100 Years Since the Third Appearance of the Holy Cross on Mount Hymettus

Today marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary events in modern Church history — the third appearance of the Holy Cross in the sky above Athens.
On the night of September 13-14/26-27, 1925, thousands of faithful had gathered at the small chapel of Saint John the Theologian on Mount Hymettus to celebrate the Vigil of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross according to the Orthodox (Julian) Calendar. All such liturgies, during these periods of persecutions, took place at wayside chapels in the hills and at night. In those troubled times, when innovations in the Church were causing division and persecution, the faithful assembled in prayer under threat of disruption by police forces.
Then, shortly after 11:00 p.m., a great wonder was revealed. In the heavens above the chapel, a radiant Cross of Light appeared, stretching high across the sky. It remained visible for many hours, until around 4:00 a.m., shining steadily before the eyes of clergy, laity, children, and even the policemen who had come to scatter the gathering.
Eyewitnesses describe the Cross as unmistakable, luminous, and glorious — a clear testimony from God Himself. What was meant to be a night of intimidation instead became a night of victory and divine consolation.
This miraculous event was so striking that it could not be hidden. The Greek press of the time reported on it, including the major Athenian newspapers “Ἐστία” (Estía) and “Ἐλεύθερον Βῆμα” (Eleftheron Vima), which recorded the testimony of those who had seen the wonder. Thus, the appearance of the Cross was not only a matter of faith among the persecuted Orthodox but also a publicly attested fact of history.
This was the third such appearance of the Holy Cross in the skies (the first being to St. Constantine the Emperor and the second being over Jerusalem), each time strengthening the faithful and confirming the truth of Orthodoxy. But the 1925 vision on Mount Hymettus holds special significance, for it came at a moment when many were wavering, and God Himself bore witness to the steadfastness of His Church.
Starting in about 1980, the True Orthodox established the Sunday following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross as a yearly commemoration of this miracle. By God’s providence, this year’s centennial coincides directly with tomorrow’s observance of that same feast.
The Cross remains our boast and our strength. As it appeared in the heavens a century ago, so today it remains before our eyes in the mysteries of the Church, in our personal struggles, and in the confession of the True Faith.
“O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting victory to the kings against barbarians and by the power of Thy cross- preserving Thy Commonwealth!”