What does the cross mean in Orthodoxy. Types of Orthodox crosses

Over the centuries-old history of Christianity, masters of church art have created many forms and varieties of the cross. Today, historians know more than thirty types of the inscription of the Christian cross. Each of the forms has a deep, symbolic meaning; there has never been anything random and arbitrary in Christian symbols. In Russian Orthodoxy, the following types were common, and now they are most common: eight-pointed, four-pointed, trefoil, petal, Moscow, cross vine, Let us dwell on them in more detail.

eight pointed cross most fully corresponds to the actual, historical truth. The completed, eight-pointed form of the cross acquired after the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on it. Historians of antiquity write about this: St. Justin the Philosopher, Tertullian and others. Before the crucifixion, when the Lord carried the cross to Golgotha ​​on His shoulders, the cross was four-pointed. The lower, oblique crossbar and the upper, short one, were made by soldiers immediately after the crucifixion.

The lower crossbar is a foot, which the soldiers attached to the cross, "when it became clear to what place the feet of Christ would reach." The upper crossbar is a tablet with an inscription, made by order of Pilate, as we know from the Gospel. The sequence of events was as follows: first, “they crucified Him” (John 19; 18), and after dividing the clothes by lot, at the command of Pilate, “they placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matt. 27 ; 37)

The eight-pointed form is still considered generally accepted in Orthodoxy. Crosses of just this form hang on the dome of Orthodox churches, are depicted on the covers of sacred books, on icons. Modern pectoral crosses are usually eight-pointed.

four-pointed cross is also historically reliable, and is referred to in the Gospel as "His Cross". It was the four-pointed cross that the Lord carried to Golgotha.

The four-pointed cross in Rus' was called the Roman or Latin cross. The name corresponds to historical realities: the execution of the cross was introduced by the Romans, and the crucifixion of Christ took place on the territory of the Roman Empire. Accordingly, execution by crucifixion and the instrument of execution itself were considered Roman. In the West, to this day, the image of a four-pointed cross is the most common, but compared with others.

Saint Dmitry of Rostov, in the course of a polemic with the Old Believers about which cross is the truest, wrote: “And not according to the number of trees, not according to the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but according to Christ Himself, Whose holy blood was stained. ... any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by the invocation of His most holy name.

Cross Vine known from antiquity. They decorated the tombstones of Christians, liturgical books and utensils. From the tree of the cross comes a branched vine with beautiful, full-bodied racemes and patterned leaves. The symbolism of the cross is based on the words of the Savior: “I am the vine, and you are the branches; whoever abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit” (John 15; 5)

This form of the cross reminds Christians of the need to bear fruit during earthly life, and of the words of Christ "without me you cannot do anything."

A kind of quadrangular cross - petal-shaped cross. Its ends are made in the form of flower petals. This form was often used when painting church buildings, in the vestments of the priesthood, and decorating liturgical utensils. Petal crosses are found in the mosaic of the Kyiv church of Hagia Sophia, the mosaic dates back to the 9th century. Pectoral crosses, both in antiquity and in the modern church, were often made in the form of a petal cross.

shamrock cross It is a four-pointed or six-pointed cross, the ends of which are made in the form of a trefoil - three pointed leaves. Altar crosses of this form are common in Russia. The shamrock cross was included in the coats of arms of many cities of the Russian Empire.

It is known that in Rus' pectoral crosses were made of gold or silver coins. Such a cross had an equilateral, quadrangular shape and rounded ends. He got the name "Moscow Cross", due to the fact that Moscow merchants often wore just such a cross.

You can buy pectoral silver crosses

You can buy baptismal golden crosses

The cross - a symbol of the atoning sacrifice of Christ - not only marks our belonging to Christianity, but through it the saving Grace of God is sent down to us. Therefore he is essential element faith. Whether it is an Old Believer cross or one of those accepted in the official church, they are equally blessed. Their difference is purely external, and is due only to the established tradition. Let's try to figure out what it means.

The departure of the Old Believers from the official church

IN mid-seventeenth century, the Russian Orthodox Church experienced a severe shock caused by the reform carried out by its primate, Patriarch Nikon. Despite the fact that the reform affected only the external ritual side of worship, without touching the main thing - religious dogma, it led to a split, the consequences of which have not been smoothed out to this day.

It is known that, having entered into irreconcilable contradictions with the official church and separated from it, the Old Believers did not long remain a single movement. The disagreements that arose between its religious leaders became the reason that it soon broke up into dozens of groups called "talks" and "accords." Each of them was characterized by its own Old Believer cross.

Features of the Old Believer crosses

How does the Old Believer cross differ from the usual one, which is accepted by the majority of believers? It should be noted here that the concept itself is very conditional, and we can only talk about one or another of its external features accepted in religious tradition. The Old Believer cross, the photo of which is presented at the beginning of the article, is the most common.

This is an eight-pointed cross inside a four-pointed one. This form was widespread in the Russian Orthodox Church in the middle of the 17th century by the time the schism began and was in full accordance with the canonical requirements. It was her schismatics who considered it most appropriate to the concepts of ancient piety.

eight pointed cross

The very same eight-pointed form of the cross cannot be considered an exclusive belonging of the Old Believers. Similar crosses are common, for example, in the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches. The presence in them, in addition to the main horizontal crossbar, two more is explained as follows. The upper one - a small crossbar - should depict a tablet nailed to the top of the cross on which the Savior was crucified. On it, according to the Gospel, there was an abbreviation of the inscription: "Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews."

The lower, inclined crossbar, depicting the footstool of the crucified Christ, is often given a very definite meaning. According to the established tradition, it is considered to be a kind of "measure of righteousness", weighing human sins. Its inclination, in which the right side is raised up and points towards the repentant thief, symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and the acquisition of the Kingdom of God. The left one, lowered down, points to the depths of hell, prepared for the robber who did not repent and blaspheme the Lord.

Pre-reform crosses

Part of the believers who broke away from the official church did not invent anything new in religious symbolism. The schismatics only retained those of its elements that existed before the reform, while refusing any innovations. For example, the cross. Old Believer or not, it is, first of all, a symbol that has existed since the beginning of Christianity, and those external changes that it has undergone over the centuries have not changed its essence.

The most ancient crosses are characterized by the absence of the image of the figure of the Savior. For their creators, only the form itself was important, bearing the symbol of Christianity. This is easy to see in the crosses of the Old Believers. For example, the Old Believer pectoral cross is often performed in just such ancient tradition. However, this is not its difference from ordinary crosses, which also often have a strict, laconic look.

Copper crosses

More significant are the differences between the Old Believer copper-cast crosses belonging to different religious concords.

In them the main hallmark is the pommel - the upper part of the cross. In some cases, it depicts the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and in others - the miraculous image of the Savior or the God of hosts. These are not just different artistic solutions, these are their fundamental canonical principles. Looking at such a cross, a specialist can easily determine its belonging to one or another group of Old Believers.

So, for example, the Old Believer cross of the Pomeranian consent or the Fedoseevsky sense close to them, never bears the image of the Holy Spirit, but it can always be recognized by the image of the Savior Not Made by Hands, placed at the top. If such differences can still be attributed to the established tradition, that is, between agreements and purely fundamental, canonical disagreements in the design of crosses.

Pilate's inscription

Often the reason for disputes is the text of the inscription on the upper, small crossbar. It is known from the Gospel that the inscription on the tablet attached to the cross of the Savior was made by Pontius Pilate, by whose order Christ was crucified. In this regard, the Old Believers have a question: is it worthy that the Orthodox Old Believer cross bear an inscription drawn up by someone who is forever cursed by the church? Its most ardent opponents have always been the Pomors and Fedoseyevs mentioned above.

It is curious that disputes over the "Pilatian inscription" (as the Old Believers call it) began in the first years of the schism. One of the prominent ideologists of the Old Believers, Archdeacon of the Solovetsky Monastery Ignatius, is known for compiling several very voluminous treatises in condemnation of this title, and even filed a petition about this with the sovereign Alexei Mikhailovich himself. In his writings, he proved the inadmissibility of such an inscription and insistently demanded that it be replaced with the abbreviation of the inscription "Jesus Christ the King of Glory." It would seem a minor change, but there was a whole ideology behind it.

The cross is a common symbol for all Christians

Nowadays, when the official church has recognized the legitimacy and equality of the Old Believer Church, in Orthodox churches you can often see the same crosses that used to exist only in schismatic sketes. This is not surprising, since we have one faith, the Lord is one, and it seems incorrect to ask the question of how the Old Believer cross differs from the Orthodox one. They are inherently one and worthy of universal worship, since with minor external differences have common historical roots and equal fertile power.

The Old Believer cross, the difference from the usual one, as we found out, is purely external and insignificant, rarely represents an expensive jewelry. Most often, a certain asceticism is characteristic of him. Even the Old Believer golden cross is not common. For the most part, copper or silver is used for their manufacture. And the reason for this is by no means in economy - there were many rich merchants and industrialists among the Old Believers - but rather in the priority of internal content over external form.

Commonality of Religious Aspirations

The Old Believer cross on the grave is also rarely distinguished by any pretentiousness. Usually it is eight-pointed, with a gable roof installed on top. No frills. In the tradition of the Old Believers, attaching more importance is not appearance graves, but care for the repose of the souls of the departed. This is fully consistent with what the official church teaches us. We all equally pray to God for our relatives, friends and just brothers in faith who have completed their earthly journey.

Long gone are the days of persecution of those who, due to their religious beliefs or due to circumstances, found themselves in the ranks of a movement that got out of the control of the supreme church administration, but nevertheless remained in the bosom of Christ Church. Having officially recognized the Old Believers, the Russian Orthodox Church is constantly looking for ways of even greater rapprochement with our brothers in Christ. And therefore, an Old Believer cross or an icon, painted according to the canons established in the old faith, have become the objects of our religious reverence and worship.

Among all Christians, only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. They decorate the domes of churches, their houses with crosses, they wear them around the neck.

The reason why a person wears pectoral cross, to each his own. Someone thus pays tribute to fashion, for someone the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for someone it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is indeed a symbol of their infinite faith.

Today, shops and church shops offer a wide variety of crosses. various shapes. However, very often, not only parents who are going to baptize a child, but also sales assistants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is actually very simple to distinguish them. In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross, with three nails. In Orthodoxy, there are four-pointed, six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for hands and feet.

cross shape

four-pointed cross

So, in the West, the most common is four-pointed cross. Starting from the III century, when such crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross

For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross does not really matter, much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have received the greatest popularity.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically reliable form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified. The Orthodox cross, which is most often used by the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, contains, in addition to a large horizontal bar, two more. The top symbolizes the plate on the cross of Christ with the inscription " Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews» (INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower slanting crossbar - the support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous measure", weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed to be tilted left side, symbolizing that the repentant thief, crucified on the right side of Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the thief, crucified on the left side, by his blasphemy of Christ, further aggravated his posthumous fate and ended up in hell. The letters IC XC are a Christogram symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov writes that " when Christ the Lord carried a cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was still no title or footstool on it. 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 footstools, finishing it already at Golgotha". Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, at first " crucified him"(John 19:18), and then only" Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross"(John 19:19). It was at first that the soldiers divided “His clothes” by lot. crucified Him"(Matt. 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).

The eight-pointed cross has long been considered the most powerful protective tool against various kinds of evil spirits, as well as visible and invisible evil.

six pointed cross

Widespread among Orthodox believers, especially during Ancient Rus', also had six-pointed cross. It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation by repentance.

However, not in the shape of the cross or the number of ends lies all its power. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and all its symbolism and miraculousness lies in this.

The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. In the words of the Monk Theodore the Studite - “ a cross of every form is a true cross» and has unearthly beauty and life-giving power.

« There is no significant difference between Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, as well as between any other crosses used in the service of Christians. In essence, all crosses are the same, the differences are only in form.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.

crucifixion

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special significance is attached not to the shape of the cross, but to the image of Jesus Christ on it.

Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant, and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.

Yes, we know that Christ died on the cross. But we also know that He later resurrected, and that He suffered voluntarily out of love for people: to teach us to take care of the immortal soul; so that we too can be resurrected and live forever. In the Orthodox Crucifixion, this Paschal joy is always present. Therefore, on the Orthodox cross, Christ does not die, but freely stretches out his hands, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to embrace all of humanity, giving them his love and opening the way to eternal life. He is not a dead body, but God, and his whole image speaks of this.

The Orthodox cross above the main horizontal bar has another, smaller one, which symbolizes the tablet on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words “ Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews» in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic. In Latin in Catholicism, this inscription looks like INRI, and in Orthodoxy - IHCI(or ІНHI, “Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a leg support. It also symbolizes two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them repented of his sins before his death, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.

Above the middle crossbar are the inscriptions: "IC" "XC"- the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA"- Winner.

Greek letters were necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo of the Savior UN, meaning - "Truly Existing", because " God said to Moses: I am who I am”(Ex. 3:14), thus revealing His name, expressing the self-existence, eternity and immutability of the being of God.

In addition, the nails with which the Lord was nailed to the cross were kept in Orthodox Byzantium. And it was precisely known that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, the feet of Christ are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one nail, first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

Orthodox Crucifix Catholic Crucifix

In the Catholic Crucifixion, the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ as dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). It manifests all human suffering, the torment that Jesus had to experience. His arms sag under the weight of his body. The image of Christ on the Catholic cross is plausible, but this image dead man, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy just symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the feet of the Savior are nailed with one nail.

The Significance of the Savior's Death on the Cross

The emergence of the Christian cross is associated with the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, which he accepted on the cross at the forced verdict of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common form of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - the descendants of the Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifixion was first used in Phenicia). Usually thieves were sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this manner.

Roman crucifixion

Before the sufferings of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, he became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God's infinite love, an object of joy. The incarnated Son of God sanctified the cross with His blood and made it a vehicle of His grace, a source of sanctification for believers.

From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement), the idea undoubtedly follows 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 arms calling "to all the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 45:22).

Reading the Gospels, we are convinced that the feat of the Cross of the God-man is the central event in His earthly life. By His sufferings on the Cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, “redeemed” (ransomed) us. In Golgotha ​​lies the incomprehensible mystery of the infinite truth and love of God.

The Son of God voluntarily took upon Himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and most painful death on the cross; then on the third day he rose again as the conqueror of hell and death.

Why was such a terrible Sacrifice needed to cleanse the sins of mankind, and was it possible to save people in another, less painful way?

The Christian doctrine of the death of the God-man on the cross is often a "stumbling block" for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both many Jews and people of the Greek culture of apostolic times seemed contradictory to the assertion that the almighty and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily suffered beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to mankind. " This is impossible!”- some objected; " It is not necessary!' - said others.

The Holy Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians says: Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in the wisdom of the word, so as not to abolish the cross of Christ. For the word about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will put away the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into folly? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God with the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For the Jews also demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks madness, for the very called ones, Jews and Greeks, Christ, God's power and God's wisdom"(1 Cor. 1:17-24).

In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness, is in fact the work of the greatest Divine wisdom and omnipotence. The truth of the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior is the foundation for many other Christian truths, for example, about the sanctification of believers, about the sacraments, about the meaning of suffering, about virtues, about achievement, about the goal of life, about the coming judgment and resurrection of the dead and others.

At the same time, the atoning death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even “seductive for those who perish,” has a regenerating power that the believing heart feels and strives for. Renewed and warmed by this spiritual power, both the last slaves and the most powerful kings bowed with trepidation before Golgotha; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles personal experience became convinced of the great spiritual blessings brought to them by the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior, and they shared this experience with their disciples.

(The mystery of the redemption of mankind is closely connected with a number of important religious and psychological factors. Therefore, in order to understand the mystery of the redemption, it is necessary:

a) to understand what actually is the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;

b) it is necessary to understand how the devil's will, thanks to sin, got the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

c) one must understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love reveals itself most of all in sacrificial service to one's neighbor, then there is no doubt that giving one's life for him is the highest manifestation of love;

d) from understanding strength human love one must rise to the understanding of the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of the believer and transforms his inner world;

e) in addition, in the atoning death of the Savior there is a side that goes beyond the limits of the human world, namely: On the cross there was a battle between God and the proud Dennitsa, in which God, hiding under the guise of weak flesh, emerged victorious. The details of this spiritual battle and Divine victory remain a mystery to us. Even Angels, according to ap. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Pet. 1:12). She is a sealed book that only the Lamb of God could open (Rev. 5:1-7)).

In Orthodox asceticism, there is such a thing as bearing one's cross, that is, the patient fulfillment of Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called "cross." Each bears his life's cross. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: Whoever does not take up his cross (shirks the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), he is not worthy of Me» (Matthew 10:38).

« The cross is the guardian of the whole universe. Cross of the beauty of the Church, Cross of kings orb, Cross true statement, Cross angel glory, Cross devil plague”, - affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

The motives for the outrageous desecration and blasphemy of the Holy Cross by conscious crusaders and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians involved in this heinous deed, it is all the more impossible to be silent, for - according to the words of St. Basil the Great - "God is given up in silence"!

Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross

Thus, there are the following differences Catholic cross from Orthodox:

Catholic cross Orthodox cross

1. Orthodox cross most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. catholic cross- four-pointed.
2. Words on a tablet on the crosses are the same, only written on different languages: latin INRI(in the case of a Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on an Orthodox cross).
3. Another fundamental position is the position of the feet on the Crucifixion and the number of nails. The feet of Jesus Christ are located together on the Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on the Orthodox cross.
4. different is image of the Savior on the cross. On the Orthodox cross, God is depicted, who opened the way to eternal life, and on the Catholic one, a person experiencing torment.

Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak

The history of the appearance of the cross in Orthodoxy is very interesting. This ancient symbol was revered even before the advent of Christianity and had a sacred meaning. What does the Orthodox cross with crossbars mean, what is its mystical and religious meaning? Let's turn to historical sources to learn about all types of crosses and their differences.

The symbol of the cross is used in many world beliefs. Only 2000 years ago it became a symbol of Christianity and acquired the value of a talisman. IN ancient world we meet the symbol of the Egyptian cross with a loop, expressing the divine principle and the principle of life. Carl Gustav Jung refers the emergence of the symbolism of the cross in general to primitive times, when people made fire with the help of two crossed sticks.

Early images of the cross can be found in the most various forms: T, X, + or t. If the cross was depicted as equilateral, it symbolized 4 cardinal points, 4 natural elements or 4 Heavens of Zoroaster. Later, the cross began to be compared with the four seasons of the year. However, all the meanings and types of crosses were somehow correlated with life, death and rebirth.

The mystical meaning of the cross has always been associated with space forces and their flows.

In the Middle Ages, the cross became strongly associated with the death and resurrection of Christ, acquired Christian meaning. The equilateral cross began to express the idea of ​​the divine presence, power and strength. It was joined by an inverted cross as a symbol of the denial of divine authority and adherence to Satanism.

Saint Lazarus Cross

IN Orthodox tradition the cross can be depicted in different ways: from two crossed lines to a complex combination of several crossbars with additional symbols. All types of Orthodox crosses carry the same meaning and meaning - salvation. The eight-pointed cross, which is also common in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and of Eastern Europe. This eight-pointed symbol has a special name - the cross of St. Lazarus. Often this symbol depicts the crucified Christ.

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross is depicted with two transverse bars at the top (the upper one is shorter than the lower one) and the third one is inclined. This crossbar carries the meaning of the foot: the feet of the Savior rest on it. The slope of the foot is always depicted in the same way - the right side is higher than the left. This has a certain symbolism: the right foot of Christ rests on the right side, which is higher than the left. According to Jesus' words, the Last Judgment the righteous will stand by right hand from him, and sinners to the left. That is, the right end of the crossbar symbolizes the path to heaven, and the left end symbolizes the path to the hellish abode.

The small crossbar (upper) symbolizes the tablet above the head of Christ, which was nailed by Pontius Pilate. It was written in three languages: Nazirite, king of the Jews. This is the meaning of the cross with three crossbars in the Orthodox tradition.

cross calvary

There is another image of the eight-pointed Orthodox cross in the monastic tradition - the schema cross of Golgotha. He is depicted above the symbol of Golgotha, on which the crucifixion took place. The symbol of Golgotha ​​is depicted with steps, and under them is a skull with bones. On both sides of the cross, other attributes of the crucifixion can be depicted - a cane, a spear and a sponge. All these attributes have a deep mystical meaning.

For example, a skull with bones symbolizes our ancestors, on whom the sacrificial blood of the Savior was glassed and washed from sins. Thus, the connection of generations is carried out - from Adam and Eve to the time of Christ. It also symbolizes connection. Old Testament with New.

A spear, a cane and a sponge are another symbol of the tragedy at Calvary. The Roman warrior Longinus pierced the ribs of the Savior with a spear, from which blood and water flowed. This symbolizes the birth of the church of Christ, like the birth of Eve from Adam's rib.

Seven-pointed cross

This symbol has two crossbars - the top and the foot. The foot has a deep mystical meaning in Christianity, as it binds both testaments - the Old and the New. He mentions the foot prophet Isaiah(Is. 60, 13), a psalmist in Psalm No. 99, you can also read about him in the book of Exodus (see: Ex. 30, 28). The seven-pointed cross can be seen on the domes of Orthodox churches.

Seven-pointed Orthodox cross - image:

Six-pointed cross

What does the six-pointed cross mean? In this symbol, the lower sloping crossbar symbolizes the following: the raised end has the meaning of liberation through repentance, and the lowered one means unrepentant sin. This form of the cross was common in ancient times.

Cross with crescent

On the domes of churches you can see a cross with a crescent at the bottom. What does this church cross mean, does it have a connection with Islam? The crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, from where the Orthodox faith came to us. There are several different versions of the origin of this symbol.

• The crescent symbolizes the manger in which the Savior was born in Bethlehem.
• The crescent symbolizes the cup in which the body of the Savior was.
• The crescent symbolizes the sail under which the ship of the church sails to the kingdom of God.

Which version is correct is not known. We know only one thing, that the crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, and after its fall it became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.

The difference between the Orthodox cross and the Catholic

With the acquisition of the faith of their ancestors, many newly minted Christians do not know the main differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox. Let's designate them:

• There is always more than one crossbar on an Orthodox cross.
• In the Catholic eight-pointed cross, all the crossbars are parallel to each other, and in the Orthodox, the lower one is oblique.
• The face of the Savior on the Orthodox cross does not express torment.
• The legs of the Savior on the Orthodox cross are closed, on the Catholic one they are depicted one above the other.

The image of Christ on the Catholic and Orthodox cross attracts special attention. On the Orthodox we see the Savior, who gave mankind the way to eternal life. On the Catholic cross is depicted dead man who endured terrible suffering.

If you know these differences, you can easily determine whether the symbol of the Christian cross belongs to a particular church.

Despite the variety of forms and symbols of the cross, its strength lies not in the number of ends or the crucifix depicted on them, but in repentance and faith in salvation. Any cross carries life-giving power.

During Baptism, each person wears a pectoral cross. For the rest of your life, it must be worn on your chest. Believers note that the cross is not a mascot or dyeing. It is a symbol of commitment to Orthodox faith and God. It helps in difficulties and troubles, strengthens the spirit. When wearing a cross, the main thing is to remember its meaning. Putting it on, a person promises to endure all trials and live according to God's commandments.

It is worth noting that the pectoral cross is considered a sign that a person is a believer. Those who did not join the church, that is, were not baptized, should not wear it. Also, according to church tradition, only priests can wear it over clothes (they put it on over a cassock). All other believers are not allowed to do this and it is believed that those who wear it over their clothes show off their faith and put it on display. A Christian is not befitting such a display of pride. Also, believers are not allowed to wear a cross in their ear, on a bracelet, in a pocket or on a bag. Some people argue that only Catholics can wear four-pointed crosses, allegedly Orthodox are forbidden. In fact, this statement is false. Orthodox Church recognizes today different types crosses (photo 1).

This means that the Orthodox can wear a four-pointed, eight-pointed cross. It may or may not show the crucifixion of the Savior. But what to avoid Orthodox Christian, so this is an image of the crucifixion with a very extreme realism. That is, the details of the sufferings on the cross, the sagging body of Christ. Such an image is typical for Catholicism (photo 2).

It is also worth noting that the material from which the cross is made can be absolutely any. It all depends on the wishes of the person. For example, silver is not suitable for some people, because it does not immediately blacken the body. Then it is better for them to refuse such material and make a choice in favor of, for example, gold. In addition, the church does not prohibit wearing crosses. large sizes, inlaid with expensive stones. But, conversely, some believers believe that such a demonstration of luxury is not at all compatible with faith (photo 3).

The cross must be consecrated in the church if it was bought in a jewelry store. Usually the consecration takes a couple of minutes. If he is bought in a shop that works at the church, then you should not worry about this, he will already be consecrated. Also, the church does not prohibit wearing crosses that were inherited from a deceased relative. There is no need to be afraid that in this way he will "inherit" the fate of his relative. In the Christian faith, there is no idea of ​​an inevitable fate (photo 4).

So, as already said, Catholic Church recognizes only the four-pointed form of the cross. Orthodox, in turn, is more lenient and recognizes the six-pointed, four-pointed and eight-pointed forms. It is considered that more correct form, yet eight-pointed, with two additional partitions. One should be at the head, and the second for the legs (photo 5).

It is better for small children not to buy pectoral crosses with stones. At this age, they all try to try, they can bite off a pebble and swallow it. We have already noted that the Savior does not have to be on the cross. Also, the Orthodox cross differs from the Catholic one in the number of nails for the legs and arms. So, in the Catholic creed there are three, and in the Orthodox - four (photo 6).

Note that in addition to the crucified Savior, the face of the Virgin Mary, the image of Christ the Almighty, can be depicted on the cross. Various ornaments can also be depicted. All this does not contradict faith (photo 7).