Sign of the Cross over Jerusalem

Commemoration of the luminous Cross that appeared in the sky over Jerusalem in the reign of Constantius.

On the morning of May 7 in the year 351, during the reign of the Emperor Constantius, a great Cross of light appeared in the sky above Jerusalem, stretching from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives. It was seen by the whole city and lasted for several hours.

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem described the event in a letter to the emperor, and the Church has kept its memory ever since.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Sign of the Cross over Jerusalem is commemorated on May 7. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on May 20 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on May 7

• 

  Akakios of Cappadocia

  Martyr, Ακάκιος

  Holy Martyr Akakios of Cappadocia.

  Name days: Akakios, Acacius

• Kodratos and Companions

  Martyr, Κοδράτος

  Holy Martyr Kodratos (Quadratus) and those with him, who suffered at Nicomedia under Decius.

  Name days: Kodratos, Quadratus

• Nilus the Myrrhstreamer

  Venerable, Νείλος ο Μυροβλύτης

  Finding of the relics of Venerable Nilus the Myrrhstreamer of Mount Athos.

  Name days: Neilos, Nilos, Nilus

• Nilus of Sora

  Venerable, Νείλος της Σόρα

  Venerable Nilus of Sora, founder of skete life in Russia and teacher of non-possession.

• John Psychaites

  Venerable, Ιωάννης ο Ψυχαΐτης

  Venerable John the Confessor, abbot of the Psycha Monastery in Constantinople during the Iconoclast persecution.

• Alexis Toth

  Saint, Αλέξιος Τοθ

  Saint Alexis Toth, confessor and defender of Orthodoxy in America.