What ties basil to the Elevation of the Cross.

Forefeast of the Elevation of the Cross

The Empress Helene (St. Helene) mother of St. Constantine the Great, discovered the Cross in 326 A.D. in the place where Jesus had been crucified. At that same place was the flowering basil plant, which she named “Vasiliko”, meaning “of the King.” This is what ties basil to the Elevation of the Cross, the holiday we celebrate on September 27/14.

The story also goes that when the Empress Helene looked under the basil, there were two other crosses as well. Those crosses were used in the crucifixion of the two thieves on either side of Christ. The Empress needed to figure out which cross was the true Cross of Christ. In order to do this, a sick woman was brought to kiss each of the three crosses. When she kissed the True Cross, she was made well immediately.

Now when you see fresh basil, remember this story and its significance to the Elevation of the Cross.