Second disappearance
Later the cross disappeared into the hands of the Persians. The relic would be their “trade off” in the event of any negotiations with the Eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantines). But in 630, Heraclius, the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, had a resounding victory over the Persians, and triumphantly returned a part of the Cross to Jerusalem — the other part was left in Constantinople — where he himself placed it at Calvary. This event is commemorated by the Church on September 14, proclaimed as the feast of “The Triumph of the Cross” or “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross.”
