Exaltation of the Cross Wishes

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The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on 14 September under the Revised Julian calendar (27 September before 2023). The feast recalls the finding of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified: according to tradition, Saint Helena found it in Jerusalem around 326. It is one of the twelve great feasts and a day of strict fasting. Below are Exaltation of the Cross wishes for family and friends, folk beliefs, poems and flower ideas. Wishes for other holidays of the year are in our holiday wishes calendar.

Autumn church feasts: Nativity of the Theotokos wishes, Pokrova wishes, Dormition wishes.

Short Exaltation wishes

• Happy Exaltation of the Holy Cross! May faith strengthen you and the Lord protect your family.
• Happy feast day! Peace in your heart, warmth in your home and strength to overcome any trial.
• May the Holy Cross be your protection and support in life.
• Happy Exaltation! Goodness, light and God's blessing.

For family and loved ones

• Mum and Dad, happy Exaltation! May the Lord grant you health and may your prayers always be heard.
• My dear family, may this day bring peace and the Cross of the Lord protect our home and our defenders.
• Grandma, thank you for the faith you taught us. Happy feast day, take care!

Spiritual wishes

• May each of us carry our cross with patience and faith, and may the Lord help in the hardest moments.
• May the Exaltation remind us that love and faith overcome any darkness.
• Peace to Ukraine, faith to every heart and protection to our defenders.

Folk beliefs about the Exaltation

• According to folk belief, birds fly south and snakes hide underground on the Exaltation, so people avoided going into the forest.
• It was believed that no new undertakings or heavy work should be started on this day; it was better spent in prayer and with family.

For defenders

• May the Cross of the Lord be your shield and the prayers of your loved ones your protection. Come home alive!
• Happy Exaltation, our defenders! Strength, faith and a swift victory.

What to write on a holiday card

• Happy holiday! May your home always be filled with warmth, peace and joy.
• Best wishes! Bright thoughts, good health and people around you worth celebrating with.
• May this day bring calm and every day after it a reason to smile.
• With warmth and best wishes to you and your family on this holiday!

A small bouquet goes well with a card: flowers turn even a few lines into a special gift.

Greeting loved ones from afar

• A video call — agree on a good time so the whole family can talk without rushing.
• A voice message — a real voice feels warmer than text, especially for grandparents.
• Flower delivery — a bouquet with a card delivered on the holiday morning makes a lovely surprise.
• A family video — collect short wishes from all your relatives and send them as one clip.

Exaltation poems

The feast of the Cross in September's calm air,
The cranes fly away to the lands far away,
May the Cross keep you safe and in God's loving care
And fill up your home with its light every day.

May faith grow as strong as an oak in the wood,
May peace in your family stay,
May the Lord bless your path and keep you good
And guard all of Ukraine today.

Flowers for the Exaltation

On the Exaltation, churches are decorated with flowers and greenery, and the Cross is carried out wreathed in fresh flowers. A restrained white bouquet, a symbol of purity and faith, or gentle light-coloured roses make a fitting gift for family. Flowers are also a nice way to greet a grandmother or mother after the service.

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See white roses and 101 roses.

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FAQ

When is the Exaltation of the Cross in 2026?

On 14 September, under the Revised Julian calendar.

What should not be done on the Exaltation?

By tradition: breaking the fast, starting heavy new work and going into the forest.

What event is behind the feast?

The finding of the Holy Cross by Saint Helena in Jerusalem around 326.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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