The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated by the Eastern and Roman Churches alike on September 14th. The Cross is exalted because it was the instrument used by Christ to conquer sin and death and bring life and salvation to all.  In the icon, we St. Macarius in the center in the clothes of a bishop, holding the Cross high for the people to see.  Around St. Macarius, we see several deacons holding candles. To the left of St. Macarius, we see both St. Constantine and St. Helen. A feast is prepared each year to celebrate the Exaltation.  This feast commemorates the finding of the Cross by St. Helen, the mother of the emperor Constantine. Constantine, in the year 312, while on the way to a battle for the rule of Rome, had a vision of the Cross and heard the words, “In Hoc Signo Vinces“- in this sign you will conquer. Constantine won the battle and subsequently legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313.

This Icon measures 19" x 14", and is approximately 2 inches thick.  There is only small damage to the gesso surface at the top of the icon, from insects.  As I mentioned above, this Icon has been thoroughly treated and all insects have been eliminated.  Although it is worthy of restoration, I will leave that to the professionals.

Handling costs are to help defray the cost of insurance.