A radiant cross of light suddenly illuminated the night sky. It was the eve of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross in 1925. We gather here near the site of that miraculous event. This is the spot where the church of St. John the Theologian once stood. The appearance of the Holy Cross over Mount Hymettus is a powerful story. It speaks to a time of religious and political upheaval in Greece. The story of the Holy Cross appearance is intertwined with the conflict over the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
In 1924, the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Church of Greece adopted the Gregorian calendar. This change disrupted the liturgical unity of the Orthodox Church. Many faithful refused to accept this change. They wanted to celebrate feasts according to the traditional Julian calendar. The government sent police to arrest priests and disperse congregations. These congregations continued to use the Julian calendar.
In 1925, people gathered at the small church of St. John the Theologian. It was located outside Athens on Mount Hymettus. They were celebrating the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Suddenly, a giant cross formed in the heavens above them. It stretched from the church to the peak of Mount Hymettus. The cross was in the form of a Byzantine Cross. It had three straight cross-bars. People cried out in fear. The procession stopped. People fell to their knees weeping and chanting Kyrie eleison. Even the police were terrified. They threw down their weapons and began to pray.
The cross remained in the sky for half an hour. Then, it slowly rose until it stood straight up. Finally, it disappeared. News of the miracle spread quickly. The Athenian newspapers printed reports with sketches of the cross. For traditionalist Orthodox Christians, this event was a divine confirmation. It confirmed their struggle to preserve the traditions of the Church. The calendar is an integral part of these traditions.
One eyewitness was John D. Glymis. He was a retired police officer. He said he was sent to stop the vigil that night. He saw the enormous radiant cross above the church. He and his colleagues fell to their knees and wept. They forgot their orders.
Another eyewitness was Athanasios Primal. He was a retired tram conductor. He saw everyone looking up toward heaven and crying. He saw the Precious Cross shining over Mount Hymettus. He said it turned him into a different man. His family became faithful children of the True Orthodox Christians.
The appearance of the Holy Cross in 1925 is a reminder of faith. It reminds us of resistance during times of change. It is a powerful symbol for Orthodox Christians. They strive to maintain their traditions. Today, we remember this miracle. We stand on this ground and reflect on its meaning. The story of the Holy Cross continues to inspire. It strengthens faith. It is a call to uphold tradition.