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The cross is one of the most powerful symbols of the Christian faith. When you want to keep a souvenir of your religion and faith, nothing beats a cross-shaped jewel. But we are so used to the classic cross, the Latin cross, that we sometimes ignore that there are other forms (Celtic crosses, Maltese crosses, etc.) and that each form carries a particular symbolism. If you are on this page, you probably want to know more about its origin, its symbolism and its usefulness for the Christian. To help you get answers, we take you to discover a cross a little different from the Latin cross. The Orthodox cross. How does it look? What makes it special.
Also known as the Russian cross, crucifixion cross, Byzantine Orthodox cross, the Orthodox cross is known throughout the world as a variation of the Christian cross. It is very similar to the Cross of Lorraine which is composed of two upper horizontal bars.
This is considered the cross of archbishops and cardinals. The Orthodox cross is also close to the patriarchal model composed of three upper horizontal bars aligned from the smallest to the largest, which is the cross of the pope.
However, the Orthodox cross is unique in its kind. It is distinguished by its shape, which immediately strikes the eye. It is larger than the Catholic cross and is presented in the form of a classic cross to which another crossbar is added.
This bar is placed at the bottom of the cross, so that it crosses the vertical axis. In short, the Orthodox cross is made up of three crossbars. Thus, unlike the classic Christian cross which has 4 ends, it has 8, which is why it is also called by some "eight-pointed Orthodox cross". It is very popular in the Orthodox Church.
In the 16th century, after the strong feudal fragmentation and the Tatar-Mongol invasion, the first Russian Tsar named Ivan the Terrible wanted to strengthen the country following the unification of the Russian lands. To achieve his goal, he had the brilliant idea of positioning Moscow as another Rome, the one that is a worthy successor to Rome and Constantinople.
This project was based on the pillars of the defense of Orthodoxy. It was from this ideology that the Russian Orthodox cross began to spread. It can be seen enthroned on the domes of churches. It can also be found on the coat of arms of Russia. Today, the Orthodox cross is given as a gift for baptism or on the occasion of communions.
As can be seen by observing the practices, the Orthodox cross has a very powerful symbolism. It represents the head, arms and feet of Jesus Christ through three beams. The first crossbar, the upper bar, is the one that bears the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews."
For those who know the story, it is the inscription INRI in Latin (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum) or INBI (Iesous o Nazoraios o Basileus ton Ioudaion) in Greek. This inscription was used as a means of mockery of the Savior. For those who want, the story can be reviewed in John 19:19. Pontius Pilate had expressly requested that a sign bearing this inscription be placed above the central axis of the cross.
This mockery is also represented in the sponge dipped in vinegar that a Roman soldier handed to Jesus Christ when he asked for a drink.However, by bearing the title of King, this first beam, although meant to serve as a mockery, reminds the world that Jesus Christ is the king of the world and the redeemer of men.
The second bar, the middle one, recalls the place where the Lord's hands were nailed to the cross. It is a horizontal bar. It is also found on the Catholic cross. This middle bar symbolizes the unconditional love and infinite mercy of Jesus Christ who opened and extended his arms to offer himself as a sacrifice for the redemption of all humanity.
His open arms are also a way of inviting us to come closer to him and to welcome us. This is why the one who carries a cross feels closer to Jesus Christ and feels his invitation to live a life of sacrifice, a life of simplicity and humility.
The last crossbar, which is the particularity of the Orthodox cross, symbolizes the footrests. It is shorter than the second bar, the one that holds the arms of the crucified Christ. Clearly, when you go around it, you understand that the Orthodox cross is one of the most powerful symbols of the Orthodox faith.
Its unique shape recalls the length, breadth, height and depth of the love that Jesus Christ showed towards humanity through the ultimate gift of self, as the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:18-19.
In the Russian presentation, the third horizontal beam is placed diagonally, while in the Greek iconography it is kept straight. It should be noted that in the Catholic Church, it is believed that Jesus' feet were nailed together. But this is not the case among Orthodox Christians. The latter believe that each foot was nailed separately to a footrest.
In any case, it should be noted that the inclination of the footrests is not trivial. This slight inclination carries a deep meaning that strengthens the Christian faith. The part of the bar that rises symbolizes the ascension of Christ that occurred before the disciples to whom the promise was later made by angels that the same Christ would return.
As for the descending part, it represents the descent into hell. We remember that before his resurrection, Christ descended into hell. This crossbar alone therefore symbolizes the passage of Christ from hell to heaven.
This last crossbar also represents a scale of Justice, the one that weighs sins and virtues and therefore points towards two opposite directions. It thus recalls the two thieves crucified on either side of Christ.
The good thief and the bad thief did not have the same deed. The good thief, the penitent thief, named Saint Dimas, was raised to heaven after finding salvation at the last moment of his life. The other, on the other hand, having cursed God at that final minute of his life, descended to hell, since he had not repented.
In the Orthodox Christian religion, icons occupy a fundamental place in devotion and veneration. As one might expect, the Orthodox cross is the most emblematic and recognizable icon among Orthodox Christians. Although some pagans sometimes put it for aesthetic reasons, it also allows families to recognize each other.
This is why the orthodox cross pendant necklaces are highly regarded by Christians around the world.Present for several millennia, it stands out from all jewelry by its powerful symbolism and its ability to remain timeless in a world full of ephemeral trends.
As a variation of a symbol par excellence of the Christian faith, the Orthodox cross is a real lucky charm when worn as a pendant necklace. What could be more soothing and strengthening than wearing a christian jewel which recalls the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ? What could be more powerful than remembering the sufferings he endured on the cross in order to obtain salvation for us? Yes, Christ deserves that everyone venerate him. And the cross is one of the most perfect ways to do so.
Moreover, Orthodox cross jewelry offers personal protection to the Christian who lives in a world that tends to weaken his courage and overwhelm him with pain. We remember that it was this cross that many martyrs held in their hands at the last minute of their lives. Contact with the Orthodox cross allowed them to transform the strongest pain into strength and a sign of personal accomplishment.
When you don't want to wear classic or ordinary jewelry, Orthodox cross jewelry is the best option to have an object that allows you to maintain your faith through the events of daily life. Very useful for practices of worship, devotion and veneration, these jewels have a very sacred connotation, since they have the power to transmit the divine presence. They also serve to establish and maintain the connection between the Christian and the spiritual world.
In addition, today we can distinguish Orthodox cross jewelry that suits all tastes, all religions and all occasions, special or not. Obviously, they are not equal, whether in terms of aesthetics (finishes, shine, color, material, strike, proportions, etc.), symbolism and power. But we can find them in the form of pendants, in the form of rings, in the form of earrings, etc. Whether your Orthodox cross jewelry is discreet or imposing, it will always remain loaded with elegance, history and deep spiritual meaning and will transmit to the soul the permanent awareness of the foundations of its faith.
The Orthodox cross has established itself today as one of the strongest emblems and cultural elements of Russia and Eastern Europe. But basically, Catholics and Orthodox believe in the same God. They are all of the same religion, Christianity.
They believe in the same God, use the same Bible (Old Testament and New Testament), even if there are differences in the canonical composition of their Bibles. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of the world. They pray to the Virgin Mary and attach great importance to the saints as well as to the angels. They also agree on eternal life, rites and the seven sacraments. But where do the differences between Catholics and Orthodox come from? The approach.
Indeed, over time, the Russian Orthodox Church separated from Rome, becoming what is known today as the Russian Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Churches adhere to the faith of the first ecumenical councils in order to maintain the true belief. They defend the conformity of their teachings with those of Christianity lived by the first Christians, that of the origins.
They maintained the legalistic version of the Christian religion based on a relatively more musical theology.For example, while Catholic priests must remain celibate throughout their lives, Orthodox priests have the option of marrying a woman and having children.
Similarly, the placement of the fingers in the execution of the sign of the cross is different in both parties. In the Orthodox religion, the sign of the cross is made with three fingers, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity (The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), the foundation of the Christian faith.
The three fingers are the thumb and the next two fingers, that is, the thumb and the index finger. They are placed one against the other, so as to form a point with their tips, while the remaining two fingers, which represent the divine nature and the human nature of Jesus Christ are kept flat in the palm of the hand.
Obviously, they touch the same places that Catholics touch (the forehead, the right and left shoulders and then the torso). However, the Orthodox touch the right shoulder before touching the left shoulder, that is, the opposite direction of what Catholics do.
Regardless, the symbolism remains the same. The cross recalls the gift, love, mercy, life, death and resurrection of the Lamb of God who has made us children of God through faith in his name and saving work. To learn more, The Lord's Day explains in more detail.
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