"Save me, God!".
Thank you for visiting our website, before you start studying the information, please subscribe to our Orthodox community on Instagram, Lord, Save and Preserve † - https://www.instagram.com/spasi.gospodi/. The community has more than 60,000 subscribers. There are many of us like-minded people and we are growing quickly, we post prayers, sayings of saints, prayer requests, and timely post useful information about holidays and Orthodox events... Subscribe. Guardian Angel to you!
On the Internet lately there have been an increasing number of different disputes about what exactly a cross should be. However, alas, in most cases, this kind of discussion is conducted not on Orthodox forums, but on parent forums and many others, and what truths do those discussing tell each other. But there is nothing unusual about this, because in the Christian religion the true symbolism of the pectoral cross is quite diverse and complex, and for example, the old pectoral crosses that were used 2000 years ago are radically different from the current ones.
The meaning of the pectoral cross
The presented symbol is the most famous Christian shrine, that is, visible evidence of the redemption of a sinful people. It is considered an instrument of truly painful and terrible execution and, thanks to the sacrificial act of the Almighty, it became the subject of salvation and redemption of all mankind from sin and death.
The best article for you, go to: How to bury an unbaptized person
After all, it is on the Cross, through pain, torment, death and ultimately the Resurrection, that the Savior carries out the healing and salvation of human nature from the corruption, passion and mortality that Adam and Eve imparted to it through their Fall.
From all of the above, it follows that a believer who wears the Crucifixion of Christ speaks of his participation in the torment and great deed of the Son of God, followed by salvation and hope, and, accordingly, the resurrection of the believer for endless life with the Almighty.
History, symbolism and meaning
The Orthodox cross was first found in manuscripts from the 4th century. In those days, the church was not divided into Catholic and Orthodox. Crosses of various types were depicted on church frescoes. And the symbol began to be erected on domes in 1551 on the initiative of Ivan the Terrible. Later he began to be depicted on military and Russian symbols. The cross characterizes the fact of professing Christianity, and the great power that can protect a person from enemy attacks. Even to simply perform prayer, you need to wear it.
The story begins precisely with the crucifixion of Jesus. Previously, the cross was only heard of in the context of capital punishment, when the Romans used such a weapon to crucify criminals.
Moreover, this type of execution was not used before the Old Testament Church; it came from Greco-Roman traditions.
The execution of the cross was considered a pagan tradition, and it began to be used by the Jewish people only several decades before Christmas. The cross in those days was the place of shameful execution, which was chosen by Satan. The people of those years sacredly revered the symbol of faith; it evoked insurmountable fear in them. However, after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the cross became a desirable attribute that evoked joyful feelings. Since then, the habit of carrying it with you has become commonplace. Crosses were worn by both nobles and common people. The symbol defines the unity of man by the invisible connection between Jesus and all the people of the earth.
Later, a New Testament church consisting of former Jews arose in Palestine. The entry of the cross was difficult because the church prohibited any pagan signs. But over time, there was an increase in the number of Christians from different nations, for whom the cross was a traditional image of faith, so the influence of the Jews gradually subsided.
During the time of Jesus, Christians were persecuted, and believers were forced to conduct their rituals and prayers in secret. Even today, churches still maintain precautionary measures to protect them from opponents of Christianity. The Christian cross means the admiration of people before the sufferings of the Redeemer.
It is believed that the symbol should always be with a person, that it protects him from ill-wishers, from diseases and other troubles.
Types of body crosses
There are quite a large number of different types of crosses, many of which have the following shape:
- curved end of beams;
- straight;
- with a diamond or square located in the middle;
- triangular ends;
- extended beams;
- flourishing decoration;
- circles at the ends of the beams.
It should be noted that the penultimate type of symbol represents the Tree of Life and is framed by a floral ornament, which may also contain a vine, lily and other plants.
The pectoral cross for men differs in appearance from that for women, so the symbol for women is made in a more rounded and smoothed shape, without the presence of sharp corners, which is quite common for the male version of the symbol.
If we compare it with peoples who also profess the Christian religion, then, for example, the Armenian pectoral cross still has some differences from the Orthodox one, mainly because it looks a little elongated due to the elongated leg. From the very core emanate expanding wings, which swing with rays into a kind of swallowtail, and all objects
The best article for you, go to: What is unction and why you need to undergo unction
Inscriptions on crosses
- On the top crossbar, which depicts a plate with the name of the convicted person, the symbols INCI are written. Since the procurator of Judea could not definitively determine the guilt of Christ, the tablet read “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
Pectoral cross with inscription - A Christogram is written on the middle crossbar, indicating the real name of Christ.
- Just below are the letters NIKA, which translate as “winner.”
Forms of body crucifixes
In addition to the existing differences in form, the Orthodox Crucifixion of Christ also differs in type. Here is a list of the most famous types of symbolism:
- Eight-pointed symbol. Today, the eight-pointed cross is considered the most common, and initially it had the usual equilateral shape, but after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on it, it was changed.
- St. George's symbol. It was approved by Catherine the Great as a decoration for officers and priests. It is a symbol of the most regular shape, with four sides.
- Seven-pointed Crucifixion of Christ. Most often used for divine images created in the 15th century.
- Crown of thorns. Made in the form of a cross with a thorny crown, denoting the suffering and torment of Christ.
Treat like a shrine
A consecrated cross is a shrine, and should not be taken lightly. You cannot carry it in a bag, in a jeans pocket or on a bracelet. If you cannot wear it around your neck, you should attach it to the inside of your clothing.
You cannot wear a pectoral cross and at the same time put on clothes with esoteric designs - satanic stars, demons or symbols of other religions. Only ignorant people can do this. Out of ignorance, bribes from them are smooth, but an Orthodox person knows that there is only one truth in the world - Christ, and must testify to this even with his appearance.
You cannot wear a cross and at the same time wear esoteric jewelry, badges, brooches in the form of cabalistic, esoteric signs or signs of the Zodiac. By this, the Orthodox alienates himself from God and entrusts himself to completely different entities.
Tattoos that they made out of ignorance cause a lot of trouble to neophytes. Usually priests recommend bringing them together, and if this is not possible, covering them with clothes. A cross tattoo on the body is in no way a substitute for wearing a consecrated cross.
The correct pectoral cross, as it should be
There should not be anything on a Christian symbol that could desecrate the Divine powers, and the presence of symbols of other religions is also not allowed. On a correctly executed symbol, the humanization of the Crucifixion of Christ is not permissible, that is, the Savior must, as it were, lie on top of the crucifixion itself, without sagging the body and throwing back the head.
Also, a Christian symbol can be made from several materials, namely:
- gold - which is a symbol of truth;
- Wooden pectoral crosses, which symbolize the Tree of Life in the Heavenly Kingdom, are no less popular;
- silver - due to its snow-white color, is considered the personification of chastity and purity.
The best article for you, go to: What to eat during the Dormition Fast, nutrition, Lenten dishes, prayer
Basically, the inscription on a pectoral cross can be different, but the most common are considered to be: “Save and Preserve”, “ІС+ХС” (Jesus Christ), and the most common is the inscription “NIKA” on the cross (representing the victory of the Almighty over death).
The Lord is always with you!
What material should the cross be made of?
Traditionally, the material your creed is made from is not important. During baptism, you can even wear jewelry made of wood or copper. But the variety of modern models and replicas of ancient jewelry allows everyone to choose a cross to their liking and budget. You can choose jewelry from a photo or come to the store yourself.
- A silver crucifix is the most common type of canonical pendant. Silver is a worthy alternative to any base metal, because it does not cause allergies when in contact with the skin. It’s good to buy silver crosses for children without worrying about expensive jewelry.
- A gold accessory is a good choice if silver glitter seems too simple and inappropriate for such an important symbol.
- Combined metals are often used in modern interpretations of ancient forms. For example, the base could be made of silver or white gold, and the image of the crucifix could be gold.
- You will like inlay with precious stones if you love the luxury of Byzantine ornaments, golden domes, and shining icons. Then you should choose a pectoral cross with bright multi-colored stones, everyday cubic zirconia or noble diamonds.
It doesn’t matter which cross you ultimately choose, it is important that it truly becomes a symbol of faith and religious tradition for you.
Gold cross or silver?
There are no strict church regulations in this regard. Naturally, a gold cross is preferable, since yellow aurum is a bioinert material that does not cause allergies. In addition, such metal does not oxidize and does not darken.
A golden cross looks more magnificent and festive. Products in silver are strict and laconic. They shimmer discreetly in the light. However, this is precisely why some people like them.
Silver is credited with strong protective properties. It is believed that a talisman made of this metal best protects against the evil eye.
Advice from YuK : For daily wear, it is better to choose 585-carat aurum or silver. These metals are the least allergenic, retain their original appearance longer and rarely become deformed.
What to do if you find a cross?
No one is immune from losing a cross, especially if it is worn on a thin chain. If you find a cross in a crowded place, hang it on a branch of the nearest tree or put it on a bench - suddenly the owner will be found. You can also leave a note or post an announcement about your find on social media.
Whether it is worth keeping the cross for yourself is a controversial issue. According to popular belief, finding a cross is not good. Allegedly, along with it, the sins and misfortunes of the previous owner can be transferred to you. Esotericists say that cross-shaped pendants are often used in black magic - for example, to bring misfortune to another person.
Priests recommend taking the cross to church. For example, you can donate it to some icon. If you plan to keep the cross for yourself, then you must consecrate it.
How to wear a cross correctly?
According to church canons, only priests wear a cross over their clothes. Other believers must hide it from prying eyes. This product is worn without other pendants or pendants.
In tandem with an evening dress, a canonical cross will look ridiculous, even if in this way you want to emphasize your religiosity. For an evening out, it is better to choose decorative crosses with bright stones.
Answers to popular questions
Despite the antiquity of the tradition, questions about wearing a symbol of faith arise even among believers.
The need for consecration in the temple
As noted, the power of the cross is determined by a person’s faith. But still, it is better to consecrate the product.
What to do in case of loss
If lost, you must purchase a new cross. Christians attach a negative meaning to such an incident. But prayer and purchasing a new product will help correct the situation.
What to do with a found cross
It’s better not to pick up the find. But if you still find it in your hands, then you need to take it to the temple. There it will be consecrated and given to those in need.
Is it possible to give
You can give the product as a gift, but only to family and friends with a sincere desire to help. Believers say that by giving a cross, you also give a part of your well-being.
How to consecrate
Only the priest in the church can consecrate the product. If this is not possible, then the Lord’s Prayer is read over the cross and then worn around the neck.
Two crosses
The Church does not prohibit having two creeds. But usually an icon is chosen as the second one. One product can be placed above the head of the bed, or near icons, and the second can be worn as a body item. .
Symbolism of the main Orthodox crosses
Today in Christianity the most common types of crosses are: quadrangular cross, six; - eight. The first belongs to the Western tradition. But in Orthodoxy all three forms are found.
Eight-pointed cross
One of the most ancient. The cross consists of three crossbars: above the longest middle one there is an upper short one, and at the feet of Christ there is a small oblique one.
The ends of the cross symbolize 8 stages in the history of mankind, where the last one is the path to the Kingdom of God. The upper edge of the crossbar is the road to the eternal kingdom opened by Christ.
Six-pointed cross
The figure with 6 ends has a lower crossbar (at an angle), which personifies the internal scales of each person, his struggle with sinful thoughts. The crossbar is here as the embodiment of a person’s path from sin to repentance. The lower end is heaviness from unrepentance, and the upper end is purification in repentance.
Four-pointed “drop-shaped” cross
The ends of the cross are depicted in the form of drops. They symbolize the blood of the crucified Christ, which he shed for the sins of mankind.
"Shamrock"
The crossbars of such a cross are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes they are inlaid with small stones.
Latin four-pointed cross
This is a classic of Catholicism. The horizontal crossbar is located closer to the beginning of the vertical one. The elongated lower part of the cross symbolizes the steadfastness and patience of Christ in serving people.
Where to buy a pectoral cross?
The online jewelry store YUK contains classic canonical as well as modern decorative crosses of various designs. Our assortment includes decorative crosses with diamonds, canonical crosses with a crucifix (eight-pointed crosses), with biblical paintings, and with floral patterns (“drop-shaped”, “trefoil”). All models are of high quality with careful attention to every detail.
The built-in filter in the catalog will help you determine the limits of the acceptable price and put a tick next to the desired metal, stones, or insert shape. The presence of a photo and a detailed description of the characteristics of gold products will facilitate the selection process.
Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?
Giving a cross to a loved one is always a good sign. The Church encourages this in every possible way. With this gift you wish him God's protection. In addition, such a gesture is an unspoken indication of how dear the person is to you.
A wife can present a cross-shaped pendant to her husband as a sign of love and devotion to the proclaimed vows.
