A holy relic of the True Cross will be presented by Orthodox Archbishop Alexander for veneration at Our Lady of Fatima on Friday, March 22, 4:30-6:00 PM, in the church. Stay for Mass at 6pm, followed by Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper.
History Of The Holy Relic Of The True Cross
According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was found in Jerusalem in the 4th century and preserved in Jerusalem, with also a portion preserved in Rome in the Basilica of Santa Croce. A small fragment from the portion preserved in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Rome was donated to Archbishop Benedict d'Auria, Patritius of Janua (Genova) from Cardinal Colonna on August 31 of 1767 in the name of His Holiness Pope Clement XIII, Bishop of Rome.* This small relic was moved to Genova in the late 18th century, and then to the Orthodox Diocese of Ravenna. This relic was placed under the guardianship of Archbishop Alexander from the Orthodox Diocese of Ravenna in 2014.
Only two pieces of the True Cross have ever been tested by scientists. This piece is one of them. It was tested in the physics laboratory of Dr. John Jackson in Colorado Springs in 2015, and it was found to be consistent with the fibrous type of wood found in the area at the time of the Crucifixion. It was first examined under stereo microscopy, and then using low-level ultraviolet radiation. There was no evidence found to contradict the authenticity of the relic.
* 18th century documentation is available and accompanies the relic of the True Holy Cross.