So called in Russia the feast of consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem. It is better known to us as the Holy Sepulchre. The word means that which is known as such, but in fact is not. The wording Resurrection of the Lord does not refer to the Passover, the present Resurrection, but only to the name of the temple dedicated to it.
This holiday is one of the most ancient. It is one of the few early Christian events whose date is known. The Resurrection Temple was consecrated in 335, after 10 years of construction. This happened during the reign of the first Christian emperor, Constantine.
His mother, a deeply religious Christian, is considered the first pilgrim. She, together with Bishop Macarius, went to Jerusalem to find the lost Christian shrines. Shortly after Christ’s death and resurrection, Jerusalem was destroyed by Roman troops. Golgotha, the cave in which Jesus was put after his death, was lost and forgotten. On the site of the efforts and death of Christ, a pagan temple was built.
Empress Elena organized a real archaeological expedition. And he was very successful. I was able to find both the front place and the cave. Deep under the layer of earth found 3 crosses. The one on which Jesus was crucified was easily distinguished from the crosses of robbers: touching him cured a seriously ill woman. They even found a sign with an inscription about Jesus Nazareth, king of the Jews, and a nail that pierced His hands and feet.
On the site of the cave where the body of Christ was laid, it was decided to build a temple. Helena did not live to see the completion of the construction, but the emperor Constantine was present at his consecration, as were numerous representatives of the clergy.
A day later, the Life-Creating Cross was installed in the church, combining 2 significant events for each Orthodox believer.
On this day, parishioners rejoice again at the Resurrection of Christ, the acquisition of sacred relics. They ask for the renewal of the soul, for the forgiveness of sins. They thank the Lord for the Son who trampled on his death.
All Resurrection temples are consecrated in honor of the holiday Renewal of the Resurrection Temple. Only one temple is dedicated to the Resurrection, the one in Jerusalem.
Charity foundHoly Land.
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