constantine on the reputed sites of the crucifixion and Christ's tomb included a large basilica and a circular church. A relic believed to be the cross was discovered during construction.

Red

Red is the liturgical color used in most churches with Holy Cross Day traditions. In Western Christianity, red vestments are worn at church services conducted on this day. In the Roman Catholic liturgical observance, red is worn only on this day.

The lectionaries of the Church of England (and other Anglican churches) also stipulate red as the liturgical color for 'Holy Cross Day.'

In Eastern Orthodox churches that use various liturgical colors, red vestments are worn on the feast day and for the week that follows.