The meaning of the Orthodox cross. Cross

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

The reason why a person wears pectoral cross, everyone has their own. Some pay tribute to fashion in this way, for some the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for others it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is truly a symbol of their endless faith.

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

Cross shape

Four-pointed cross

So, in the West the most common is four-pointed cross . Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross is not particularly important, much more more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, but the eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses are the most popular.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate 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 crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous standard" weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left, symbolizing that the repentant thief crucified according to right side from Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the thief, crucified on the left side, with 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 the cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was still no title or foot on it. There was no foot, because Christ had not yet been raised on the cross and the soldiers did not know where their feet would reach Christ's, did not attach the footstools, having finished it already on Golgotha". Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first “they crucified Him” (John 19:18), and then only “Pilate wrote the inscription and put it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was first that the soldiers who “crucified Him” divided “His clothes” by lot (Matthew 27:35), and only then “They placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”(Matt. 27:37).

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

Six-pointed cross

Widespread among Orthodox believers, especially in times 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 through repentance.

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

The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. According to the expression of the Monk Theodore the Studite - “The cross of every form is the true cross” Andhas unearthly beauty and life-giving power.

“There is no significant difference between the Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, or between any other crosses used in Christian services. In essence, all crosses are the same, the only differences are in shape.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.

Crucifixion

In Catholic and Orthodox Churches special meaning is given 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 arms, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to hug all 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 has another, smaller one above the main horizontal crossbar, which symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words appeared on the tablet "Jesus the Nazarene 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 INHI, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a support for the legs. It also symbolizes the two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them, before his death, repented of his sins, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.

The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS" - 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 existent”, because “God said to Moses: I am who I am.”(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the originality, 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 known for sure that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, Christ’s feet are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.


Orthodox Crucifix	Catholic Crucifix

IN 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 reveals 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 person, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the Savior's feet are nailed with one nail.

Meaning death on the cross Savior

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

Before the suffering of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of the endless God's love, a subject of joy. The incarnate 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) undoubtedly follows the idea that the death of the Lord is a ransom for all , the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched hands calling “to all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 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. With His suffering on the cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, “redeemed” (ransomed) us. The incomprehensible secret of the infinite truth and love of God is hidden in Calvary.

The Son of God voluntarily took upon himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and 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 teaching about the death of the God-man on the cross is often a “stumbling block” for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both to many Jews and to the people of the Greek culture of apostolic times, it seemed contradictory to assert that the omnipotent and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily endured beatings, spitting and shameful death, so that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to humanity. "This is impossible!"- some objected; "It is not necessary!"- others argued.

St. Apostle Paul in his letter 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 make the cross of Christ abolish. For the word of 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 the understanding of the understanding I will reject. Where is the wise man? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this age? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For even the Jews demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, but to those who are called, both 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 a matter 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 feat, about the purpose of life, about the upcoming 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 “tempting for those who are perishing,” 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 in awe before Calvary; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles personal experience They were convinced of the great spiritual benefits that the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, 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, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:

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

b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

c) we need to understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love most of all reveals itself 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 the power of human love, one must rise to understanding the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of a believer and transforms his inner world;

e) in addition, in the atoning death of the Savior there is a side that goes beyond 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 St. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Peter 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 concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called the “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. About the need personal feat The Lord said this: “Whoever does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. Cross the beauty of the Church, Cross of the kings power, Cross true statement"The Cross is an angel's glory, The Cross is a demon's plague"- states absolute Truth 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 cross-haters and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians drawn into this vile business, it is all the more impossible to remain silent, for - in the words of St. Basil the Great - “God is betrayed by silence”!

Differences between Catholic and Orthodox crosses

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

most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.

Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written on different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).

Another fundamental position is position of the feet on the Crucifix and number of nails . The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.

What is different is image of the Savior on the cross . The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the path to eternal life, while the Catholic cross depicts a man experiencing torment.

Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak

The ankh is a symbol known as the Egyptian cross, the looped cross, the crux ansata, the "cross with a handle." Ankh is a symbol of immortality. Unites the cross (symbol of life) and the circle (symbol of eternity). Its form can be interpreted as the rising sun, as the unity of opposites, as the male and female principles.
The Ankh symbolizes the union of Osiris and Isis, the union of earth and sky. The sign was used in hieroglyphs, it was part of the words “welfare” and “happiness”.
The symbol was applied to amulets in order to prolong life on earth; they were buried with it, guaranteeing life in another world. The key that opens the gate of death looks like an ankh. In addition, amulets with the image of an ankh helped with infertility.
Ankh is a magical symbol of wisdom. It can be found in many images of deities and priests from the time of the Egyptian pharaohs.
It was believed that this symbol could save from floods, so it was depicted on the walls of canals.
Later, the ankh was used by sorceresses for sorcery, fortune-telling, and healing.

CELTIC CROSS

Celtic cross, sometimes called Jonah's cross or round cross. The circle symbolizes both the sun and eternity. This cross, which appeared in Ireland before the 8th century, may be derived from "Chi-Rho", a monogram of the first two letters of the name of Christ written in Greek. Often this cross is decorated with carved figures, animals and biblical scenes, such as the Fall of man or the sacrifice of Isaac.

LATIN CROSS

The Latin cross is the most common Christian religious symbol in the Western world. According to tradition, it is believed that it was from this cross that Christ was taken down, hence its other name - the cross of the Crucifixion. The cross is usually untreated wood, but is sometimes overlaid with gold to symbolize glory, or with red spots (the blood of Christ) on green (the Tree of Life).
This form, so similar to a man with outstretched arms, symbolized God in Greece and China long before the advent of Christianity. The cross rising from the heart symbolized kindness among the Egyptians.

CROSS OF BOTTONNI

A cross with clover leaves, called the "bottonni cross" in heraldry. The clover leaf is a symbol of the Trinity, and the cross expresses the same idea. It is also used to refer to the resurrection of Christ.

PETER'S CROSS

The Cross of St. Peter has been one of the symbols of St. Peter since the 4th century, who is believed to have been crucified head down in 65 AD. during the reign of Emperor Nero in Rome.
Some Catholics use this cross as a symbol of submission, humility and unworthiness in comparison to Christ.
The inverted cross is sometimes associated with Satanists who use it.

RUSSIAN CROSS

Russian cross, also called "Eastern" or "Cross of St. Lazarus", a symbol of the Orthodox Church in the eastern Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and Russia. The upper of the three cross bars is called the "titulus", where the name was written, as in the "Patriarchal Cross". The bottom crossbar symbolizes the footrest.

CROSS OF PEACE

The Peace Cross is a symbol developed by Gerald Holtom in 1958 for the emerging Nuclear Disarmament Movement. For this symbol, Holtom was inspired by the semaphore alphabet. He made a cross of her symbols for "N" (nuclear) and "D" (disarmament), and placed them in a circle, symbolizing global agreement. The symbol came to public attention after the first protest march from London to the Berkshire Nuclear Research Center on April 4, 1958. This cross soon became one of the most common symbols of the 60s, symbolizing both peace and anarchy.

SWASTIKA

The swastika is one of the oldest and, since the twentieth century, the most controversial symbols.
The name comes from the Sanskrit words "su" ("good") and "asti" ("being"). The symbol is ubiquitous and is most often associated with the Sun. Swastika - sun wheel.
The swastika is a symbol of rotation around a fixed center. The rotation from which life arises. In China, the swastika (Lei-Wen) once symbolized the cardinal directions, and then acquired the meaning of ten thousand (the number of infinity). Sometimes the swastika was called the “seal of the heart of Buddha.”
The swastika was believed to bring happiness, but only when its ends were bent clockwise. If the ends are bent counterclockwise, then the swastika is called sauswastika and has a negative effect.
The swastika is one of the early symbols of Christ. In addition, the swastika was a symbol of many gods: Zeus, Helios, Hera, Artemis, Thor, Agni, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and many others.
In the Masonic tradition, the swastika is a symbol of averting evil and misfortune.
In the twentieth century, the swastika acquired new meaning, the swastika or Hakenkreuz ("hooked cross") became a symbol of Nazism. Since August 1920, the swastika began to be used on Nazi banners, cockades, and armbands. In 1945, all forms of swastikas were banned by the Allied occupation authorities.

CROSS OF CONSTANTINE

The Cross of Constantine is a monogram known as "Chi-Rho", shaped like an X (the Greek letter "chi") and P ("rho"), the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek.
Legend has it that it was this cross that Emperor Constantine saw in the sky on his way to Rome to see his co-ruler and at the same time enemy Maxentius. Along with the cross, he saw the inscription In hoc vinces - “with this you will win.” According to another legend, he saw a cross in a dream the night before the battle, and the emperor heard a voice: In hoc signo vinces (with this sign you will win). Both legends claim that it was this prediction that converted Constantine to Christianity. He made the monogram his emblem, placing it on his labarum, the imperial standard, instead of the eagle. The subsequent victory at the Milvian Bridge near Rome on October 27, 312 made him sole emperor. Afterwards an edict was issued allowing confession Christian religion in the empire, believers were no longer persecuted, and this monogram, which Christians had previously used secretly, became the first generally accepted symbol of Christianity, and also became widely known as a sign of victory and salvation.

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

The reason why a person wears a cross is different for everyone. Some pay tribute to fashion in this way, for some the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for others it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is truly a symbol of their endless faith.

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

Cross shape

Four-pointed cross

So, in the West the most common is four-pointed cross. Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross is not particularly important; much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have gained the most popularity.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate 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 crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous standard" weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left, 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.

Since ancient times, the eight-pointed cross has 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 the times of Ancient Rus', was also six-pointed cross. It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation through repentance.

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

Crucifixion

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special importance 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 arms, Jesus’ palms are open, as if he wants to hug all 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 following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS"- the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" — Winner.

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 reveals 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 it is an image of a dead man, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the Savior's feet are nailed with one nail.

The meaning 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 under the forced sentence of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - descendants of Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifixion was first used in Phenicia). Thieves were usually sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this way.

Before the suffering of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God’s endless love, and an object of joy. The incarnate 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) undoubtedly follows the idea that the death of the Lord is a ransom for all, the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched hands calling “to all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 45:22).

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 teaching about the death of the God-man on the cross is often a “stumbling block” for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both to many Jews and people of Greek culture of apostolic times, it seemed contradictory to assert that the omnipotent and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily endured beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to humanity. "This is impossible!"- some objected; "It is not necessary!"- others argued.

At the same time, the atoning death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even “tempting for those who are perishing,” 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 in awe before Calvary; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were convinced by personal experience of what great spiritual benefits the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, 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, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:

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

b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

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

In Orthodox asceticism there is such a concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called the “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: “Whoever does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. The Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross of kings is the power, the Cross is the affirmation of the faithful, the Cross is the glory of an angel, the Cross is a plague of demons,”— affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

Differences between Catholic and Orthodox crosses

Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one:

most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.

Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).

Another fundamental position is position of the feet on the Crucifix and number of nails. The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.

What is different is image of the Savior on the cross. The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the path to eternal life, while the Catholic cross depicts a man experiencing torment.

Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak

The cross is a whole complex of symbolic meanings. It is very important to correctly understand all the signs, all the images and inscriptions on it.

Cross and Savior

The most important symbol is, of course, the cross itself. The custom of wearing a cross arose only in the 4th century; before that, Christians wore medallions depicting a lamb - a sacrificial lamb, symbolizing the self-sacrifice of the Savior. There were also medallions depicting the crucifixion.

The cross - the image of the instrument of death of the Savior - became a natural continuation of this tradition.

Initially there were no signs on the body, only a plant one. It symbolized the Tree of Life, which Adam lost and Jesus Christ returned to people.

In the 11th-13th centuries. on the crosses an image of the Savior appears, but not crucified, but seated on a throne. This emphasizes the image of Christ as the King of the Universe, to whom “all authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given.”

But even in earlier eras, crosses with the image of the crucified Savior occasionally appear. This had a special meaning in the context of the struggle against Monophysitism - the idea of the complete absorption of human nature in the person of Jesus Christ by the Divine nature. In such conditions, the image of the Savior’s death emphasized his human nature. Ultimately, it was the image of the Savior on the pectoral cross that prevailed.

The head of the crucified man is surrounded by a halo - a symbol of holiness - with an inscription on Greek"UN", "Existing". This emphasizes the divine essence of the Savior.

Other signs

At the top of the cross there is an additional crossbar with four letters, which are like “Jesus Christ – King of the Jews.” A tablet with such an inscription was nailed to the cross by order of Pontius Pilate, since many followers of Christ really considered him as a future king. The Roman governor wanted to emphasize the futility of the Jews’ hopes in this way: “Here he is, your king, betrayed to the very shameful execution, and so it will be with everyone who dares to encroach on the power of Rome.” Perhaps it would not be worth remembering this trick of the Roman, much less perpetuating it in pectoral crosses, if the Savior really was not the King, and not only of the Jews, but of the entire universe.

The lower crossbar originally had a utilitarian meaning - supporting the body on the cross. But it also has a symbolic meaning: in Byzantium, from where Christianity came to Rus', a foot was always present in the images of noble and royal persons. Here is the foot of the cross - this is another symbol of the royal dignity of the Savior.

The right end of the crossbar is raised, the left is lowered - this is an allusion to the fate of the thieves crucified with Christ. The one who was crucified on the right repented and went to Paradise, while the other died without repenting. Such a symbol reminds a Christian of the need for repentance, the path to which is open to everyone.

Under the feet of a crucified man is depicted. According to legend, Adama was on Golgotha, where Jesus Christ was crucified. The Savior, as it were, tramples with his feet the skull, symbolizing death - a consequence of the slavery of sin to which Adam doomed humanity. This is a graphic expression of the words from the Easter hymn - “Trample upon death death.”

On back side pectoral cross Usually there is an inscription: “Save and.” This is a small prayer, a Christian’s appeal to God - to protect not only from misfortunes and dangers, but also from temptations and sins.

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

Cross shape

Four-pointed cross

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate 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 the large horizontal crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the “righteous standard” that weighs the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left, 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 the cross on His shoulders, the cross was still four-pointed; because there was no title or foot on it yet. 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 a footstool, having finished this already on Calvary.”. Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first “they crucified Him” (John 19:18), and then only “Pilate wrote the inscription and put it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was first that the soldiers who “crucified Him” divided “His clothes” by lot (Matthew 27:35), and only then “They placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”(Matt. 27:37).

Since ancient times, the eight-pointed cross has 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 the times of Ancient Rus', was also six-pointed cross . It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation through repentance.

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

Crucifixion

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special importance 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 arms, Jesus’ palms are open, as if he wants to hug all 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 following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS" - the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" - Winner.

The meaning of the Savior's death on the cross

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

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 teaching about the death of the God-man on the cross is often a “stumbling block” for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both to many Jews and people of Greek culture of apostolic times, it seemed contradictory to assert that the omnipotent and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily endured beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to humanity. "This is impossible!"- some objected; "It is not necessary!"- others argued.

St. Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says: “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 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 destroy the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this century? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For both the Jews demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.”(1 Cor. 1:17-24).

At the same time, the atoning death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even “tempting for those who are perishing,” 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 in awe before Calvary; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were convinced by personal experience of what great spiritual benefits the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, 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, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:

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

b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

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

In Orthodox asceticism there is such a concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: “He who does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. The Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross of kings is the power, the Cross is the affirmation of the faithful, the Cross is the glory of an angel, the Cross is a plague of demons,”- affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

Differences between Catholic and Orthodox crosses

Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one:

most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.
Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).
Another fundamental position is position of the feet on the Crucifix and number of nails . The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.
What is different is image of the Savior on the cross . The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the path to eternal life, while the Catholic cross depicts a man experiencing torment.

The meaning of the Orthodox cross. Cross

Cross and Savior

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