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The festival of the Raising of the Cross originated in Palestine. Instituted to commemorate the dedication of the basilica of the Resurrection, erected by Constantine in Jerusalem, “Festival of the Dedication” was soon associated with the discovery of the true Cross. Eusebius, describing the dedication ceremony which took place in 335 says nothing of the discovery of the Cross. But St. Cyril of Jerusalem, in 347 says this: “Already the whole universe is filled with fragments of the Wood of the Cross.
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Beware of these two thoughts, and fear them. The first suggests ‘You are a saint;’ the other, “You will not be saved.’ Both come from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. Instead, think to yourself, ‘I am a great sinner but the Lord is merciful. He loves man with a great love, and will forgive me my sins.’ Believe in this way, and, you will see, the Lord will forgive you. (St. Silouan the Athonite. pg. 441,446.)

Let us consider Christ’s teaching: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Are they blessed now, or in the kingdom to come? ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ When? ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness….Blessed are the merciful… the pure in heart…the peacemakers….’

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