Exaltation of the Cross
Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross — Monday, September 14, 2026 in 2026.
The finding of the True Cross by St Helen and its exaltation before the people in Jerusalem. The Cross is brought out and venerated at the feast.
When is Exaltation of the Cross in 2026?
In 2026 the feast falls on Monday, September 14, 2026. It is a fixed feast and keeps the same date every year on the New Calendar; Old Calendar parishes keep it thirteen days later on the civil calendar.
| Year | Date | Fasting that day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, September 14, 2026 | No Fast |
| 2027 | Tuesday, September 14, 2027 | No Fast |
| 2028 | Thursday, September 14, 2028 | No Fast |
| 2029 | Friday, September 14, 2029 | Fast |
Fasting on Exaltation of the Cross
A strict fast day despite being a Great Feast: no meat, dairy, eggs or fish are taken.
Fasting practice varies between jurisdictions, parishes and households — see the Orthodox fasting rules for the full picture and speak with your priest about your own rule.
See this feast in the calendar
Open the day itself for the saints, feast and fasting rule in full, browse September 2026, or see the whole of 2026.