Which cross is correct? Encyclopedia of symbols. Crosses: the most common forms

Over the centuries-old history of Christianity, masters of church art have created many forms and varieties of the cross. Today, historians know more than thirty types of the inscription of the Christian cross. Each of the forms has a deep, symbolic meaning; there has never been anything random and arbitrary in Christian symbols. In Russian Orthodoxy, the following types were common, and now they are most common: eight-pointed, four-pointed, trefoil, petal, Moscow, cross vine, Let us dwell on them in more detail.

eight pointed cross most fully corresponds to the actual, historical truth. The completed, eight-pointed form of the cross acquired after the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on it. Historians of antiquity write about this: St. Justin the Philosopher, Tertullian and others. Before the crucifixion, when the Lord carried the cross to Golgotha ​​on His shoulders, the cross was four-pointed. The lower, oblique crossbar and the upper, short one, were made by soldiers immediately after the crucifixion.

The lower crossbar is a foot, which the soldiers attached to the cross, "when it became clear to what place the feet of Christ would reach." The upper crossbar is a tablet with an inscription, made by order of Pilate, as we know from the Gospel. The sequence of events was as follows: first, “they crucified Him” (John 19; 18), and after dividing the clothes by lot, at the command of Pilate, “they placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matt. 27 ; 37)

The eight-pointed form is still considered generally accepted in Orthodoxy. Crosses of just this form hang on the dome of Orthodox churches, are depicted on the covers of sacred books, on icons. Modern pectoral crosses are usually eight-pointed.

four-pointed cross is also historically reliable, and is referred to in the Gospel as "His Cross". It was the four-pointed cross that the Lord carried to Golgotha.

The four-pointed cross in Russia was called the Roman or Latin cross. The name corresponds to historical realities: the execution of the cross was introduced by the Romans, and the crucifixion of Christ took place on the territory of the Roman Empire. Accordingly, execution by crucifixion and the instrument of execution itself were considered Roman. In the West, to this day, the image of a four-pointed cross is the most common, but compared with others.

Saint Dmitry of Rostov, in the course of a polemic with the Old Believers about which cross is the truest, wrote: “And not according to the number of trees, not according to the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but according to Christ Himself, Whose holy blood was stained. ... any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by the invocation of His most holy name.

Cross Vine known from antiquity. They decorated the tombstones of Christians, liturgical books and utensils. From the tree of the cross comes a branched vine with beautiful, full-bodied racemes and patterned leaves. The symbolism of the cross is based on the words of the Savior: “I am the vine, and you are the branches; whoever abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit” (John 15; 5)

This form of the cross reminds Christians of the need to bear fruit during earthly life, and of the words of Christ "without me you cannot do anything."

A kind of quadrangular cross - petal-shaped cross. Its ends are made in the form of flower petals. This form was often used when painting church buildings, in the vestments of the priesthood, and decorating liturgical utensils. Petal crosses are found in the mosaic of the Kyiv church of Hagia Sophia, the mosaic dates back to the 9th century. Pectoral crosses, both in antiquity and in the modern church, were often made in the form of a petal cross.

shamrock cross It is a four-pointed or six-pointed cross, the ends of which are made in the form of a trefoil - three pointed leaves. Altar crosses of this form are common in Russia. The shamrock cross was included in the coats of arms of many cities of the Russian Empire.

It is known that in Russia pectoral crosses were made from gold or silver coins. Such a cross had an equilateral, quadrangular shape and rounded ends. He got the name "Moscow Cross", due to the fact that Moscow merchants often wore just such a cross.

You can buy pectoral silver crosses

You can buy baptismal golden crosses

The history of the appearance of the cross in Orthodoxy is very interesting. This ancient symbol was revered even before the advent of Christianity and had a sacred meaning. What does the Orthodox cross with crossbars mean, what is its mystical and religious meaning? Let's turn to historical sources to learn about all types of crosses and their differences.

The symbol of the cross is used in many world beliefs. Only 2000 years ago it became a symbol of Christianity and acquired the value of a talisman. In the ancient world, we meet the symbol of the Egyptian cross with a loop, expressing the divine principle and the principle of life. Carl Gustav Jung refers the emergence of the symbolism of the cross in general to primitive times, when people made fire with the help of two crossed sticks.

Early images of the cross can be found in a wide variety of forms: T, X, + or t. If the cross was depicted as equilateral, it symbolized 4 cardinal points, 4 natural elements or 4 Heavens of Zoroaster. Later, the cross began to be compared with the four seasons of the year. However, all the meanings and types of crosses were somehow correlated with life, death and rebirth.

The mystical meaning of the cross at all times has been associated with cosmic forces and their currents.

In the Middle Ages, the cross became strongly associated with the death and resurrection of Christ, acquired a Christian meaning. The equilateral cross began to express the idea of ​​the divine presence, power and strength. It was joined by an inverted cross as a symbol of the denial of divine authority and adherence to Satanism.

Saint Lazarus Cross

In the Orthodox tradition, the cross can be depicted in different ways: from two crossed lines to a complex combination of several crossbars with additional symbols. All types of Orthodox crosses carry the same meaning and meaning - salvation. The eight-pointed cross, which is also common in the countries of the eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, has become especially widespread. This eight-pointed symbol has a special name - the cross of St. Lazarus. Often this symbol depicts the crucified Christ.

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross is depicted with two transverse bars at the top (the upper one is shorter than the lower one) and the third one is inclined. This crossbar carries the meaning of the foot: the feet of the Savior rest on it. The slope of the foot is always depicted in the same way - the right side is higher than the left. This has a certain symbolism: the right foot of Christ rests on the right side, which is higher than the left. According to Jesus, at the Last Judgment, the righteous will stand on his right hand, and sinners on his left. That is, the right end of the crossbar symbolizes the path to heaven, and the left end symbolizes the path to the hellish abode.

The small crossbar (upper) symbolizes the tablet above the head of Christ, which was nailed by Pontius Pilate. It was written in three languages: Nazirite, king of the Jews. This is the meaning of the cross with three crossbars in the Orthodox tradition.

cross calvary

There is another image of the eight-pointed Orthodox cross in the monastic tradition - the schema cross of Golgotha. He is depicted above the symbol of Golgotha, on which the crucifixion took place. The symbol of Golgotha ​​is depicted with steps, and under them is a skull with bones. On both sides of the cross, other attributes of the crucifixion can be depicted - a cane, a spear and a sponge. All these attributes have a deep mystical meaning.

For example, a skull with bones symbolizes our ancestors, on whom the sacrificial blood of the Savior was glassed and washed from sins. Thus, the connection of generations is carried out - from Adam and Eve to the time of Christ. It also symbolizes the connection between the Old Testament and the New.

A spear, a cane and a sponge are another symbol of the tragedy at Calvary. The Roman warrior Longinus pierced the ribs of the Savior with a spear, from which blood and water flowed. This symbolizes the birth of the church of Christ, like the birth of Eve from Adam's rib.

Seven-pointed cross

This symbol has two crossbars - the top and the foot. The foot has a deep mystical meaning in Christianity, as it binds both testaments - the Old and the New. The foot is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah (Is. 60, 13), the psalmist in Psalm No. 99, and you can also read about it in the book of Exodus (see: Ex. 30, 28). The seven-pointed cross can be seen on the domes of Orthodox churches.

Seven-pointed Orthodox cross - image:

Six-pointed cross

What does the six-pointed cross mean? In this symbol, the lower sloping crossbar symbolizes the following: the raised end has the meaning of liberation through repentance, and the lowered one means unrepentant sin. This form of the cross was common in ancient times.

Cross with crescent

On the domes of churches you can see a cross with a crescent at the bottom. What does this church cross mean, does it have a connection with Islam? The crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, from where the Orthodox faith came to us. There are several different versions of the origin of this symbol.

• The crescent symbolizes the manger in which the Savior was born in Bethlehem.
• The crescent symbolizes the cup in which the body of the Savior was.
• The crescent symbolizes the sail under which the ship of the church sails to the kingdom of God.

Which version is correct is not known. We know only one thing, that the crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, and after its fall it became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.

The difference between the Orthodox cross and the Catholic

With the acquisition of the faith of their ancestors, many newly minted Christians do not know the main differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox. Let's designate them:

• There is always more than one crossbar on an Orthodox cross.
• In the Catholic eight-pointed cross, all the crossbars are parallel to each other, and in the Orthodox, the lower one is oblique.
• The face of the Savior on the Orthodox cross does not express torment.
• The legs of the Savior on the Orthodox cross are closed, on the Catholic one they are depicted one above the other.

The image of Christ on the Catholic and Orthodox cross attracts special attention. On the Orthodox we see the Savior, who gave mankind the way to eternal life. The Catholic cross depicts a dead man who has undergone terrible torment.

If you know these differences, you can easily determine whether the symbol of the Christian cross belongs to a particular church.

Despite the variety of forms and symbols of the cross, its strength lies not in the number of ends or the crucifix depicted on them, but in repentance and faith in salvation. Any cross carries life-giving power.

Among all Christians, only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. They decorate the domes of churches, their houses with crosses, they wear them around the neck.

The reason why a person wears a pectoral cross is different for everyone. Someone thus pays tribute to fashion, for someone the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for someone it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is indeed a symbol of their infinite faith.

Today, shops and church shops offer a wide variety of crosses of various shapes. However, very often, not only parents who are going to baptize a child, but also sales assistants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is actually very simple to distinguish them.In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross, with three nails. In Orthodoxy, there are four-pointed, six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for hands and feet.

cross shape

four-pointed cross

So, in the West, the most common is four-pointed cross. Starting from the III century, when such crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross does not really matter, much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have received the greatest popularity.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically reliable form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified.The Orthodox cross, which is most often used by the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, contains, in addition to a large horizontal bar, two more. The top symbolizes the tablet on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower slanting crossbar - a prop for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous measure", weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left side, symbolizing that the repentant robber, crucified on the right side of Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the robber, crucified on the left side, by his blasphemy of Christ, further aggravated his posthumous fate and ended up in hell. The letters IC XC are a Christogram symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov writes that "when Christ the Lord on His shoulders wore the cross, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was still no title or foot on it. There was no foot, because Christ on the cross and the soldiers had not yet been raised, not knowing where the legs would reach Christ's, did not attach a footstool, having finished it already at Calvary". Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first they “crucified Him” (John 19:18), and then only “Pilate wrote an inscription and placed it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was at first that the warriors “who crucified Him” (Mt. 27:35) divided “His clothes” by lot, and only then “They put an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”(Matthew 27:37).

The eight-pointed cross has long been considered the most powerful protective tool against various kinds of evil spirits, as well as visible and invisible evil.

six pointed cross

Widespread among Orthodox believers, especially in the days of Ancient Russia, was also six-pointed cross. It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation by repentance.

However, not in the shape of the cross or the number of ends lies all its power. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and all its symbolism and miraculousness lies in this.

The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. In the words of the Monk Theodore the Studite - "a cross of every form is a true cross" andhas unearthly beauty and life-giving power.

“There is no significant difference between Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, as well as between any other crosses used in the service of Christians. In essence, all crosses are the same, the differences are only in form., - says the Serbian Patriarch Irinej.

crucifixion

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special significance is attached not to the shape of the cross, but to the image of Jesus Christ on it.

Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant, and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.

Yes, we know that Christ died on the cross. But we also know that He later resurrected, and that He suffered voluntarily out of love for people: to teach us to take care of the immortal soul; so that we too can be resurrected and live forever. In the Orthodox Crucifixion, this Paschal joy is always present. Therefore, on the Orthodox cross, Christ does not die, but freely stretches out his arms, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to embrace all of humanity, giving them his love and opening the way to eternal life. He is not a dead body, but God, and his whole image speaks of this.

The Orthodox cross above the main horizontal bar has another, smaller one, which symbolizes the tablet on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words appeared on the tablet "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews" in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic. In Latin in Catholicism, this inscription looks like INRI, and in Orthodoxy - IHCI(or ІНHI, “Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a leg support. It also symbolizes two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them repented of his sins before his death, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.

Above the middle crossbar are the inscriptions: "IC" "XS"- the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" — Winner.

Greek letters were necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo of the Savior UN, meaning - "Truly Existing", because "God said to Moses: I am who I am"(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the self-existence, eternity and immutability of the being of God.

In addition, the nails with which the Lord was nailed to the cross were kept in Orthodox Byzantium. And it was precisely known that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, the feet of Christ are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one nail, first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

In the Catholic Crucifixion, the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ as dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). It manifests all human suffering, the torment that Jesus had to experience. His arms sag under the weight of his body. The image of Christ on the Catholic cross is plausible, but this is the image of a dead person, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy just symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the feet of the Savior are nailed with one nail.

The Significance of the Savior's Death on the Cross

The emergence of the Christian cross is associated with the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, which he accepted on the cross at the forced verdict of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians, the descendants of the Phoenician colonists (it is believed that crucifixion was first used in Phoenicia). Usually thieves were sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this manner.

Before the sufferings of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, he became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God's infinite love, an object of joy. The incarnated Son of God sanctified the cross with His blood and made it a vehicle of His grace, a source of sanctification for believers.

From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement), the idea undoubtedly follows that the death of the Lord is the ransom of all, the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched arms calling "to all the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 45:22).

Reading the Gospels, we are convinced that the feat of the Cross of the God-man is the central event in His earthly life. By His sufferings on the Cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, "redeemed" us (ransomed us). In Golgotha ​​lies the incomprehensible mystery of the infinite truth and love of God.

The Son of God voluntarily took upon Himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and most painful death on the cross; then on the third day he rose again as the conqueror of hell and death.

Why was such a terrible Sacrifice needed to cleanse the sins of mankind, and was it possible to save people in another, less painful way?

The Christian doctrine of the death of the God-man on the cross is often a "stumbling block" for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both many Jews and people of the Greek culture of apostolic times seemed contradictory to the assertion that the almighty and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily suffered beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to mankind. "It's impossible!"- objected one; "It is not necessary!" others argued.

The Holy Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians says: “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in the wisdom of the word, so as not to abolish the cross of Christ. For the word of the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved, it is the power of God. Where is the wise man, where is the scribe, where is the questioner of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks foolishness, for the very called ones, Jews and Greeks, Christ, God's power and God's wisdom"(1 Corinthians 1:17-24).

In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness, is in fact the work of the greatest Divine wisdom and omnipotence. The truth of the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior is the foundation for many other Christian truths, for example, about the sanctification of believers, about the sacraments, about the meaning of suffering, about virtues, about achievement, about the goal of life, about the coming judgment and resurrection of the dead and others.

At the same time, the redemptive death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even "seductive for those who perish," has a regenerating power that the believing heart feels and strives for. Renewed and warmed by this spiritual power, both the last slaves and the most powerful kings bowed with trepidation before Golgotha; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles became convinced by personal experience of what great spiritual benefits the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, and they shared this experience with their disciples.

(The mystery of the redemption of mankind is closely connected with a number of important religious and psychological factors. Therefore, in order to understand the mystery of the redemption, it is necessary:

a) to understand what actually is the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;

b) it is necessary to understand how the devil's will, thanks to sin, got the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

c) one must understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love reveals itself most of all in sacrificial service to one's neighbor, then there is no doubt that giving one's life for him is the highest manifestation of love;

d) one must rise from understanding the power of human love to understanding the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of a believer and transforms his inner world;

e) in addition, in the atoning death of the Savior there is a side that goes beyond the limits of the human world, namely: On the cross there was a battle between God and the proud Dennitsa, in which God, hiding under the guise of weak flesh, emerged victorious. The details of this spiritual battle and Divine victory remain a mystery to us. Even Angels, according to ap. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Pet. 1:12). She is a sealed book that only the Lamb of God could open (Rev. 5:1-7)).

In Orthodox asceticism, there is such a thing as bearing one's cross, that is, the patient fulfillment of Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called "cross." Each bears his life's cross. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: "Whoever does not take up his cross (turns away from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), he is not worthy of Me"(Matthew 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the whole universe. The Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross is the power of the kings, the Cross is the faithful affirmation, the Cross is the glory of the angel, the Cross is the plague of the demon,- affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

The motives for the outrageous desecration and blasphemy of the Holy Cross by conscious crusaders and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians drawn into this heinous deed, it is all the more impossible to be silent, for, according to the words of St. Basil the Great, “God is given up in silence”!

Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross

Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox:

1. most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.


2. Words on a plate on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of a Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on an Orthodox cross).


3. Another fundamental position is the position of the feet on the Crucifixion and the number of nails. The feet of Jesus Christ are located together on the Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on the Orthodox cross.


4. different is image of the Savior on the cross. The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the way to eternal life, and the Catholic cross depicts a man in torment.

EIGHT-POINTED CROSS - the most common in Russia.

Above the middle vertical crossbar there is a short, long and below them oblique crossbar, the upper end of which faces north, the lower end south. The upper small crossbar symbolizes a plate with an inscription made by order of Pilate in three languages: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews", the lower crossbar is the footstool on which Jesus' feet rested, depicted in reverse perspective. The shape of the Orthodox cross most of all corresponds to the one on which Jesus was crucified, so for everyone it is not only a sign, but also an image of the Cross of Christ ...

The eight ends of the cross symbolize the eight main periods in the history of mankind, where the eighth is the life of the next century, the Kingdom of Heaven. The end, which is directed upwards, symbolizes the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, opened by Christ. The slanting crossbar, to which, according to the legend, the feet of Christ were nailed, indicates that with his coming into the earthly life of people, the balance of being in the power of sin was upset for everyone without exception. This is the beginning of spiritual rebirth everywhere and everywhere, the path of man from the realm of darkness to the realm of heavenly light. It is this movement from earth to heaven that denotes the oblique crossbar of the eight-pointed cross.

When the crucifixion of Christ is depicted on the cross, the cross marks the full image of the Crucifixion of the Savior and contains the fullness of the Power of the Cross. Therefore, in Russia, an eight-pointed pectoral cross has always been considered the most reliable protection against all evil - both visible and invisible.

SIX-POINTED CROSS.

This is also one of the oldest Russian crosses. For example, the worship cross, erected in 1161 by the Monk Eurosinia, Princess of Polotsk, was six-pointed, with an inclined lower crossbar. Why is it slanted here, in this version of the cross? The meaning is symbolic and deep.

The cross in the life of every person serves as a measure, as if by weights of his inner state, soul and conscience. So it was at the time of the real crucifixion of Jesus on the cross - between two thieves. In the liturgical text of the 9th hour of the service to the Cross, there are words that "between two thieves the measure of righteousness will be found." We know that during the execution one of the robbers blasphemed Jesus, the second, on the contrary, said that he himself suffered the execution justly, for his sins, and Christ was executed innocently.

We know that Jesus, in response to this sincere repentance, told the thief that his sins were removed from him, that "today" he would be with the Lord in paradise. And in the six-pointed cross, the inclined bar with its lower end symbolizes the terrible burden of unrepentant sin, which drags the first of the robbers into darkness, the second, directed upward, is liberation by repentance, through which the path to the Kingdom of Heaven lies.

In Orthodox culture, an eight-pointed grave cross is usually placed on the grave, the same cross is made on the coffin lid. Often it is supplemented with the crucifixion of Christ.

At the same time, one of the most familiar and most mysterious decorations for the uninitiated in the secrets of religion. We have prepared a guide for you that will answer all your questions.

Pectoral cross: decoration and symbol of faith

Despite the fact that now the cross is extremely common as a decorative element and is often perceived as a break with Christian traditions, its origin and symbolism should not be ignored.

Historical models of pectoral crosses

Religion insists: it does not matter how much the material from which the cross is made costs. It is primarily a symbol of the Christian faith. In the same time tradition of honoring the cross, who is always with you, turned it into a decoration and a luxury item.

There is an opinion that it is true religious pectoral cross should be simple in design and worn under clothing. Now this is not entirely true. The main difference between an exclusively decorative and a truly significant thing is whether the cross is consecrated or not. The church will not refuse to consecrate a product studded with stones, nor will they require you to hide it under your clothes in the summer heat.

What the truth should be paid attention to is not metal, but something whether the shape of the chosen decoration corresponds to the Orthodox or Catholic tradition.

How to distinguish between Orthodox and Catholic cross

The form

In the Orthodox Church, the most common six- and eight-pointed crosses. By the way, the latter have long been considered the most powerful amulet against evil spirits. A small crossbar in the heads symbolizes the tablet, which denoted the committed crimes. But since no one named the crimes of Jesus, in the Orthodox tradition it may have the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I. or I.N.Ts.I, Catholics in Latin write I.N.R.I. It is an abbreviation for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."The slanting crossbar under the feet symbolizes the path from sins to righteousness. In turn, Catholic pectoral crosses are as simple as possible and consist of only two crossbars.

engravings

In addition to the inscription I.N.Ts.I., on Orthodox crosses with the opposite side of the crucifix, there may be engraved "Save and Preserve". This is not the case in the Catholic tradition.

Nails

Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was nailed with four nails, Catholics that there were three nails. Therefore, the feet of Christ on the Orthodox cross are located one next to the other, and on the Catholic one they are abandoned one on top of the other.

crucifix

T oh how it should be picture of Jesus on the crucifix- the subject of heated debate between representatives of both faiths. Catholics adhere to the most naturalistic image that reflects the insane suffering on the cross. At the same time, the Orthodox believe that such an image speaks of torment, but is silent about the main thing - Jesus conquered death. Therefore, in the Orthodox tradition, his figure rather reflects happiness from the transition to a better world.

Difference between orthodox and catholic cross

Symbolism of the main Orthodox crosses

eight pointed cross

This is one of the most canonical Orthodox crosses. Above its widest horizontal crossbar there is a short one (often with the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I.), and at the legs there is a short diagonal crossbar (the upper end is directed to the left, the lower end is to the left, if you look at the cross directly). The lower part is a symbol of support under the feet of the crucified Jesus, as well as the transition from a sinful world to a righteous one. In fact, the presence of this false support only prolonged the torment on the cross.

six pointed cross

One of the oldest options. In this cross, the sloping lower bar symbolizes the internal scales of each of us: what wins - conscience or sin. Its meaning is also interpreted as the path from sin to repentance.

Four-pointed drop-shaped cross

It is believed that the drops at the ends of the crossbars are the blood of the crucified Christ, who atoned for the sins of mankind. This symbol was often used to decorate religious books.

"Shamrock"

This cross is often used in heraldry (for example, on the coat of arms of Chernigov), but many also fell in love with it as a pectoral. The ends of the crossbars of such a product are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes they also have beads - "bumps".

Latin four-pointed cross

This is the most common Christian cross in the West. The horizontal bar is located at 2/3 of the vertical height. The elongated lower part symbolizes the patience of Christ in redemption. Such crosses are a very old tradition. They appeared around the 3rd century in the catacombs of Rome. At that time, Christians were gathering there.

How to choose a cross for christening

Traditionally, the first pectoral cross or vest, as it is also called, is assigned to the rite of baptism. The controversy over when to baptize a child: still a baby or at a more conscious age - still have not stopped. For adults who decide to go through this sacrament, there are special restrictions in choosing sacral decoration no. But to be right choose a cross for baptism for newborn Oh, there are several factors to consider.

Women's and men's pectoral crosses

There is no particular difference between crosses for men and women. Their average size is about 4 centimeters. The main difference is in the design. Silver and gold men's crosses, as a rule, are more concise in execution. Their crossbars can also end with drops, petals and shamrocks, but the overall composition is simpler than that of women's products, and the decoration itself is a little more massive.

Crosses for the fair half are often decorated with precious stones. If the decoration is consecrated, its decor does not affect the sacred meaning in any way. Rarely, but still, the church may refuse to consecrate a decorative cross with too curved and curly crossbars. Although, of course, the main thing is your own feelings. He warms you or not.

The cross is supposed to stay with you forever. But at the same time, the church does not condemn the change of this decoration. We add that wearing it on the same chain with any other pendant is bad manners. The only thing that can be worn with a cross is an amulet.

How to bless a cross

Crosses purchased in church shops have two advantages. First, they correspond exactly to the traditions of your religion. Secondly, they are already consecrated. If you bought a cross in a jewelry store, you can consecrate it in a church. It is better to have time to come before the start of the service and apply with this request to the priest. You can also ask to conduct the ceremony in your presence and take part in prayer.

As a rule, pectoral crosses are consecrated only once. Exception - the decoration was badly damaged.

What to do if you find a cross

There is an opinion that finding a cross is a bad omen. Allegedly, along with him, the sorrows and sorrows of the previous owner can be transmitted to you. At the same time, the church advised us not to pay attention to such superstitions, explaining this by the fact that everyone is destined for their own temptations and their own troubles.

Found a cross - freely keep it at home, you can give it to someone who needs it more, give it as a gift or wear it yourself.

It is better to consecrate the found pectoral cross

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross