The True Cross

Photo: “Relic of the Holy Cross” by Nheyob, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

The True Cross is a Christian relic said to be the cross where Jesus was crucified. Tradition claims St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, found it during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 326 CE.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is the True Cross?
  3. The Legend of the True Cross
  4. The True Cross in Religious Art and Culture
  5. The Legacy of the True Cross
  6. Miracles of the True Cross
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs
  9. Sources

Introduction

The True Cross is believed to be the cross where Jesus was crucified. According to Christian tradition, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered it during a 4th-century pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

For Christians, the True Cross symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice and humanity’s salvation. Fragments of the cross, considered relics, are kept in churches worldwide as objects of devotion and faith.

The story of the True Cross, tied to miracles and saintly devotion, has inspired art, literature, and religious practices. While its authenticity is debated, the legend continues to resonate, blending faith, tradition, and history.

What is the True Cross?

Photo: “Relic of the Holy Cross” by Nheyob, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Christians believe the True Cross is the actual cross where Jesus was crucified. According to tradition, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered it during a 4th-century pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The story says she found three crosses at Golgotha, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, near what is now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A miracle, where a dying woman was healed by touching one of the crosses, identified it as the True Cross.

The cross plays a central role in Christianity, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s redemption and the promise of eternal life. Its story ties back to the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion at Golgotha, described in the Gospels.

The Legend of the True Cross

The story of the True Cross is one of the most famous in Christian tradition. It begins with St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, who traveled to the Holy Land in the early 4th century after Christianity became favored in the Roman Empire.

In Jerusalem, Helena searched for the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Legend says she found three crosses buried near the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be Jesus’ tomb. To figure out which was the True Cross, a dying woman was brought to the site. When she touched one of the crosses, she was miraculously healed, identifying it as the True Cross.

St. Helena had a church built at the site where the cross was found, now called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It was meant to honor and preserve the memory of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Emperor Constantine, her son, dedicated the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on September 14th, 335 CE. This date is now the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

She took pieces of the True Cross and other relics from Jesus’ Passion back to Rome. They were placed in a chapel that eventually became the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, he supported his mother’s quest as part of his efforts to promote the faith. St. Helena was known for her devotion; her discovery of the True Cross made her a central figure in Christian history. It was the finding of the True Cross that inspired the building of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, now one of Christianity’s holiest sites, and led to the veneration of cross fragments worldwide.

“Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God’s scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.” – Philip Yancey

The True Cross in Religious Art and Culture

Depiction of the True Cross in Early Christian Art

In early Christian art, the True Cross symbolized faith and salvation. At first, Christians hesitated to use the cross because of its connection to execution. But as Christianity spread and the cross became a symbol of Christ’s victory over death, it appeared more in art. Early examples include:

  • Catacomb Paintings: Simple crosses and crucifix symbols were painted in the Roman catacombs as part of early Christian iconography.
  • Mosaics and Frescoes: The cross showed up in mosaics and frescoes in churches, often alongside symbols like the lamb, alpha and omega, and Chi-Rho (☧).
  • Ivory Carvings: Small ivory carvings, often for book covers or religious items, depicted the cross in scenes from Christ’s life.

Inspiration for Worship and Veneration

The True Cross has inspired worship and veneration throughout Christian history, such as:

  • Feast Days: The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th marks the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena and the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Processions and Pilgrimages: Processions with True Cross relics and pilgrimages to related sites are common ways Christians show devotion.
  • Relics and Reliquaries: Fragments of the True Cross were given to churches and kept in decorated reliquaries, becoming focal points for worship.

Churches and Historical Sites

Many churches and sites claim to house pieces of the True Cross. Notable examples include:

  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem, Israel): The site where St. Helena is believed to have found the True Cross. It’s a major pilgrimage destination.
  • Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Rome, Italy): St. Helena brought fragments of the True Cross and other relics to this church.
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris, France): The cathedral houses a relic of the True Cross, displayed on special occasions.
  • Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana (Spain): This monastery claims to have one of the largest pieces of the True Cross.

The Legacy of the True Cross

The True Cross has influenced many cultural practices throughout history. Its legend has inspired art, literature, and music, with artists like Giotto and Piero della Francesca depicting scenes of its discovery and exaltation, shaping Western art. The veneration of the True Cross led to the creation of feast days like the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated on September 14th, which includes processions, prayers, and reenactments of St. Helena’s discovery. Pilgrimages to places that claim to have fragments of the True Cross have also become important religious practices, helping the faithful connect more deeply with their faith.

In modern Christianity, the True Cross is still a powerful symbol and object of veneration. Fragments are kept in many churches, often displayed in elaborate reliquaries during special services. The cross remains central in Christian theology, representing Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of eternal life. The story of the True Cross highlights the importance of the crucifixion in Christian faith and is shared by various Christian denominations, strengthening a sense of unity and common heritage.

Several key events in history are linked to the True Cross. St. Helena’s discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century marked a turning point, leading to the building of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, Emperor Constantine reportedly saw a vision of the cross with the words “In this sign, conquer.” He adopted it as his military standard, won the battle, and later converted to Christianity, helping to Christianize the Roman Empire. In 614 CE, the Persians captured Jerusalem and took the True Cross, but it was returned by Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in 628 CE, an event celebrated in Christian history.

Miracles of the True Cross

The True Cross has long been a symbol of faith and divine intervention, with many miraculous stories attached to it. In one story, a relic of the True Cross at the Bridge of San Lorenzo in Venice fell into the canal and miraculously stayed afloat, evading the attempts of people who tried to retrieve it. This event added to the relic’s legendary status. The relic was also carried by the Crusaders in the Battle of Hattin in 1187. Although the Crusaders lost the battle, the presence of the True Cross was believed to inspire their courage and faith.

Another miracle involves the Franciscans in the Middle Ages. While traveling with a relic of the True Cross, they were attacked by pirates. The pirates tried to seize the relic but were struck blind, allowing the Franciscans to escape unharmed. This story highlighted the protection attributed to the True Cross. Additionally, St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote about the miracles performed by pieces of the True Cross, including healing the sick and protecting people from danger.

During the war between the Byzantine Empire and the Persians in 628, Emperor Heraclius took the True Cross into battle. His victory was believed to be a result of the cross’s divine power. Afterward, the relic was returned to Jerusalem in a grand ceremony, reinforcing its sacred status.

In Rome, a fragment of the True Cross is kept in the Lateran Basilica. This relic has become a pilgrimage site, with many visitors reporting healings and answered prayers. The power attributed to it continues to inspire devotion.

Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, is also linked to the True Cross. He carried a fragment into battle, believing it offered divine protection and victory. This belief added to the cross’s mystique and its reputation for divine intervention.

In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, pieces of the True Cross have been preserved and venerated. Pilgrims visiting this sacred site have experienced healings and divine visions, further cementing the cross’s significance and its connection to miracles.

Conclusion

The True Cross, believed to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified, holds great significance in both legend and history. Tradition says that Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered it in the 4th century. The relic quickly became a powerful symbol of faith, with stories of healings, divine protection in battles, and miraculous events boosting its revered status. As pieces of the True Cross were spread across churches and shrines, its spiritual influence grew, becoming a key focus for veneration and pilgrimage. Over time, the True Cross has been seen as a direct link to Jesus’ passion, inspiring deep devotion among Christians.

The legacy of the True Cross has greatly shaped both faith and culture. Its supposed miraculous powers have strengthened belief in divine intervention, offering hope and inspiration to countless believers. The stories and legends surrounding it have become central to Christian tradition, connecting modern Christians to the early church. The veneration of the True Cross has also influenced religious practices, leading to feast days, pilgrimages, and the building of churches to house the relics.

Culturally, the True Cross has impacted art, literature, and architecture, inspiring countless works that tell its story. The cross has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, representing Christianity and its teachings. The legacy of the True Cross continues to highlight the power of faith and the lasting influence of sacred relics on both individuals and religious communities.

Frequently asked questions about the True Cross

  1. What is the True Cross?
    • The True Cross is believed to be the actual cross on which Jesus was crucified. Tradition says that Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered it in the 4th century. Over time, pieces of the cross were sent to churches and shrines, and many miraculous events have been linked to these relics. It continues to be a strong symbol of faith and devotion for Christians.
  2. Where was the True Cross found?
    • The True Cross was discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 326-328 AD. It was found at the site of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified.
  3. Why is the True Cross important?
    • The True Cross is significant because it’s believed to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified, making it a powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice, and redemption in Christianity. Its discovery by Saint Helena and the many miracles linked to it have strengthened its reverence throughout history. The relic inspires devotion and serves as a tangible connection to the central events of the Christian faith.
  4. Are there pieces of the True Cross?
    • Yes, pieces of the True Cross are believed to exist. After Saint Helena’s discovery, fragments were sent to churches and shrines worldwide, where they’ve been venerated and linked to many miraculous events. These relics still hold significant spiritual importance for many Christians.
  5. Has the True Cross influenced Christian art?
    • Yes, the True Cross has had a big influence on Christian art. Its discovery and the stories around it have inspired many artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and religious icons. Themes like the crucifixion, Saint Helena’s discovery of the cross, and the veneration of the relics are commonly depicted, showing the cross’s deep impact on religious expression and culture.

Sources

  1. Thiede, Carsten Peter., D’Ancona, Matthew. The Quest for the True Cross. United States: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.
  2. Jensen, Robin M.. The Cross: History, Art, and Controversy. United Kingdom: Harvard University Press, 2017.
  3. Crossan, John Dominic. The Cross that Spoke: The Origins of the Passion Narrative. N.p.: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2008.
  4. OP, Gretchen Filz. 2023. “Stolen and Found: The Story of the True Cross – Good Catholic.” Good Catholic (blog). August 8, 2023. https://www.goodcatholic.com/stolen-and-found-the-story-of-the-true-cross/.
  5. Wikipedia contributors. 2024. “True Cross.” Wikipedia. October 21, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Cross.
  6. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2024. “True Cross | History, Relic, Meaning, Crucifixion, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica. October 16, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/True-Cross.
  7. “9 Places in America to Venerate Relics of the True Cross.” n.d. Catholic365. https://www.catholic365.com/article/16382/9-places-in-america-to-venerate-relics-of-the-true-cross.html.
  8. Contributor, CatholicShare. 2023. “The True Cross: History, Legend, and Devotion.” Catholic Share. December 7, 2023. https://www.catholicshare.com/the-true-cross-history-legend-and-devotion/.
  9. “Search Results for ‘True Cross’ – EWTN Global Catholic Television Network.” n.d. https://ewtn.co.uk/?s=true+cross.
  10. “Gentile Bellini’s ‘Miracle of the Relic of the True Cross at the Bridge of San Lorenzo.’” n.d. Save Venice Inc. | Dedicated to Preserving the Artistic Heritage of Venice. https://www.savevenice.org/project/gentile-bellinis-miracle-of-the-relic-of-the-true-cross-at-the-bridge-of-san-lorenzo.
  11. “CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: The True Cross.” n.d. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04529a.htm.
  12. McDade, Stefani, and Stefani McDade. 2024. “The Cross in an Age of ‘Spiritual Derangement.’” Christianity Today. September 25, 2024. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/pt-forsyth-cruciality-the-cross-spiritual-derangement/.
  13. Miesel, Sandra. 2021. “Legends and History of the True Cross.” April 1, 2021. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/04/01/legends-and-history-of-the-true-cross/.

The True Cross: Legend and Legacy by Obsidian and Black Satin is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0