Celebrating the Cross

Christian Spirituality: Chapters in the History of the Faith

In this chapter, I discuss how Christians throughout history have celebrated the Cross, focussing on the sign of the cross and the discovery of the True Cross by St Helena in 326.

Ancient Sources

Tertullian, De Corona

“At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at table, when we light the lamps, on couch, on seat, in all the ordinary actions of daily life, we trace upon the forehead the sign. (De Cor. 3)”

Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures 13.36

let us then not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the cross our seal, made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in every thing; over the bread we eat and the cups we drink, in our comings and in goings; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are travelling, and when we are at rest

Romanos the Melodist, “Kontakion on the Victory of the Holy Cross”, trans. Ephrem Lash

Acrostic: BY THE HUMBLE ROMANOS Proemium 1. Idiomel. The sword of flame no longer guards the gate of Eden, For a strange bond came upon it: the wood of the Cross. The sting of Death and the victory of Hades were nailed to it. But you appeared, my Saviour, crying to those in Hades: ‘Be brought back Again to Paradise’.

Proemium 2. Nailed to the form of the Cross As truly a ransom for many You redeemed us, Christ our God, For by your precious blood in love for mankind You snatched our souls from death. You brought us back with you Again to Paradise.

Proemium 3. All things in heaven and earth rightly rejoice with Adam, Because he has been called Again to Paradise.