The Feast of Mesqel
St. Helena's Mission
The True Cross
Traditions & Symbols
History & Legacy
100

What does the word Meskel mean?

Cross

100

Who was St. Helena’s famous son?

Emperor Constantine

100

What inscription was found with the crosses?

INRI (“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”)

100

What large fire is lit during Meskel celebrations?

 Damera (bonfire)?

100

What happened to Jerusalem in 70 A.D. that erased many Christian holy places?

the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans

200

On what date is Meskel celebrated?

09/27

200

What year did Constantine legalize Christianity in the Roman Empire?

313 A.D.

200

 How many crosses were discovered beneath the rubble?

3 Crosses

200

The Cross is seen as the “tree of ____.”

Life

200

Why did Emperor Constantine send his mother to the Holy Land?

What is to restore Christian holy sites and find the True Cross?

300

Who discovered the True Cross in the 4th century?

St. Helena

300

What city did Helena travel to in search of the Cross?


Jerusalem

300

Who was the Patriarch of Jerusalem that helped identify the True Cross?

Who is St. Macarius?

300

What does the Cross symbolize for Christians?

victory, life, and salvation

300

Why was the Cross hidden for nearly two centuries?

pagan temples and rubble hiding it

400

What discovery does Meskel commemorate?

The discovery of the true cross

400

 What temple did St Helena order to be torn down to uncover the Cross?

The temple of venus

400

What did the people cry out when the True Cross was lifted up?

Lord, have mercy

400

What do Christians remember about Jesus when celebrating Meskel?

 What is Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection?

400

Why is the Cross called a sign of victory, life, and salvation?

Christ’s triumph over sin and death

500

What miracle showed which cross was the True Cross?



The healing/raising of the dead

500

What quality of St. Helena helped her succeed despite her old age and resistance from pagans?

 What are faith and perseverance

500

What church was later built over the place of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection?

What is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher?

500

Why did Queen Helena’s discovery of the Cross become a tradition remembered every year?

Because it was seen as a miracle and proof of Christ’s victory, so the Church made it a yearly feast

500

Who rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina around 135 A.D.?

Emperor Hadrian

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