Cross crucifixion. The difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one

A believer wears a cross according to the rules. But how to choose the right one and not get confused in their diversity? You will learn about the symbolism and meaning of crosses from our article.

There are a lot of types of crosses and many people already know what not to do with a pectoral cross and how to wear it correctly. Therefore, first of all, the question arises of which of them are related to Orthodox faith, and which ones - to the Catholic one. In both types Christian religion There are several types of crosses, which need to be understood so as not to be confused.

The main differences of the Orthodox cross

• has three transverse lines: the upper and lower ones are short, and between them there is a long one;
• at the ends of the cross there can be three semicircles, reminiscent of a trefoil;
• on some Orthodox crosses there may be a month at the bottom instead of an oblique transverse line - this sign was inherited from Byzantium, from which Orthodoxy was adopted;
• Jesus Christ is crucified at the feet with two nails, while on a Catholic crucifix there is only one nail;
• There is a certain naturalism on the Catholic crucifix that reflects the torment of Jesus Christ that he endured for the people: the body looks literally heavy and hangs from his arms. Orthodox crucifix shows the triumph of God and the joy of the Resurrection, the overcoming of death, so the body seems to be superimposed on top, and not hanging on the cross.

Catholic crosses

First of all, these include the so-called latin cross. Like everything, it consists of vertical and horizontal lines, with the vertical one being noticeably longer. Its symbolism is as follows: this is exactly what the cross that Christ carried to Calvary looked like. It was previously used in paganism. With the adoption of Christianity, the Latin cross became a symbol of faith and is sometimes associated with opposite things: death and resurrection.

Another similar cross, but with three transverse lines, is called papal. It is associated only with the Pope and is used in ceremonies.

There are also many types of crosses that were used by all sorts of knightly Orders, such as the Teutonic or Maltese. Since they were subordinated to the Pope, these crosses can also be considered Catholic. They look slightly different from each other, but what they have in common is that their lines taper noticeably towards the center.

Cross of Lorraine very similar to the previous one, but has two crossbars, and one of them may be shorter than the other. The name indicates the area in which this symbol appeared. The Cross of Lorraine appears on the coats of arms of cardinals and archbishops. Also, this cross is a symbol of the Greek Orthodox Church, so it cannot be fully called Catholic.

Orthodox crosses

Faith, of course, implies that the cross must be worn constantly and not removed, except in the most rare situations. Therefore, you need to choose it with understanding. The most widely used cross in Orthodoxy is eight-pointed. He is portrayed in the following way: One vertical line, large horizontal line just above the center and two more shorter crossbars: above and below it. In this case, the lower one is always tilted and its right side is at a level lower than the left.

The symbolism of this cross is as follows: it already shows the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The upper transverse line corresponds to a nailed crossbar with the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” According to biblical legend, the Romans joked about him this way after they had already crucified him on the cross and were waiting for his death. The crossbar symbolizes the one to which Christ's hands were nailed, and the lower one symbolizes where his feet were chained.

The tilt of the lower crossbar is explained as follows: two thieves were crucified along with Jesus Christ. According to legend, one of them repented before the Son of God and then received forgiveness. The second one began to mock and only worsened his situation.

However, the first cross, which was first brought from Byzantium to Russia, was the so-called greek cross. It, like the Roman one, is four-pointed. The difference is that it consists of identical rectangular crossbars and is completely isosceles. It served as the basis for many other types of crosses, including crosses of Catholic orders.

Other types of crosses

St. Andrew's cross is very similar to the letter X or an inverted Greek cross. It is believed that this is exactly what Apostle Andrew the First-Called was crucified on. Used in Russia on the Navy flag. It is also featured on the flag of Scotland.

The Celtic cross is also similar to the Greek one. He is definitely taken into the circle. This symbol has been used for a very long time in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as parts of Britain. At a time when Catholicism was not widespread, Celtic Christianity predominated in this area, which used this symbol.

Sometimes a cross can appear in a dream. This can be either a good or a very bad omen, as the dream book states. All the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and

26.07.2016 07:08

Our dreams are a reflection of our consciousness. They can tell us a lot about our future, past...

Over the two thousand years of its existence, Christianity has spread across all continents of the Earth, among many peoples with their cultural traditions and features. It is therefore not surprising that one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, the Christian cross, has such a variety of shapes, sizes and uses.

In today's material we will try to talk about what types of crosses there are. In particular, you will find out: whether there are “Orthodox” and “Catholic” crosses, whether a Christian can treat a cross with contempt, whether crosses are in the shape of an anchor, why we also venerate a cross in the shape of the letter “X” and much more interesting things.

Cross in the church

First, let's remember why the cross is important to us. The veneration of the cross of the Lord is associated with the atoning sacrifice of the God-man Jesus Christ. Honoring the cross Orthodox Christian pays veneration to God Himself, who became incarnate and suffered on this ancient Roman instrument of execution for our sins. Without the cross and death there would be no redemption, resurrection and ascension, there would be no establishment of the Church in the world and no opportunity to follow the path of salvation for every person.

Since the cross is so revered by believers, they try to see it as often as possible in their lives. Most often, a cross can be seen in a temple: on its domes, on sacred utensils and vestments of clergy, on the chests of priests in the form of special pectoral crosses, in the architecture of the temple, which is often built in the shape of a cross.

Cross behind the church fence

In addition, it is common for a believer to expand his spiritual space to the entire life around him. A Christian sanctifies all its elements, first of all, sign of the cross.

Therefore, in cemeteries there are crosses over the graves, as a reminder of the future resurrection, on the roads there are worship crosses, sanctifying the path, on the bodies of Christians themselves there are crosses on the body, reminding a person of his high calling to follow the path of the Lord.

Also, the shape of a cross among Christians can often be seen in home iconostasis, on rings and other household items.

Pectoral cross

The pectoral cross is a special story. It can be made from a wide variety of materials and have all kinds of sizes and decorations, retaining only its shape.

In Russia, they are accustomed to seeing a pectoral cross in the form of a separate object hanging on a chain or rope on the chest of a believer, but in other cultures there were other traditions. The cross could not be made of anything at all, but applied to the body in the form of a tattoo, so that a Christian could not accidentally lose it and so that it could not be taken away. This is exactly how the Celtic Christians wore the pectoral cross.

It is also interesting that sometimes the Savior is not depicted on the cross, but an icon of the Mother of God or one of the saints is placed on the field of the cross, or even the cross is turned into something like a miniature iconostasis.

About the “Orthodox” and “Catholic” crosses and contempt for the latter

In some modern popular science articles, one can find the statement that an eight-pointed cross with a short upper and oblique short lower additional crossbars is considered “Orthodox”, and a four-pointed cross elongated at the bottom is “Catholic” and the Orthodox supposedly belong or in the past belonged to it with contempt.

This is a statement that does not stand up to criticism. As you know, the Lord was crucified on a four-pointed cross, which, for the above reasons, was revered by the Church as a shrine long before the Catholics fell away from Christian unity, which occurred in the 11th century. How could Christians despise the symbol of their salvation?

In addition, at all times, four-pointed crosses were widely used in churches, and even now on the chest Orthodox clergy You can find several possible forms of the cross - eight-pointed, four-pointed and figured with decorations. Would they really start wearing some kind of “not Orthodox cross"? Of course not.

Eight-pointed cross

The eight-pointed cross is most often used in Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches. This form recalls some additional details of the Savior’s death.

An additional short upper crossbar denotes the titlo - the tablet on which Pilate inscribed the guilt of Christ: “Jesus of Nazareth - King of the Jews.” In some images of the crucifixion, the words are abbreviated to form "INCI" - in Russian or "INRI" - in Latin.

The short oblique lower crossbar, usually depicted with the right edge raised up and the left edge down (relative to the image of the crucified Lord) denotes the so-called “righteous standard” and reminds us of the two thieves crucified on the sides of Christ and their posthumous fate. The right one repented before death and inherited the Kingdom of Heaven, while the left one blasphemed the Savior and ended up in hell.

St. Andrew's cross

Christians venerate not only a straight cross, but also an oblique four-pointed cross, depicted in the form of the letter “X”. Tradition tells that it was on a cross of this shape that one of the twelve disciples of the Savior, the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, was crucified.

The “St. Andrew’s cross” is especially popular in Russia and the Black Sea countries, since it was around the Black Sea that the missionary path of the Apostle Andrew passed. In Russia, the St. Andrew's cross is depicted on the flag navy. In addition, the St. Andrew's cross is especially revered by the Scots, who also depicted it on their national flag and they believe that the Apostle Andrew preached in their country.

T-cross

This cross was most common in Egypt and other provinces of the Roman Empire in North Africa. Crosses with a horizontal beam superimposed on a vertical post, or with a crossbar nailed just below the top edge of the post, were used to crucify criminals in these places.

Also, the “T-shaped cross” is called the “cross of St. Anthony” in honor of the 4th century St. Anthony The Great - one of the founders of monasticism in Egypt, who traveled with a cross of this shape.

Archbishop's and Papal crosses

IN Catholic Church In addition to the traditional four-pointed cross, crosses with second and third crossbars above the main one are used, reflecting the hierarchical position of the bearer.

A cross with two bars signifies the rank of cardinal or archbishop. This cross is sometimes also called the “patriarchal” or “Lorraine”. The cross with three bars corresponds to the papal dignity and emphasizes high position Roman Pontiff in the Catholic Church.

Lalibela Cross

In Ethiopia, church symbolism uses a four-pointed cross surrounded by a complex pattern, which is called the “Lalibela cross” in honor of the holy Negus (king) of Ethiopia Gebre Meskel Lalibela, who ruled in the 11th century. Negus Lalibela was known for his deep and sincere faith, the help of the Church and the generous creation of alms.

Anchor cross

On the domes of some churches in Russia you can find a cross that stands on a crescent-shaped base. Some mistakenly explain such symbolism as wars in which Russia won Ottoman Empire. Allegedly, “the Christian cross tramples the Muslim crescent.”

This shape is actually called the Anchor Cross. The fact is that already in the very first centuries of the existence of Christianity, when Islam had not even arisen, the Church was called a “ship of salvation” that delivers a person to a safe haven Kingdom of Heaven. The cross was depicted as a reliable anchor on which this ship could wait out the storm of human passions. The image of a cross in the form of an anchor can be found in the ancient Roman catacombs where the first Christians hid.

Celtic cross

Before converting to Christianity, the Celts worshiped various elements, including the eternal luminary - the sun. According to legend, when Saint Patrick enlightened Ireland, he combined the symbol of the cross with the earlier pagan symbol of the sun to show the eternity and importance for each convert of the Savior's sacrifice.

Chrism - a hint of the cross

During the first three centuries, the cross, and especially the Crucifixion, were not depicted openly. The rulers of the Roman Empire began a hunt for Christians and they had to identify each other using not too obvious secret signs.

One of the hidden symbols of Christianity closest to the cross in meaning was “chrisma” - a monogram of the name of the Savior, usually made up of the first two letters of the word “Christ” “X” and “R”.

Sometimes symbols of eternity were added to the “chrism” - the letters “alpha” and “omega” or, as an option, it was made in the form of an St. Andrew’s cross crossed out by a transverse line, that is, in the form of the letters “I” and “X” and could be read as "Jesus Christ".

There are many other varieties of the Christian cross, which are widely used, for example, in the international award system or in heraldry - on the coats of arms and flags of cities and countries.

Andrey Szegeda

In contact with

The cross is a very ancient symbol. What did it symbolize before? death on the cross Savior? Which cross is considered more correct - Orthodox or Catholic four-pointed (“kryzh”). What is the reason for the image of Jesus Christ on the cross with crossed feet among Catholics and separate feet in Orthodox tradition.

Hieromonk Adrian (Pashin) answers:

In different religious traditions, the cross symbolized different concepts. One of the most common is the meeting of our world with the spiritual world. For the Jewish people, from the moment of Roman rule, the cross, crucifixion was a shameful method, cruel execution and caused insurmountable fear and horror, but, thanks to Christ the Victor, he became a desired trophy, evoking joyful feelings. Therefore, Saint Hippolytus of Rome, the Apostolic Man, exclaimed: “and the Church has its own trophy over death - this is the Cross of Christ, which it bears on itself,” and Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Languages, wrote in his Epistle: “I wish to boast... only by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14).

In the West, the most commonly used now is the four-pointed cross (Fig. 1), which the Old Believers call (for some reason in Polish) “Kryzh Latin” or “Rymski”, which means Roman cross. According to the Gospel, the execution of the cross was spread throughout the Empire by the Romans and, of course, was considered Roman. “And not by the number of trees, not by the number of ends, we venerate the Cross of Christ, but by Christ Himself, whose most holy blood was stained,” says Saint Dmitry of Rostov. “And showing miraculous power, any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by invoking His most holy name.”

Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross (Fig. 2) most closely corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified, as testified by Tertullian, St. Irenaeus of Lyons, St. Justin the Philosopher and others. “And when Christ the Lord carried the cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was no title or foot on it yet. There was no footstool, because Christ had not yet been raised on the cross and the soldiers, not knowing where Christ’s feet would reach, did not attach a footstool, having finished this already on Golgotha” (St. Demetrius of Rostov). 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 put it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was first that the soldiers “who crucified Him” divided “His clothes” by lot (Matthew 27:35), and only then “they placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27: 37).

Images of the Savior’s crucifixion have also been known since ancient times. Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant (Fig. 3), and only in the 10th century did images appear dead christ(Fig. 4).

Since ancient times, crucifixion crosses, both in the East and in the West, had a crossbar to support the feet of the Crucified One, and His legs were depicted as nailed each separately with its own nail (Fig. 3). The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail (Fig. 4) first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement) undoubtedly follows the idea 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 hands, calling “all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 45:22).

Therefore, in the tradition of Orthodoxy, it is to depict the Savior Almighty precisely as the already Risen Cross-Bearer, holding and calling into His arms the entire universe and carrying on Himself the New Testament altar - the Cross.

And the traditionally Catholic image of the crucifixion, with Christ hanging in his arms, on the contrary, has the task of showing how it all happened, of depicting the dying suffering and death, and not at all what is essentially the eternal Fruit of the Cross - His triumph.

Orthodoxy invariably teaches that suffering is necessary for all sinners for their humble assimilation of the Fruit of redemption - the Holy Spirit sent by the sinless Redeemer, which, out of pride, Catholics do not understand, who through their sinful sufferings seek participation in the sinless, and therefore redemptive Passion of Christ and thereby fall into the crusader heresy "self-rescue".

3.7 (73.15%) 111 votes

Which cross is considered canonical, why is it unacceptable to wear a cross with the image of the crucified Savior and other images?

Every Christian from holy baptism to the hour of death must wear on his chest the sign of his faith in the crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and God Jesus Christ. We wear this sign not over our clothes, but on our body, which is why it is called a body sign, and it is called octagonal (eight-pointed) because it is similar to the Cross on which the Lord was crucified on Golgotha.

Collection of pectoral crosses of the 18th-19th centuries from the settlement area Krasnoyarsk Territory speaks of the presence of stable preferences in form against the background of rich diversity individual execution products by craftsmen, and exceptions only confirm the strict rule.

Unwritten legends contain many nuances. So, after the publication of this article, one Old Believer bishop, and then a reader of the site, pointed out that the word cross, same as the word icon, does not have a diminutive form. In this regard, we also appeal to our visitors with a request to respect the symbols of Orthodoxy and monitor the correctness of their speech!

Male pectoral cross

The pectoral cross, which is always and everywhere with us, serves as a constant reminder of the Resurrection of Christ and that at baptism we promised to serve Him and renounced Satan. Thus, the pectoral cross can strengthen our spiritual and physical strength, protect us from the devil's evil.

The oldest surviving crosses often take the form of a simple equilateral four-pointed cross. This was customary at a time when Christians venerated Christ, the apostles, and the holy cross symbolically. In ancient times, as you know, Christ was often depicted as a Lamb surrounded by 12 other lambs - the apostles. Also, the Cross of the Lord was depicted symbolically.

The rich imagination of the masters was strictly limited by unwritten concepts about the canonicity of pectoral crosses

Later, in connection with the discovery of the original Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, St. Queen Helena, the eight-pointed shape of the cross begins to be depicted more and more often. This is also reflected in the crosses. But the four-pointed cross did not disappear: as a rule, an eight-pointed cross was depicted inside a four-pointed cross.

Along with the forms that have become traditional in Rus', in the Old Believer settlements of the Krasnoyarsk Territory one can also find the heritage of the more ancient Byzantine tradition

In order to remind us of what the Cross of Christ means to us, it is often depicted on the symbolic Calvary with a skull (the head of Adam) at the base. Next to him you can usually see the instruments of the Lord’s passion - a spear and a cane.

Letters INCI(Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews), which are usually depicted on larger crosses, are given in memory of the inscription mockingly nailed above the head of the Savior during the crucifixion.

The explanatory inscription under the titles reads: King of Glory Jesus Christ Son of God" Often the inscription “ NIKA” (Greek word meaning Christ's victory over death).

Individual letters that may appear on pectoral crosses mean “ TO” – copy, “ T” – cane, “ GG” – Mount Golgotha, “ GA” – head of Adam. “ MLRB” – Place Execution Paradise Was (that is: at the site of the execution of Christ, Paradise was once planted).

We are sure that many people do not even realize how perverted this symbolism is in the way we are used to. deck of cards . As it turned out in , four card suits- this is a hidden blasphemy Christian shrines: cross– this is the Cross of Christ; diamonds- nails; peaks- centurion's copy; worms- This is a sponge with vinegar, which the torturers mockingly gave to Christ instead of water.

The image of the Crucified Savior on body crosses appeared quite recently (at least after the 17th century). Pectoral crosses with the image of the Crucifixion non-canonical , since the image of the Crucifixion turns the pectoral cross into an icon, and the icon is intended for direct perception and prayer.

Wearing an icon hidden from view carries the danger of using it for other purposes, namely as a magical amulet or amulet. The cross is symbol , and the Crucifixion is image . The priest wears a cross with a crucifix, but he wears it visibly: so that everyone sees this image and is inspired to pray, inspired to a certain attitude to the priest. The priesthood is an image of Christ. But the pectoral cross that we wear under our clothes is a symbol, and the Crucifixion should not be there.

One of the ancient rules of St. Basil the Great (IV century), which was included in the Nomocanon, reads:

“Anyone who wears any icon as an amulet must be excommunicated from communion for three years.”

As we see, the ancient fathers very strictly followed the right attitude to the icon, to the image. They stood guard over the purity of Orthodoxy, protecting it in every possible way from paganism. By the 17th century, a custom had developed to place on the back of the pectoral cross a prayer to the Cross (“May God rise again and His enemies be scattered…”), or only the first words.

Female pectoral cross

In the Old Believers it is still firmly preserved external difference between " female" And " male” crosses. The “female” pectoral cross has a smoother, rounded shape no sharp corners. Around the “female” cross, a “vine” is depicted with a floral ornament, reminiscent of the words of the psalmist: “ Your wife is like a fruitful vine in the countries of your home. ”(Ps. 127: 3).

It is customary to wear a pectoral cross on a long gaitan (braid, woven thread) so that you can, without removing it, take the cross in your hands and make the sign of the cross (this is supposed to be done with the appropriate prayers before going to bed, as well as when performing the cell rule).

Symbolism in everything: even the three crowns above the hole symbolize the Holy Trinity!

If we talk about crosses with the image of the crucifixion more broadly, then distinctive feature canonical crosses is the style of depicting the body of Christ on them. Widespread today on New Believer crosses the image of the suffering Jesus is alien to the Orthodox tradition .

Antique medallions with a symbolic image

According to canonical ideas, reflected in icon painting and copper sculpture, the body of the Savior on the Cross was never depicted suffering, sagging on nails, etc., which testifies to His divine nature.

The manner of “humanizing” the suffering of Christ is characteristic of Catholicism and borrowed much later church schism in Rus'. Old Believers consider such crosses worthless . Examples of canonical and modern New Believer casting are given below: the substitution of concepts is noticeable even with the naked eye.

The stability of traditions should also be noted: the collections in the photographs were replenished without the goal of showing only ancient forms, that is, hundreds of types of modern “ Orthodox jewelry " - invention last decades against the backdrop of almost complete oblivion of the symbolism and meaning of the image Holy Cross The Lord's.

Illustrations on the topic

Below are illustrations selected by the editors of the “Old Believer Thought” website and links on the topic.

An example of canonical pectoral crosses from different times:

An example of non-canonical crosses from different times:

Unusual crosses supposedly made by Old Believers in Romania

Photo from the exhibition “ Russian Old Believers”, Ryazan

Cross with an unusual back side that you can read about

Modern male cross

Catalog of ancient crosses - online version of the book " Millennium Cross » – http://k1000k.narod.ru

A well-illustrated article on early Christian pectoral crosses with high-quality illustrations in color and additional material on the topic on the site Culturology.Ru – http://www.kulturologia.ru/blogs/150713/18549/

Comprehensive information and photos about cast icon crosses from Novgorod manufacturer of similar products : https://readtiger.com/www.olevs.ru/novgorodskoe_litje/static/kiotnye_mednolitye_kresty_2/

The cross is an ancient and significant symbol. And in Orthodoxy it is of great importance. Here it is both a sign of faith and an indication of belonging to Christianity. The history of the cross is quite interesting. To learn more about this, consider Orthodox crosses: types and meaning.

Orthodox cross: a little history

The cross as a symbol is used in many world beliefs. But for Christians, he initially did not have much good value. Thus, the guilty Jews were executed first in three ways, and then a fourth was added. But Jesus managed to change this order in better side. And he was crucified on a pillar with a crossbar, reminiscent of a modern cross.

Thus, the sacred sign firmly entered the life of Christians. And it became a real protective symbol. In Rus', a person with a cross on his neck inspired trust, but with those who pectoral cross didn’t wear it, tried not to conduct any business. And they said about them: “There is no cross on them,” meaning a lack of conscience.

We can see crosses of various formats on the domes of churches, on icons, on church paraphernalia and as decorations on believers. Modern Orthodox crosses, the types and meanings of which can vary, play an important role in the transmission of Orthodoxy throughout the world.

Types of crosses and their meaning: Christianity and Orthodoxy

There are a huge variety of types of Orthodox and Christian crosses. Most of them come in the following form:

• straight;
• with extended beams;
• a square or diamond in the middle;
• curved ends of beams;
• triangular ends;
• circles at the ends of the beams;
• flourishing decoration.

The last form symbolizes the Tree of Life. And it is framed with floral patterns, where lilies, vines and other plants may be present.

In addition to differences in shape, Orthodox crosses There are differences by type. Types of crosses and their meaning:

• St. George's Cross. Approved by Catherine the Great as a reward symbol for clergy and officers. This four-pointed cross is considered one of those whose shape is recognized as correct.
• Vine. This cross with eight ends is decorated with images of grape vines. It may have an image of the Savior in the center.

  

• Seven-pointed cross. Was common on 15th century icons. Found on the domes of old churches. In biblical times, the shape of such a cross served as the foot of the altar of the clergy.
• Crown of thorns. The image of a thorny crown on the cross signifies the torment and suffering of Christ. This type can be found on icons of the 12th century.

  

• Gallows-shaped cross. A popular look found on the walls of churches, on the clothes of church employees, and on modern icons.

  

• Maltese cross. Official cross of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Malta. It has equilateral rays that widen at the ends. This type of cross is issued for military courage.
• Prosphora cross. It is similar to St. George's, but has an inscription in Latin: “Jesus Christ is the winner.” Initially, such a cross was on three churches in Constantinople. According to Orthodox tradition, ancient words with the famous shape of a cross are printed on prosphoras, symbolizing the redemption of sins.

  

• Drop-shaped four-pointed cross. The drops at the ends of the beams are interpreted as the blood of Jesus. This view was drawn on the first sheet Greek Gospel, dating from the 2nd century. Symbolizes the fight for faith to the end.

  

• Eight-pointed cross. The most common type today. The cross took its shape after Jesus was crucified on it. Before that, it was ordinary and equilateral.

  

The last form of the cross is the most common on sale. But why is this cross so popular? It's all about his story.

Orthodox eight-pointed cross: history and symbolism

This cross is directly associated with the moment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When Jesus carried the cross on which he was to be crucified up the mountain, its shape was ordinary. But after the act of crucifixion itself, a footrest appeared on the cross. It was made by the soldiers when they realized where Jesus' feet would reach after his execution.

The upper bar was made by order of Pontius Pilate and was a tablet with an inscription. This is how the Orthodox eight-pointed cross was born, which is worn around the neck, placed on tombstones, and decorates churches.

Eight-pointed crosses were previously used as the basis for award crosses. For example, during the reign of Paul the First and Elizabeth Petrovna, they were made on such a basis. pectoral crosses for clergy. And the shape of the eight-pointed cross was even enshrined in law.

The history of the eight-pointed cross is closest to Christianity. After all, on the sign above Jesus’ head was the inscription: “This is Jesus. King of the Jews." Even then, in the moments of death, Jesus Christ received recognition from his tormentors and from his followers. This is why the eight-pointed shape is so significant and common among Christians around the world.

In Orthodoxy, a pectoral cross is considered to be one that is worn under clothing, closer to the body. The pectoral cross is not displayed, is not worn over clothing and, as a rule, has an eight-pointed shape. Today there are crosses on sale without crossbars on top and bottom. They are also acceptable to wear, but have four ends, not eight.

And yet, canonical crosses are eight-pointed products with or without the figure of the Savior in the center. There has long been debate about whether it is worth buying crucifixes with Jesus Christ depicted on them. Some representatives of the clergy believe that the cross should be a symbol of the resurrection of the Lord, and the figure of Jesus in the center is unacceptable. Others think that the cross can be considered a sign of suffering for faith, and the image of the crucified Christ is quite appropriate.

Signs and superstitions associated with the pectoral cross

The cross is given to a person during baptism. After this sacrament, the church decoration must be worn almost without taking off. Some believers even wash themselves wearing their crosses for fear of losing them. But what does it mean when the cross is lost?

Many Orthodox people They believe that the loss of the cross is a sign of impending disaster. To ward it off, Orthodox Christians fervently pray, confess and receive communion, and then acquire a new consecrated cross in the church.

Another sign is related to the fact that you cannot wear someone else’s cross. God gives each person his own burden (cross, trials), and by putting on someone else’s badge of faith, a person takes on someone else’s difficulties and fate.

Today, family members also try not to wear each other’s crosses. Although previously the cross, decorated precious stones, was passed down from generation to generation and could become a real family heirloom.

A cross found on the road is not raised. But if they pick it up, they try to take it to church. There it is consecrated and purified again, and given to those in need.

Many priests call all of the above superstitions. In their opinion, anyone can wear a cross, but you need to make sure that it is consecrated in the church.

How to choose a pectoral cross for yourself?

You can choose a pectoral cross based on your own preferences. When choosing it, two main rules apply:

• Mandatory blessing of the cross in the church.
• Orthodox view of the selected cross.

Everything that is sold in a church shop undoubtedly belongs to Orthodox paraphernalia. But Orthodox Christians are not recommended to wear Catholic crosses. After all, they have a completely different meaning, different from the others.

If you are a believer, then wearing a cross becomes an act of union with Divine grace. But God’s protection and grace are not given to everyone, but only to those who truly believe and sincerely pray for themselves and their neighbors. He also leads a righteous lifestyle.

Many Orthodox crosses, the types and meaning of which are discussed above, are devoid of jewelry delights. After all, they are not decoration in the full sense of the word. First of all, the cross is a sign of belonging to Christianity and its norms. And only then - a household attribute that can decorate any outfit. Of course, sometimes pectoral crosses and the crosses on the rings of the priests are made from precious metals. But here, too, the main thing is not the cost of such a product, but its sacred meaning. And this meaning is much deeper than it might initially seem.