What does a Russian cross look like? How the cross is depicted: features of external manifestation

THE EIGHT-LEADED CROSS is the most common in Rus'.

Above the middle vertical crossbar there is a short, long and under them oblique crossbar, the upper end of which faces north, the lower end faces south. The upper small crossbar symbolizes a tablet 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 closely corresponds to the one on which Jesus was crucified, therefore it is not only a sign for everyone, but also an image of the Cross of Christ...

The eight ends of the cross symbolize eight main periods in the history of mankind, where the eighth is the life of the next century, the Kingdom of Heaven. The end that is directed upward symbolizes the path to the Heavenly Kingdom, opened by Christ. The oblique crossbar, to which, according to legend, Christ’s feet were nailed, suggests that with his coming in the earthly life of people, the balance of being in the power of sin was disrupted for everyone without exception. This is the beginning of spiritual rebirth everywhere, the path of man from the region of darkness to the region of heavenly light. This movement from earth to sky is indicated by 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 Rus', the eight-pointed 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, installed in 1161 by the Venerable 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 as a scale, of his inner state, soul and conscience. This was the case 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 standard 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 being removed, that “today” he would be with the Lord in paradise. And in the six-pointed cross, the inclined crossbar with its lower end symbolizes the terrible weight of unrepentant sin, dragging the first of the thieves into darkness, the second, directed upward, is liberation through 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, and the same cross is placed on the lid of the coffin. It is often supplemented with the crucifixion of Christ.

The pectoral cross is one of the most mysterious decorations for those uninitiated in the secrets of religion. The site has prepared a guide for you that will answer all important questions.

Despite the fact that the shape of the cross is extremely common as a decorative element and is often perceived as breaking with Christian traditions, its origins and symbolism should not be ignored. Religion insists: it doesn’t matter what material the cross is made of, how much it costs or weighs. First of all, it is a symbol of the Christian faith. But at the same time, the tradition of honoring the cross, which is always with you, has turned it into a decoration and a luxury item.

There is an opinion that a truly religious pectoral cross should be simple in design and should be worn under clothing, closer to the heart and away from prying eyes. But the main difference between a purely decorative ornament and a Christian cross amulet is whether it is consecrated or not. The Church cannot refuse to bless a product strewn with stones, just as it cannot demand that you hide it under your clothes in the summer heat.

What you really should pay attention to when choosing a cross is whether its shape corresponds to the Orthodox or Catholic tradition.

How to distinguish between Orthodox and Catholic crosses

Form

In the Orthodox Church, the most common are six- and eight-pointed crosses. By the way, the latter have long been considered a powerful amulet against evil spirits. A small crossbar at the heads symbolizes the sign that was used to mark the crimes committed. But since no one called the crimes of Jesus that way, in the Orthodox tradition it may have the abbreviation I.N.C.I. or I.N.C.I, Catholics write I.N.R.I in Latin. This is an abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The slanting crossbar under your feet symbolizes the path from sins to righteousness. In turn, Catholic 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, on the side opposite the crucifix, “Save and Preserve” can be engraved. There is no such thing in the Catholic tradition.

Nails

Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was nailed with four nails, while Catholics believe that there were only three nails. That is why the feet of Christ on the Orthodox cross are located side by side, but on the Catholic cross they are thrown one on top of the other.

Crucifixion

How Jesus should be depicted on the crucifixion is the subject of heated debate among representatives of both faiths. Catholics adhere to the most naturalistic image, which 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.

Eight-pointed cross

This is one of the most canonical Orthodox crosses. There is a short horizontal crossbar (often with the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I.) on top, and a short diagonal crossbar at the feet (the upper end is directed to the left, the lower end is directed 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 inclined lower crossbar 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 teardrop 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 is 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 people also love it as a body cross. The ends of the crossbars of such a product are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes there are also beads on them - “bumps”.

Latin four-pointed cross

The most common Christian cross in the West. The horizontal crossbar is located 2/3 of the height from the vertical one. The elongated lower part symbolizes Christ's patience in redemption. Such crosses are a very long tradition. They appeared around the 3rd century in the catacombs of Rome.

How to choose a cross for a christening

Traditionally, the first pectoral cross, or, as it is also called, a vest, is placed at the baptismal ceremony. The debate over when it is better to baptize a child: as an infant or already at a conscious age, is still ongoing. For adults who decide to undergo this sacrament, there are no special restrictions in choosing a sacred decoration. But in order to choose the right baptismal cross for a newborn, several factors should be taken into account.

1. A child's cross should be small and light, about 2cm long.
2. Despite the fact that gold is hypoallergenic, do not rush to give your baby a gold cross. Purely for practical reasons, because children very often lose such things.
3. Give preference to a cross made of 925 sterling silver. It is lighter, cheaper and, moreover, has antiseptic properties.
4. Be sure to inspect the jewelry you like for sharp elements and edges.

Women's and men's crosses

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

Women's crosses are often inlaid with precious stones. If the decoration is consecrated, its decor does not affect its sacred meaning in any way. Rarely, but still, a church may refuse to consecrate a decorative cross with too curved and shaped crossbars. Although, of course, the main thing is your own feelings. Whether he warms you up or not.

It is expected that from the moment of consecration, the cross will remain with you forever. But at the same time, the church does not condemn the change of this decoration. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that wearing it on the same chain with some other pendant is bad manners. The only thing that can be worn with a cross is an amulet.

How to consecrate a cross

Crosses purchased in church shops have two advantages. Firstly, they exactly correspond to the traditions of your religion. Secondly, they are already sanctified. If you bought a cross in a jewelry store, then it must be blessed. It is better to come before the start of the service and make this request to the priest. You can also ask him to perform the ceremony in your presence and take part in prayer.

What to do if you find a cross

There is an opinion that finding a cross is a bad omen. Allegedly, along with it, the sorrows and sorrows of the previous owner may be passed on to you. At the same time, the church advises not to pay attention to such superstitions.

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?

It is possible and necessary. The Church does not prohibit this. And for a loved one such a gift will be especially important and dear.

Share in the comments whether the article on the site was interesting to you. Tell us, what shape of crosses do you prefer? And what does a cross mean to you - a decorative decoration or something more?

In Christianity, the veneration of the cross belongs to Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The symbolic figure adorns the domes of churches, houses, icons and other church paraphernalia. The Orthodox cross is of great importance for believers, emphasizing their endless commitment to religion. No less interesting is the history of the appearance of the symbol, where the variety of forms allows one to reflect the depth of Orthodox culture.

The history and significance of the Orthodox cross

Many people perceive the cross as a symbol of Christianity. Initially, the figure symbolized the murder weapon in the executions of Jews during the times of Ancient Rome. Criminals and Christians who had been persecuted since the reign of Nero were executed in this way. This type of killing was practiced in ancient times by the Phoenicians and migrated through the Carthaginian colonists to the Roman Empire.

When Jesus Christ was crucified on a stake, the attitude towards the sign changed in a positive direction. The death of the Lord was the atonement for the sins of the human race and the recognition of all nations. His sufferings covered people's debts to the Father God.

Jesus carried a simple crosshair up the mountain, then the foot was attached by the soldiers when it became clear to what level Christ’s feet reached. At the top there was a sign with the inscription: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews,” nailed by order of Pontius Pilate. From that moment on, the eight-pointed shape of the Orthodox cross was born.

Any believer, seeing the holy crucifix, involuntarily thinks about the martyrdom of the Savior, accepted as deliverance from the eternal death of mankind after the fall of Adam and Eve. The Orthodox cross carries an emotional and spiritual load, the image of which appears to the inner gaze of the believer. As Saint Justin stated: “The cross is the great symbol of the power and authority of Christ.” In Greek, "symbol" means "connection" or manifestation of an invisible reality through naturalness.

The inculcation of symbolic images became difficult during the time of the Jews with the emergence of the New Testament church in Palestine. At that time adherence to traditions was revered and images considered as idolatry were prohibited. As the number of Christians increased, the influence of the Jewish worldview decreased. In the first centuries after the execution of the Lord, followers of Christianity were persecuted and performed rituals in secret. The oppressed situation, the lack of protection of the state and the church directly affected the symbolism and worship.

Symbols reflected the dogmas and formulas of the Sacraments, contributed to the expression of the word and were the sacred language of transmitting faith and defending church teaching. That is why the cross was of great importance for Christians, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and bestowing eternal light of life over the darkness of hell.

How the cross is depicted: features of external manifestation

There are different designs for crucifixes, where you can see simple shapes with straight lines or complex geometric shapes, complemented by a variety of symbolism. The religious load of all structures is the same, only the external design differs.

In the Mediterranean eastern countries, Russia, and eastern Europe, they adhere to the eight-pointed form of the crucifix - the Orthodox one. Its other name is “The Cross of St. Lazarus.”

The crosshair consists of a small upper crossbar, a large lower crossbar and an inclined foot. The vertical crossbar, located at the bottom of the pillar, was intended to support the feet of Christ. The direction of the crossbar's tilt does not change: the right end is higher than the left. This situation means that on the day of the Last Judgment the righteous will stand on the right hand, and sinners on the left. The kingdom of heaven is given to the righteous, as evidenced by the right corner raised upward. Sinners are cast into the depths of hell - the left end indicates.

For Orthodox symbols The monogram is characteristically inscribed mainly at the ends of the middle crosshair - IC and XC, indicating the name of Jesus Christ. Moreover, the inscriptions are located under the middle crossbar - “Son of God”, then in Greek NIKA - translated as “winner”.

The small crossbar contains an inscription with a tablet made by order of Pontius Pilate, and contains the abbreviation Inzi (ІНЦІ - in Orthodoxy), and Inri (INRI - in Catholicism), - this is how the words “Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews” are designated. The eight-pointed display conveys with great certainty the instrument of Jesus’ death.

Rules of construction: proportions and sizes

Classic version of the eight-pointed crosshair is built in the correct harmonious proportion, which consists in the fact that everything embodied by the Creator is perfect. The construction is based on the law of the golden ratio, which is based on the perfection of the human body and sounds like this: the result of dividing the height of a person by the distance from the navel to the feet is 1.618, and coincides with the result obtained from dividing the height by the distance from the navel to the top of the head. A similar ratio of proportions is contained in many things, including the Christian cross, the photo of which is an example of construction according to the law of the golden ratio.

The drawn crucifix fits into a rectangle, its sides are adjusted to the rules of the golden ratio - height divided by width equals 1.618. Another feature is that the span of a person’s arms is equal to his height, so a figure with outstretched arms is harmoniously contained in a square. Thus, the size of the middle intersection corresponds to the span of the Savior’s arms and is equal to the distance from the crossbar to the beveled foot and is characteristic of the height of Christ. Anyone planning to write a cross or apply a vector pattern should take these rules into account.

Pectoral crosses in Orthodoxy are considered to be those worn under clothing, closer to the body. It is not recommended to display the symbol of faith by wearing it over clothing. Church products have an eight-pointed shape. But there are crosses without upper and lower crossbars - four-pointed ones, these are also allowed to be worn.

The canonical version looks like eight-pointed products with or without an image of the Savior in the center. The custom of wearing church crosses made of various materials on the chest arose in the first half of the 4th century. Initially, it was customary for followers of the Christian faith to wear not crosses, but medallions with the image of the Lord.

During periods of persecution from the middle of the 1st to the beginning of the 4th century, there were martyrs who expressed a desire to suffer for Christ and applied crosshairs to their foreheads. Using their distinctive sign, volunteers were quickly identified and martyred. The formation of the Christian religion introduced the wearing of crucifixes into the custom, and then they were introduced into installation on the roofs of churches.

The variety of forms and types of the cross does not contradict the Christian religion. It is believed that every manifestation of the symbol is a true cross, carrying life-giving power and heavenly beauty. To understand what they are Orthodox crosses, types and meaning, let's look at the main types of design:

In Orthodoxy, the greatest importance is given not so much to the form as to the image on the product. Six-pointed and eight-pointed figures are more common.

Six-pointed Russian Orthodox cross

On a crucifix, the inclined lower crossbar acts as a measuring scale, assessing the life of each person and his internal state. The figure has been used in Rus' since ancient times. The six-pointed worship cross, introduced by Princess Euphrosyne of Polotsk, dates back to 1161. The sign was used in Russian heraldry as part of the coat of arms of the Kherson province. The miraculous power of the crucified Christ lay in the number of its ends.

Eight-pointed cross

The most common type is a symbol of the Orthodox Russian Church. It is called differently - Byzantine. The eight-pointed shape was formed after the act of crucifixion of the Lord; before that, the shape was equilateral. A special feature is the lower foot, in addition to the two upper horizontal ones.

Together with the Creator, two more criminals were executed, one of whom began to mock the Lord, hinting that if Christ is true, then he is obliged to save them. Another condemned man objected to him that they were real criminals, and Jesus was falsely convicted. The defender was on the right hand, so the left end of the foot was raised upward, symbolizing eminence above other criminals. The right side of the crossbar is lowered as a sign of humiliation of the others before the justice of the words of the defender.

Greek cross

Also called "korsunchik" Old Russian. Traditionally used in Byzantium, it is considered one of the oldest Russian crucifixes. Tradition says that Prince Vladimir was baptized in Korsun, from where he took the crucifix and installed it on the banks of the Dnieper in Kievan Rus. The four-pointed image has been preserved to this day in the St. Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv, where it is carved on a marble slab for the burial of Prince Yaroslav, who was the son of St. Vladimir.

Maltese cross

Refers to the officially accepted symbolic crucifix of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem on the island of Malta. The movement openly opposed Freemasonry, and, according to some information, participated in organizing the murder of Pavel Petrovich, the Russian Emperor who patronized the Maltese. Figuratively, the cross is represented by equilateral rays expanding at the ends. Awarded for military merit and courage.

The figure contains the Greek letter "Gamma" and resembles in appearance the ancient Indian sign of the swastika, meaning the highest being, bliss. First depicted by Christians in the Roman catacombs. It was often used to decorate church utensils, gospels, and was embroidered on the clothes of Byzantine church servants.

The symbol was widespread in the culture of the ancient Iranians and Aryans, and was often found in China and Egypt during the Paleolithic era. The swastika was revered in many areas of the Roman Empire and ancient Slavic pagans. The sign was depicted on rings, jewelry, and rings, signifying fire or the sun. The swastika was churched by Christianity and many ancient pagan traditions were reinterpreted. In Rus', the image of the swastika was used in the decoration of church objects, ornaments and mosaics.

What does the cross on church domes mean?

Domed crosses with a crescent decorated cathedrals since ancient times. One of these was the Cathedral of St. Sophia of Vologda, built in 1570. In the pre-Mongol period, an eight-pointed form of a dome was often found, under the crossbar of which there was a crescent moon with its horns turned upward.

There are various explanations for such symbolism. The most famous concept is compared to a ship's anchor, which is considered a symbol of salvation. In another version, the moon is symbolized by the font in which the temple is clothed.

The meaning of the month is interpreted in different ways:

• The Bethlehem font that received the infant Christ.
• Eucharistic cup containing the body of Christ.
• Church ship, led by Christ.
• The serpent trampled under the cross and placed at the feet of the Lord.

Many people are concerned about the question - what is the difference between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one. In fact, it is quite easy to distinguish them. Catholicism has a four-pointed cross, on which the hands and feet of the Savior are crucified with three nails. A similar display appeared in the 3rd century in the Roman catacombs, but still remains popular.

Features:

Over the past millennia, the Orthodox cross has invariably protected the believer, being a talisman against evil visible and invisible forces. The symbol is a reminder of the Lord’s sacrifice for salvation and the manifestation of love for humanity.

The Holy Cross is a symbol of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every true believer, at the sight of him, is involuntarily filled with thoughts about the death throes of the Savior, which he accepted to deliver us from eternal death, which became the lot of people after the fall of Adam and Eve. The eight-pointed Orthodox cross carries a special spiritual and emotional load. Even if there is no image of the crucifixion on it, it always appears to our inner gaze.

An instrument of death that has become a symbol of life

The Christian cross is an image of the instrument of execution to which Jesus Christ was subjected to a forced sentence imposed by the procurator of Judea Pontius Pilate. For the first time, this type of killing of criminals appeared among the ancient Phoenicians and through their colonists, the Carthaginians, it came to the Roman Empire, where it became widespread.

In the pre-Christian period, it was mainly robbers who were sentenced to crucifixion, and then the followers of Jesus Christ accepted this martyrdom. This phenomenon was especially frequent during the reign of Emperor Nero. The very death of the Savior made this instrument of shame and suffering a symbol of the victory of good over evil and the light of eternal life over the darkness of hell.

Eight-pointed cross - a symbol of Orthodoxy

The Christian tradition knows many different designs of the cross, from the most common crosshairs of straight lines to very complex geometric designs, complemented by a variety of symbolism. The religious meaning in them is the same, but the external differences are very significant.

In the countries of the eastern Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, as well as in Russia, since ancient times, the symbol of the church has been the eight-pointed, or, as they often say, the Orthodox cross. In addition, you can hear the expression “the cross of St. Lazarus,” this is another name for the eight-pointed Orthodox cross, which will be discussed below. Sometimes an image of the crucified Savior is placed on it.

External features of the Orthodox cross

Its peculiarity lies in the fact that in addition to two horizontal crossbars, of which the lower one is large and the upper one is small, there is also an inclined one, called the foot. It is small in size and located at the bottom of the vertical segment, symbolizing the crossbar on which Christ’s feet rested.

The direction of its inclination is always the same: if you look from the side of the crucified Christ, then the right end will be higher than the left. There is a certain symbolism in this. According to the words of the Savior at the Last Judgment, the righteous will stand on his right hand, and sinners on his left. It is the path of the righteous to the Kingdom of Heaven that is indicated by the raised right end of the footstool, while the left one faces the depths of hell.

According to the Gospel, a board was nailed over the Savior’s head, on which was written in hand: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” This inscription was made in three languages ​​- Aramaic, Latin and Greek. This is what the small upper crossbar symbolizes. It can be placed either in the interval between the large crossbar and the upper end of the cross, or at its very top. Such an outline makes it possible to reproduce with the greatest reliability the appearance of the instrument of Christ’s suffering. That is why the Orthodox cross has eight points.

About the law of the golden ratio

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross in its classical form is built according to the law. To make it clear what we are talking about, let us dwell on this concept in a little more detail. It is usually understood as a harmonic proportion, which in one way or another underlies everything that is created by the Creator.

One example of this is the human body. Through simple experiment, we can be convinced that if we divide the value of our height by the distance from the soles of our feet to the navel, and then divide the same value by the distance between the navel and the top of the head, the results will be the same and amount to 1.618. The same proportion lies in the size of the phalanges of our fingers. This ratio of quantities, called the golden ratio, can be found literally at every step: from the structure of a sea shell to the shape of an ordinary garden turnip.

The construction of proportions based on the law of the golden ratio is widely used in architecture, as well as other fields of art. Taking this into account, many artists manage to achieve maximum harmony in their works. The same pattern was observed by composers working in the genre of classical music. When writing compositions in the style of rock and jazz, it was abandoned.

The law of constructing an Orthodox cross

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross is also built on the basis of the golden ratio. The meaning of its ends was explained above; now let us turn to the rules underlying the construction of this main thing. They were not established artificially, but resulted from the harmony of life itself and received their mathematical justification.

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross, drawn in full accordance with tradition, always fits into a rectangle, the aspect ratio of which corresponds to the golden ratio. Simply put, dividing its height by its width gives us 1.618.

The Cross of Saint Lazarus (as mentioned above, this is another name for the eight-pointed Orthodox cross) in its construction has another feature associated with the proportions of our body. It is well known that the width of a person’s arm span is equal to his height, and a figure with arms spread to the sides fits perfectly into a square. For this reason, the length of the middle crossbar, corresponding to the span of Christ’s arms, is equal to the distance from it to the inclined foot, that is, his height. These seemingly simple rules should be taken into account by every person who is faced with the question of how to draw an eight-pointed Orthodox cross.

Calvary Cross

There is also a special, purely monastic eight-pointed Orthodox cross, a photo of which is presented in the article. It is called the “cross of Golgotha.” This is the outline of the usual Orthodox cross, which was described above, placed above the symbolic image of Mount Golgotha. It is usually presented in the form of steps, under which bones and a skull are placed. To the left and right of the cross a cane with a sponge and a spear can be depicted.

Each of the listed items has a deep religious meaning. For example, skull and bones. According to Sacred Tradition, the sacrificial blood of the Savior, shed by him on the cross, falling on the top of Golgotha, seeped into its depths, where the remains of our ancestor Adam rested, and washed away the curse of original sin from them. Thus, the image of the skull and bones emphasizes the connection of the sacrifice of Christ with the crime of Adam and Eve, as well as the New Testament with the Old.

The meaning of the image of the spear on the cross of Golgotha

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross on monastic vestments is always accompanied by images of a cane with a sponge and a spear. Those familiar with the text remember well the dramatic moment when one of the Roman soldiers named Longinus pierced the Savior’s ribs with this weapon and blood and water flowed from the wound. This episode has various interpretations, but the most common of them is contained in the works of the 4th century Christian theologian and philosopher St. Augustine.

In them he writes that just as the Lord created his bride Eve from the rib of sleeping Adam, so from the wound in the side of Jesus Christ inflicted by the spear of a warrior, his bride the church was created. The blood and water spilled during this, according to St. Augustine, symbolize the holy sacraments - the Eucharist, where wine is transformed into the blood of the Lord, and Baptism, in which a person entering the bosom of the church is immersed in a font of water. The spear with which the wound was inflicted is one of the main relics of Christianity, and it is believed that it is currently kept in Vienna, in the Hofburg Castle.

The meaning of the image of a cane and a sponge

Equally important are the images of the cane and the sponge. From the accounts of the holy evangelists it is known that the crucified Christ was twice offered drink. In the first case, it was wine mixed with myrrh, that is, an intoxicating drink that dulls pain and thereby prolongs the execution.

The second time, hearing the cry “I thirst!” from the cross, they brought him a sponge filled with vinegar and bile. This was, of course, a mockery of the exhausted man and contributed to the approach of the end. In both cases, the executioners used a sponge mounted on a cane, since without its help they could not reach the mouth of the crucified Jesus. Despite such a gloomy role assigned to them, these objects, like the spear, were among the main Christian shrines, and their image can be seen next to the cross of Calvary.

Symbolic inscriptions on the monastic cross

Those who see the monastic eight-pointed Orthodox cross for the first time often have questions related to the inscriptions inscribed on it. Specifically, these are the IC and XC at the ends of the middle bar. These letters stand for nothing more than the abbreviated name - Jesus Christ. In addition, the image of the cross is accompanied by two inscriptions located under the middle crossbar - the Slavic inscription of the words “Son of God” and the Greek NIKA, which means “winner”.

On the small crossbar, symbolizing, as mentioned above, a tablet with an inscription made by Pontius Pilate, the Slavic abbreviation ІНЦІ is usually written, meaning the words “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” and above it - “King of Glory.” It became a tradition to write the letter K near the image of a spear, and T near the cane. In addition, from about the 16th century, they began to write the letters ML on the left and RB on the right at the base of the cross. They are also an abbreviation and mean the words “The Place of the Execution is Crucified.”

In addition to the listed inscriptions, it is worth mentioning two letters G, standing to the left and right of the image of Golgotha, and being the initial ones in its name, as well as G and A - Head of Adam, written on the sides of the skull, and the phrase “King of Glory”, crowning the monastic eight-pointed Orthodox cross. The meaning contained in them fully corresponds to the Gospel texts, however, the inscriptions themselves can vary and be replaced by others.

Immortality granted by faith

It is also important to understand why the name of the eight-pointed Orthodox cross is associated with the name of St. Lazarus? The answer to this question can be found on the pages of the Gospel of John, which describes the miracle of his resurrection from the dead, performed by Jesus Christ, on the fourth day after death. The symbolism in this case is quite obvious: just as Lazarus was brought back to life by the faith of his sisters Martha and Mary in the omnipotence of Jesus, so everyone who trusts in the Savior will be delivered from the hands of eternal death.

In the vain earthly life, people are not given the opportunity to see the Son of God with their own eyes, but they are given his religious symbols. One of them is the eight-pointed Orthodox cross, the proportions, general appearance and semantic load of which became the topic of this article. It accompanies a believer throughout his life. From the holy font, where the sacrament of baptism opens the gates of the Church of Christ for him, right up to the gravestone, an eight-pointed Orthodox cross overshadows him.

Pectoral symbol of the Christian faith

The custom of wearing small crosses made from a variety of materials on the chest appeared only at the beginning of the 4th century. Despite the fact that the main instrument of Christ’s passion was an object of veneration among all his followers literally from the first years of the establishment of the Christian Church on earth, at first it was customary to wear medallions with the image of the Savior on the neck rather than crosses.

There is also evidence that during the period of persecution that took place from the middle of the 1st to the beginning of the 4th century, there were voluntary martyrs who wanted to suffer for Christ and painted the image of the cross on their foreheads. They were recognized by this sign and then given over to torture and death. After the establishment of Christianity as the state religion, wearing crosses became a custom, and during the same period they began to be installed on the roofs of churches.

Two types of pectoral crosses in Ancient Rus'

In Rus', symbols of the Christian faith appeared in 988, simultaneously with its baptism. It is interesting to note that our ancestors inherited two types from the Byzantines. One of them was customary to wear on the chest, under clothes. Such crosses were called vests.

Along with them, the so-called encolpions appeared - also crosses, but somewhat larger in size and worn over clothing. They originate from the tradition of carrying reliquaries with relics, which were decorated with the image of a cross. Over time, encolpions transformed into priests and metropolitans.

The main symbol of humanism and philanthropy

Over the millennium that has passed since the time when the Dnieper banks were illuminated by the light of Christ's faith, the Orthodox tradition has undergone many changes. Only its religious dogmas and basic elements of symbolism remained unshakable, the main one of which is the eight-pointed Orthodox cross.

Gold and silver, copper or made of any other material, it protects a believer, protecting him from the forces of evil - visible and invisible. As a reminder of the sacrifice made by Christ to save people, the cross has become a symbol of the highest humanism and love for one's neighbor.

In Orthodoxy, a six-pointed crucifix is ​​considered canonical: a vertical line is crossed by three transverse ones, one of them (the lower one) is oblique. The upper horizontal crossbar (the shortest of the three transverse ones) symbolizes a tablet with an inscription in three languages ​​(Greek, Latin and Hebrew): “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” This tablet, by order of Pontius Pilate, was nailed to the Cross of the Lord before the crucifixion.

The middle crossbar, shifted closer to the top (longest), is a direct part of the Cross - the hands of the Savior were nailed to it.

The lower oblique crossbar is a support for the legs. Unlike Catholics, in Orthodoxy on the Crucifixion both legs of the Savior are shown pierced by nails. This tradition is confirmed by studies of the Shroud of Turin - the cloth in which the body of the crucified Lord Jesus Christ was wrapped.

It is worth adding that the oblique shape of the lower crossbar carries a certain symbolic meaning. The raised end of this crossbar rushes upward to the sky, thereby symbolizing the thief crucified at the right hand of the Savior, who, already on the cross, repented and entered with the Lord into the Kingdom of Heaven. The other end of the crossbar, facing down, symbolizes the second thief, crucified on the left hand of the Savior, who blasphemed the Lord and did not receive forgiveness. The state of this robber's soul is a state of God-forsakenness, of hell.

There is another version of the Orthodox Crucifixion, the so-called full or Athos cross. It carries even more symbolic meanings. Its peculiarity is that certain letters are inscribed above the canonical six-pointed Cross.

What do the inscriptions on the cross mean?

Above the topmost crossbar is inscribed: “IS” - Jesus and “XC” - Christ. A little lower, along the edges of the middle crossbar: “SN” - Son and “BZHIY” - God. There are two inscriptions under the middle crossbar. Along the edges: “TSR” - King and “SLVY” - Glory, and in the center - “NIKA” (translated from Greek - victory). This word means that with His suffering and death on the Cross, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death and atoned for human sins.

On the sides of the Crucifixion are depicted a spear and a cane with a sponge, designated, respectively, by the letters “K” and “T”. As we know from the Gospel, they pierced the Lord’s right rib with a spear, and they offered Him a sponge with vinegar on a cane in order to relieve His pain. The Lord refused to alleviate His suffering. Below, the Crucifixion is depicted standing on the base - a small elevation, which symbolizes Mount Golgotha, on which the Lord was crucified.

Inside the mountain is the skull and crossbones of the forefather Adam. In accordance with this, on the sides of the elevation there is an inscription - “ML” and “RB” - Place of Execution and Crucified Byst, as well as two letters “G” - Golgotha. Inside Golgotha, on the sides of the skull, the letters “G” and “A” are placed - the head of Adam.

The image of Adam's remains has a certain symbolic meaning. The Lord, being crucified, sheds His blood on the remains of Adam, thereby washing and cleansing him from the fall he committed in paradise. Together with Adam, the sins of all humanity are washed away. In the center of the crucifix there is also a circle with thorns - this is a symbol of the crown of thorns, which was put on the head of the Lord Jesus Christ by Roman soldiers.

Orthodox cross with crescent

It is also worth mentioning another form of the Orthodox cross. In this case, the cross has a crescent at its base. Such crosses very often crown the domes of Orthodox churches.

According to one version, the cross emerging from the crescent symbolizes the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Eastern tradition, the crescent is often considered a symbol of the Mother of God - just as the cross is considered a symbol of Jesus Christ.

Another interpretation explains the crescent as a symbol of the Eucharistic cup with the blood of the Lord, from which, in fact, the Cross of the Lord is born. There is another interpretation regarding the cross emerging from the crescent.

This interpretation suggests understanding this as a victory (or rise, advantage) of Christianity over Islam. However, as research has shown, this interpretation is incorrect, since the very form of such a cross appeared much earlier than the 6th century, when, in fact, Islam arose.