Orthodox Christian Education

July 31 - August 1
† Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord (1164)

These next few days are the fulfillment of our "Orthodox Quiz!" On July 31, each year, the actual Holy Cross of Jesus, which had been kept at the imperial palace in Constantinople, would be taken to the altar of Saint Sophia's Cathedral.
Then on August 1, the Holy Cross would be carried around inside the cathedral, and taken through the streets to consecrate the area so that the faithful could venerate the Cross daily until the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on August 15.

The Church also commemorates the Righteous Joseph of Arimathea (1st c.) on July 31. The "noble Joseph" was a secret follower of Christ and a wealthy member of the Jewish Sanhendrin (ruling council); it was he who provided Christ's tomb. When his faith became known he was driven from the Sanhendrin, from the synagogues, and from the Holy Land, and traveled through many lands, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. According to some accounts he eventually reached England, where he reposed in peace.