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Jerusalem is a holy place visited by millions of pilgrims every year. When visiting the Holy Land, as a rule, a believer, in addition to worshiping the Holy Places and praying for the health of his loved ones, buys a Jerusalem pilgrim's cross there. After which, of course, the question naturally begins to concern whether it is possible for Orthodox Christians to wear the Jerusalem cross, because the place where it was purchased is considered a Christian shrine. Of course, the answer may not be clear. And the opinions of different clergy differ. In order to understand this, you need to know a little history of the origin and meaning of such a cross.
History of the Jerusalem Cross
The Jerusalem olive cross is an equilateral straight cross of scarlet or gold color on a white background. It is surrounded by four smaller crosses. Such a cross was once the coat of arms of Godfrey of Bouillon. The Duke of Lorraine and the Count of Bouillon were the leaders of the Crusade, which took place between 1096 and 1099.
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The Count of Bouillon refused to accept the royal title because he decided to accept a golden crown instead in the place where the Savior accepted the crown of thorns. But at the same time he agreed to the title of Guardian and Defender of the Holy Sepulcher. In this capacity, the new ruler took five crosses made of gold against a background of colored silver as a coat of arms.
Over time, the cross was modified and was a symbol of the Catholic Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. Such an image was even present on the state flag of Georgia, but such a symbol had nothing to do with religion.
In ancient times, the red Jerusalem cross was sewn onto the cloaks of the king's inner circle. Later it was used on bedspreads in the Catholic religion for altar covers. Today it is used as a symbol of unshakable faith. Therefore, it is believed that if you visit the Holy Land, you must purchase it.
Story
In Signum Sacri Itineris Hierosolymitani
was created by Pope Leo XIII on May 2, 1901 to honor and encourage pilgrimages to the Holy Places of Christianity in Palestine.[1]
A certificate from the parish pastor was initially required to attest to the morality of the candidate and to confirm that the motive for undertaking the voyage was pious.[1] As of 2015, the certificate is no longer required.[1] The medal is never sent and can only be presented at the office of the Custodian of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, belonging to the Franciscan Order.[1] He represents it in the name of the Sovereign Pontiff.[1] At least one Catholic tour organizer will organize a presentation for visitors to Jerusalem, subject to the necessary conditions. The estimate depends on the recipient's number of trips to the city and whether an offer of matching donations to the Franciscans was met.[2]
The meaning of the Jerusalem pilgrim's cross
Today there are quite a few different interpretations of the meaning of this symbol:
- In Jerusalem itself, it is generally accepted that the pentacles of the Jerusalem cross combined into one sign mean the wounds of Christ that he received during the Crucifixion.
- Also, such a symbol is often deciphered in such a way that the large cross is a symbol of Christ, and the four small ones are the four Apostles, who are the authors of the Gospel.
- It also symbolizes the Christian relics found in the Holy Land - the four nails with which the body of Jesus Christ was nailed. By the way, this opinion took place precisely during the Crusade.
- Russia had its own image of the Jerusalem cross and its meaning. He was depicted on the Gospel frame, which was kept in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow until the destruction of the temple. The boundary lines of the cross signified the four books of the Gospel. The meaning of the image was very simple. Everything concerning the life of Christ and his stay in Jerusalem is limited to these holy books.
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It should also be noted that despite the fact that Orthodox clergy do not refute the existence of such a cross and, in principle, accept it, they still do not recommend wearing it as a body cross. If it so happens that you visited the Holy Land and bought this symbol, then the priests recommend keeping it next to the icons that stand in your “red corner” in the house. The cross will act as a talisman and a memorable element about your trip.
Marks of Excellence
The medal is the Jerusalem Cross in gold, silver or bronze. Center front - small description of Pope Leo XIII with surrounding Latin inscription Leo XIII CREAVIT ANNO MCM
(Leo XIII created [this medal] in 1900).[1]
In the crossbars are four biblical scenes showing the early years and ministry of Jesus with the inscription CHRISTI AMOR CRUCIFIXI TRAXIT NOS
(Christ's love has drawn us):[1]
- Annunciation
- Nativity of Jesus
- Baptism of Jesus
- Eucharist
In the center to provide regression, there is an image of the risen Christ. The crossbars show four scenes of the Passion with the inscription SIGNUM SACRI ITINERIS HIEROSOL [YMITANI]
(Sign of the holy journey through Jerusalem):[1]
- Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane
- Flagellation of Christ
- Jesus wearing a crown of thorns
- Crucifixion of Jesus
The cross is suspended from a red silk ribbon with four blue stripes in the middle. Along the edges on each side is a white stripe, interrupted by a dark yellow stripe.[1]
Is it possible to baptize with the Jerusalem cross?
According to the Orthodox religion, the Jerusalem cross is slightly different in shape from the traditional eight-pointed or six-pointed Orthodox crosses. Therefore, it is not recommended to baptize with the Jerusalem cross.
It can be worn together with the Orthodox, but not baptized. The fact is that the traditional Orthodox symbol of faith is considered an eight-pointed or six-pointed cross. They are also the ones who perform the secret rite of baptism in the Orthodox Church. At the same time, it is not necessary to buy a cross in the church where the ceremony will be held. It is enough to give it to the priest before the ceremony so that he can consecrate it.
But if you are lucky enough to visit the Holy Lands and become the owner of the Jerusalem Cross or you bought it for your child, then it can be worn over clothing as a decorative element. Moreover, according to ancient beliefs, such an element can become a reliable amulet and protect you and your child from evil spirits and everything bad.
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In the opinion of some clergy of the Orthodox faith, this decoration is highly artistic and decorative. And most likely it is a mixture of three different crosses. Even though this opinion has not been confirmed, it still exists.
The Lord is always with you!
Recommendations
- ^ a b c d f g gram hour i j k
“Ornament created by Leon XIII for pilgrims of the Holy Land.”
www.custodia.org
. Gerusalemme - Monastery of San Salvatore Monastery of St. Savior Francescano. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015. - Travel blog Orbis Catholicus
Orders, decorations and medals of the Holy See | ||
| Orders of the Holy See |
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| Orders under the protection of the Holy See (Hons) | Order of the Holy Sepulcher (Palm of Jerusalem, Pilgrim's Shell, Cross of Merit) Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Order pro Merito Melitensi, Medal of the Order per Merito Melitensi) | |
| Other differences |
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| Defunct/dormant differences (choice) |
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| see also |
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Rules for wearing and using the talisman
Separate movements of fans of the Templar Order are appearing today in some countries of the world. People who want to receive the protection of the knightly sign put the symbol on amulets.
Charms can come in different forms. Among them it is worth highlighting medallions. You can also wear rings or pendants. The amulet is used to protect the body and spirit. It is also believed that it can strengthen faith.
In the Middle Ages, embroidery with the image of the Templar Cross was often placed on clothing. It was also applied to household items. However, currently such solutions are used extremely rarely.
Sometimes the symbol is drawn on the threshold near the front door. It provides residents with protection from enemies. The symbol also helps to avoid fire or robbery.
To enhance the effect of the magic sign, you can use other symbols that the Order used. This could be a seal with special signs of knights. These include the horseman, lotus, and crescent. It is also possible to place other Celtic symbols on the other side of the amulet.
The Templar Order defended the Christian faith and introduced the cult of virtues
Before purchasing an amulet, you should carefully study the key rules for its use:
- At first, a talisman purchased for personal use must be worn all the time. This must be done for at least 2 weeks. After which it can be removed, but for a short period of time. Thanks to this, the connection between the magical symbol and human energy will not be lost.
- The amulet must be made of good and strong metals. Usually, amulets made in the medieval style are used.
- The talisman is worn on the chest. The Knights of the Templar Order wore a sign on their chest and back for protection by higher powers.
- The pentagram symbol is recommended to be worn around the neck. It can also be used as a badge to be attached to your chest. This will provide a direct connection to the owner's heart. As a result, the sign will affect his fate.
- Products with coats of arms or other knightly insignia are best worn in the ears or on the wrists. Such symbols will provide reliable protection to important parts of the human body and help direct thoughts in the right direction.
- The Templar Cross is suitable for both men and women. However, this sign cannot be used for children. Their fragile energy will not be able to cope with the influence of the knightly sign.
- Jewelry with the symbols of the Templar Order will give results if placed in the upper parts of the body. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve a magical effect.
- The Templar coats of arms were not usually combined. Therefore, even today, esotericists do not advise using signs that include images of various crosses. Such combinations can cause harm to their owner.
The cross can be worn as a pendant.
The magical properties of the Templar cross
Basically, the Templars talked about such properties of the cross as giving the owner confidence and fearlessness. However, the Order was very successful in many battles, and even the main monarchs of Europe could envy its influence.
Therefore, people gradually started talking about the magical properties of the Templar cross. And the incident that occurred in the year of the execution of the last Grand Master only strengthened the belief in the unusual influence of the symbol.
The main magical properties of the Templar cross are:
- protection from the evil eye, witchcraft, damage and physical damage;
- giving the owner energy, spiritual and physical strength;
- assistance in overcoming difficulties;
- the source of victories in battles, sports and everyday life;
- the ability to transform negative energy into positive;
- strengthens will and character, helps to become a more self-confident person;
- gives protection to higher powers, strengthens faith and pacifies the craving for excess.
In general, the Templar cross allows you to protect yourself from negative phenomena and gives you strength for victories not only in battles, but also in everyday life. Therefore, the Templars wore their symbol on a permanent basis, many of them did not even take it off until their death. Sometimes the crosses of the Order were applied to buildings and fortresses, believing in the magical properties of the symbol. Information about the magic of the cross has survived to this day.
How is a medieval symbol used today?
The Templar sign is also used in the 21st century. Some bearers believe in its magical properties, others want to be involved in the Templar Order, others simply like the appearance of the symbol.
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It is usually worn as an amulet, applied to clothing or a building, and sometimes tattooed. True, during the time of the Templars the cross was not painted on the bodies. But in the modern world this has become quite normal.
As an amulet
In most cases, the Templar cross is worn as an amulet. It could be a pendant, medallion, signet, brooch or ring. But still, the best place to wear the symbol is the chest, so it is better to wear the cross on the neck.
Women and men can use it, but the Templar sign is contraindicated for children. Since the cross has a negative effect on a still weak body.
Important! You can make it yourself or buy it in a store.
On clothes
The Templars at one time preferred to put their sign on clothing or equipment. Since members of the Order believed in its protection from enemy weapons. However, in the modern world, the Templar cross on clothing is quite rare.
You can apply it to any element of your wardrobe, except shoes, pants and socks. This is explained by the opinion of the Templars that one should treat one’s symbol with respect. Only in this case will it give maximum benefit to its owner.
In the house
The Templars believed that their cross was able to protect the fortress/house from attack, robbers, fire, negative energy and other negative influences. However, for this it is important to observe one condition: the cross should not be applied to a place where people walk.
That is, the symbol of the Order could not be applied to the floor and threshold, but only to the ceiling and walls. This is explained by the same thing: you need to treat your sign with respect. Otherwise, it will begin to bring negativity and failure.
