Khachverats or Surb Khach: History, Meaning, and Celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross
Introduction: A Feast That Connects Heaven and Earth
Every year, between September 11 and September 17, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates one of its most solemn feasts. This day is known as Khachverats (Խաչվերաց), or the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In 2025, the feast falls on Sunday, September 14.
It is one of the five major feasts (Taghavar) of the Armenian Church.
The celebration honors the return of the Lord’s Cross from Persian captivity and its exaltation in Jerusalem.
The word Khachverats means “the lifting up of the Cross.”
It symbolizes both the historic restoration of the Cross and its spiritual elevation.
For Armenians, this feast is not only a remembrance but a living spiritual experience.
Historical Background: Jerusalem, Persia, and Byzantium
The origins of Khachverats lie in dramatic events of late antiquity.
The early 7th century saw fierce conflict between the Byzantine and Persian empires.
Their rivalry shaped the fate of Jerusalem and the True Cross.
The Persian Invasion of Jerusalem (614 CE)
In 614 CE, King Khosrow II Parviz invaded Jerusalem with his armies.
The city fell, its people suffered, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was plundered.
The Persians carried away the most sacred Christian relic: the True Cross itself.
Chroniclers described the tragedy in apocalyptic tones.
The Cross, long a symbol of hope, now disappeared into a foreign empire.
Byzantine Response: Emperor Heraclius
The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius refused to accept this loss.
He began a determined military campaign to return the holy relic.
Armenian forces under Mjej Gnuni joined the effort.
According to tradition, Heraclius received a divine message of victory.
“You will triumph in this war, because your cause is just.”
The campaign succeeded, and the Persians were defeated.
Heraclius recovered the relic and prepared its triumphant return.
The Return of the Cross
In 628 CE, the Cross was returned to Jerusalem with great reverence.
Crowds filled the streets as the relic was restored to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The event became one of the most celebrated moments in Christian history.
Armenian tradition tells of miracles along the route.
At the Karin mountains, a spring appeared as the Cross passed.
A monastery, Khachka (Khachavank), was later built to honor this event.
Liturgical Celebration in the Armenian Church
The Armenian Church observes Khachverats with profound solemnity and symbolism.
The Vigil and Preparations
On Saturday evening, families prepare special foods.
Men traditionally prepare a lamb, while women bake bread and pastries.
The day is known as Ulnots (Day of the Lamb).
Dishes such as khorovu, kashkak, mushoosh, ghapama, and gata fill the table.
The Exaltation Rite
On Sunday, churches adorn a cross with flowers and basil.
During the service, the celebrant raises the cross high and blesses the four directions.
This symbolizes Christ’s victory reaching all of creation.
A solemn procession (tapor) follows around the church.
The act recalls the triumphant return of the relic through Armenia.
At the end, rose water is sprinkled as a sign of renewal.
The Day After: Memorial of the Dead (Merelots)
On Monday, Armenians remember their departed loved ones.
Families visit cemeteries with fruits, bread, cheese, and greens.
This tradition is known as “Nan u Tri”.
It unites remembrance and gratitude.
The Cross in Armenian Theology and Spirituality
The Cross stands at the center of Armenian Christian belief.
It is not merely a symbol but a cosmic reality.
St. John Chrysostom on the Cross
“Let us glorify the noble and life-giving Cross of the Lord.
For the Cross is the sign of salvation, the hope of Christians, the foundation of the Church, the defeat of Satan, the father of orphans, the light for those in darkness, and the liberation of the captive.”
St. Gregory of Tatev
St. Gregory of Tatev called the Cross “the bridge uniting heaven and earth.”
It opens paradise and grants the inheritance of the kingdom.
What was once an instrument of death becomes a symbol of eternal life.
Priest Commentary: Fr. Yesayi Artenyan
“The meaning of Khachverats lies in rediscovering the Cross.
We lose it through indifference, sin, and malice.
We find it through sacrifice, compassion, and overcoming our flaws.
The Cross is victory, not defeat.”
Popular Customs and Folk Traditions
Khachverats has deep roots in Armenian culture beyond liturgy.
- Pilgrimages: Many visit churches dedicated to the Holy Cross, such as Surb Khach of Aparan or the Akhtamar Monastery.
- Festive Foods: Lamb dishes symbolize thanksgiving and blessing.
- Blessing of the Fields (Andastan): The priest blesses the four corners of the world.
- Family Gatherings: The feast brings communities together around shared meals.
Theological Meaning: Cross as Victory
The Cross transforms suffering into triumph and death into life.
- Death and Life: Christ turns the lowest suffering into eternal life.
- Defeat and Victory: What seems like loss becomes glory.
- Loss and Gain: One finds true value only through sacrifice.
Khachverats represents this paradox at the heart of Christianity.
Historical and Modern Perspectives
The Historical Debate
Historians discuss the political motives behind Heraclius’s campaign.
Yet believers perceived the event as a divine miracle.
Faith often interprets history through a spiritual lens.
Modern Church Statements
Catholicos Karekin II emphasizes the Cross’s message of peace.
“The Cross is not only the memory of suffering but the pledge of resurrection and the sign of peace for all nations.”
Contemporary Practice in the Diaspora
Armenians worldwide celebrate Khachverats with liturgies and cultural events.
Some communities restore the lamb feast tradition.
The celebration preserves Armenian identity abroad.
Comparative Note: The Feast in Other Traditions
The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14.
Eastern Orthodox Churches observe it with fasting and solemn rites.
Yet the Armenian celebration blends theology, history, and national memory uniquely.
Reflections: War, Faith, and Justice
Heraclius reportedly heard the words:
“You will triumph in this war, because your cause is just.”
This raises questions about war and faith.
Armenian tradition teaches that the Cross is not about conquest.
Its message is sacrifice, love, and spiritual victory.
Author’s Analysis
Khachverats speaks deeply to modern times.
In a world troubled by injustice and conflict, the Cross reminds us of higher values.
We lose the Cross today through apathy and selfishness.
We rediscover it through mercy, compassion, and sacrifice.
Lifting the Cross means lifting the heart.
It means turning pain into strength and suffering into renewal.
In this way, the feast remains timeless.
✍️ Written by Mark Vardumyan
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