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 IR, everyone has their own. Some people pay tribute to fashion in this way, for others the cross is beautiful jewel, it brings good luck to someone 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 churches offer big variety 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 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 in left side, 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” AndIt has 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 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 dead body, and God and his whole image speaks about 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.
The Savior was necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo greek letters 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.
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 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 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 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 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, the power of God 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 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. 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.
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 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 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.
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 the most important 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 is expressed in.
The departure of the Old Believers from the official church
IN mid-17th century 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 schism, 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 remain a single movement for long. The disagreements that arose between its religious leaders caused it to soon split into dozens of groups called “talks” and “concords.” Each of them was characterized by its own Old Believer cross.
Features of Old Believer crosses
How does the Old Believer cross differ from the usual one, the one 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 adopted 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 at the time of the schism and was in full accordance with canonical requirements. It was her that the schismatics considered most consistent with the concepts of ancient piety.
Eight-pointed cross
The eight-pointed shape of the cross itself cannot be considered an exclusive property 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, of two more is explained as follows. The top 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 Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
The lower, inclined crossbar, depicting the footrest of the crucified Christ, is often given full certain meaning. According to established tradition, it is considered to be a kind of “standard of righteousness” that weighs human sins. Its tilt, 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, indicates the depths of hell, prepared for the unrepentant thief who blasphemed the Lord.
Pre-reform crosses
The part of believers that broke away from the official church did not invent anything new in religious symbolism. The schismatics only preserved those elements of it that existed before the reform, while refusing any innovations. For example, a cross. Whether it is Old Believer or not, it is, first of all, a symbol that has existed since the beginning of Christianity, and the external changes that it has undergone over the centuries have not changed its essence.
The most ancient crosses are characterized by the absence of an image of the figure of the Savior. For their creators, only the form itself, which carried the symbol of Christianity, was important. This is easy to notice in the crosses of the Old Believers. For example, the Old Believer pectoral cross is often performed in exactly this way ancient tradition. However, this does not distinguish it from ordinary crosses, which also often have a strict, laconic appearance.
Copper cast crosses
More significant are the differences between Old Believer copper-cast crosses belonging to different religious denominations.
The main thing in them distinctive feature is the top - top part cross. In some cases it depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove, and in others - miraculous image Savior or 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 whether it belongs to one or another group of Old Believers.
So, for example, the Old Believer cross of the Pomeranian Concord or the Fedoseevsky type, which is 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 an established tradition, then there are 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 for the Orthodox Old Believer cross to bear an inscription written by one who is forever cursed by the church? Its most ardent opponents have always been the above-mentioned Pomeranians and Fedoseevites.
It is curious that disputes over the “Pilate 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 having compiled several very voluminous treatises condemning this title, and even submitted a petition about this to the sovereign Alexei Mikhailovich himself. In his writings, he argued that such an inscription was inadmissible and urgently demanded that it be replaced with the abbreviation of the inscription “Jesus Christ King of Glory.” It would seem like a minor change, but there was a whole ideology behind it.
The cross is a common symbol for all Christians
These days when official church recognized the legitimacy and equality of the Old Believer Church, in Orthodox churches you can often see the same crosses that previously existed only in schismatic monasteries. This is not surprising, since we have one faith, the Lord is one, and asking the question of how the Old Believer cross differs from the Orthodox cross seems incorrect. They are essentially united and worthy of universal worship, since with minor external differences have common historical roots and equal beneficial power.
The Old Believer cross, the difference from the usual one, as we found out, is purely external and insignificant, is rarely an expensive jewelry. Most often, he is characterized by a certain asceticism. Even the Old Believer golden cross is not common. Most of them are made from copper or silver. And the reason for this is not at all in economy - among the Old Believers there were many wealthy merchants and industrialists - but rather in the priority of internal content over external form.
Community of religious aspirations
The Old Believer cross on the grave is also rarely distinguished by any pretentiousness. It is usually eight-pointed, with a gable roof installed on top. No frills. In the tradition of the Old Believers, attaching greater importance is not appearance graves, but to care for the repose of the souls of the deceased. This is fully consistent with what the official church teaches us. We all equally pray to God for our relatives, loved ones and simply brothers in faith who have completed their earthly journey.
Long gone are the days of persecution of those who, due to their religious views or due to prevailing circumstances, found themselves in the ranks of a movement that was beyond the control of the supreme church administration, but nevertheless remained in the fold. Christ Church. Having officially recognized the Old Believers, the Russian Orthodox Church is constantly looking for ways to become even closer to our brothers in Christ. And therefore, the Old Believer cross or the icon, painted according to the canons established in the old faith, became fully objects of our religious veneration and worship.
In Christianity, the veneration of the cross belongs to Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The symbolic figure adorns the domes of churches, houses, icons and other church paraphernalia. The Orthodox cross has great value for believers, emphasizing their endless commitment to religion. No less interesting is the history of the appearance of the symbol, where the variety of forms allows one to reflect the depth of Orthodox culture.
The history and significance of the Orthodox cross
Many people perceive the cross as a symbol of Christianity. Initially, the figure symbolized the murder weapon in the executions of Jews during the times of Ancient Rome. Criminals and Christians who had been persecuted since the reign of Nero were executed in this way. This type of killing was practiced in ancient times by the Phoenicians and migrated through the Carthaginian colonists to the Roman Empire.
When Jesus Christ was crucified on a stake, the attitude towards the sign changed in positive side. The death of the Lord was the atonement for the sins of the human race and the recognition of all nations. His sufferings covered people's debts to the Father God.
Jesus carried a simple crosshair up the mountain, then the foot was attached by the soldiers when it became clear to what level Christ’s feet reached. At the top there was a sign with the inscription: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews,” nailed by order of Pontius Pilate. From that moment on, the eight-pointed shape of the Orthodox cross was born.
Any believer, seeing the holy crucifix, involuntarily thinks about the martyrdom of the Savior, accepted as deliverance from the eternal death of mankind after the fall of Adam and Eve. The Orthodox cross carries an emotional and spiritual load, the image of which appears to the inner gaze of the believer. As Saint Justin stated: “The cross is the great symbol of the power and authority of Christ.” In Greek, "symbol" means "connection" or manifestation of an invisible reality through naturalness.
The inculcation of symbolic images became difficult during the time of the Jews with the emergence of the New Testament church in Palestine. At that time adherence to traditions was revered and images considered as idolatry were prohibited. As the number of Christians increased, the influence of the Jewish worldview decreased. In the first centuries after the execution of the Lord, followers of Christianity were persecuted and performed rituals in secret. The oppressed situation, the lack of protection of the state and the church directly affected the symbolism and worship.
Symbols reflected the dogmas and formulas of the Sacraments, contributed to the expression of the word and were the sacred language of transmitting faith and defending church teaching. That is why the cross was of great importance for Christians, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and bestowing eternal light of life over the darkness of hell.
How the cross is depicted: features of external manifestation
There are different designs for crucifixes where you can see simple shapes with straight lines or complex geometric figures, complemented by a variety of symbolism. The religious load of all structures is the same, only the external design differs.
In the Mediterranean eastern countries, Russia, in eastern Europe they adhere to the eight-pointed form of the crucifix - Orthodox. Its other name is “The Cross of St. Lazarus.”
The crosshair consists of a small upper crossbar, a large lower crossbar and an inclined foot. The vertical crossbar, located at the bottom of the pillar, was intended to support the feet of Christ. The direction of the crossbar's tilt does not change: the right end is higher than the left. This situation means that on the day Last Judgment the righteous will rise right hand, and sinners are on the left. The kingdom of heaven is given to the righteous, as evidenced by the right corner raised upward. Sinners are cast into the depths of hell - the left end indicates.
For Orthodox symbols The monogram is characteristically inscribed mainly at the ends of the middle crosshair - IC and XC, indicating the name of Jesus Christ. Moreover, the inscriptions are located under the middle crossbar - “Son of God”, then in Greek NIKA - translated as “winner”.
The small crossbar contains an inscription with a tablet made by order of Pontius Pilate, and contains the abbreviation Inzi (ІНЦІ - in Orthodoxy), and Inri (INRI - in Catholicism), - this is how the words “Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews” are designated. The eight-pointed display conveys with great certainty the instrument of Jesus’ death.
Rules of construction: proportions and sizes
Classic version of the eight-pointed crosshair is built in the correct harmonious proportion, which consists in the fact that everything embodied by the Creator is perfect. The construction is based on the law of the golden ratio, which is based on perfection human body and it sounds like this: the result of dividing a person’s height by the distance from the navel to the feet is equal to 1.618, and coincides with the result obtained from dividing the height by the distance from the navel to the top of the head. A similar ratio of proportions is contained in many things, including the Christian cross, the photo of which is an example of construction according to the law of the golden ratio.
The drawn crucifix fits into a rectangle, its sides are adjusted to the rules of the golden ratio - height divided by width equals 1.618. Another feature is that the span of a person’s arms is equal to his height, so a figure with outstretched arms is harmoniously contained in a square. Thus, the size of the middle intersection corresponds to the span of the Savior’s arms and is equal to the distance from the crossbar to the beveled foot and is characteristic of the height of Christ. Anyone planning to write a cross or apply a vector pattern should take these rules into account.
Pectoral crosses in Orthodoxy are considered to be those worn under clothing, closer to the body. It is not recommended to display the symbol of faith in public by wearing it over clothing. Church products have an eight-pointed shape. But there are crosses without upper and lower crossbars - four-pointed ones, these are also allowed to be worn.
The canonical version looks like eight-pointed products with or without an image of the Savior in the center. The custom of wearing church crosses made of different material, arose in the first half of the 4th century. Initially, it was customary for followers of the Christian faith to wear not crosses, but medallions with the image of the Lord.
During periods of persecution from the middle of the 1st century to the beginning of the 4th century, there were martyrs who expressed a desire to suffer for Christ and applied crosshairs to their foreheads. Using their distinctive sign, volunteers were quickly identified and martyred. Becoming Christian religion introduced the wearing of crucifixes into the custom, and then they were introduced into installation on the roofs of churches.
The variety of forms and types of the cross does not contradict the Christian religion. It is believed that every manifestation of the symbol is a true cross, carrying life-giving power and heavenly beauty. To understand what they are Orthodox crosses, types and meaning, let's look at the main types of design:
In Orthodoxy highest value is paid not so much to the form as to the image on the product. Six-pointed and eight-pointed figures are more common.
Six-pointed Russian Orthodox cross
On a crucifix, the inclined lower crossbar acts as a measuring scale, assessing the life of each person and his internal state. The figure has been used in Rus' since ancient times. The six-pointed worship cross, introduced by Princess Euphrosyne of Polotsk, dates back to 1161. The sign was used in Russian heraldry as part of the coat of arms of the Kherson province. The miraculous power of the crucified Christ lay in the number of its ends.
Eight-pointed cross
The most common type is a symbol of the Orthodox Russian Church. It is called differently - Byzantine. The eight-pointed shape was formed after the act of crucifixion of the Lord; before that, the shape was equilateral. A special feature is the lower foot, in addition to the two upper horizontal ones.
Together with the Creator, two more criminals were executed, one of whom began to mock the Lord, hinting that if Christ is true, then he is obliged to save them. Another condemned man objected to him that they were real criminals, and Jesus was falsely convicted. The defender was on the right hand, so the left end of the foot was raised upward, symbolizing eminence above other criminals. The right side of the crossbar is lowered as a sign of humiliation of the others before the justice of the words of the defender.
Greek cross
Also called "Korsunchik" Old Russian. Traditionally used in Byzantium, it is considered one of the oldest Russian crucifixes. Tradition says that Prince Vladimir was baptized in Korsun, from where he took the crucifix and installed it on the banks of the Dnieper Kievan Rus. The four-pointed image has been preserved to this day in the St. Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv, where it is carved on a marble slab for the burial of Prince Yaroslav, who was the son of St. Vladimir.
Maltese cross
Refers to the officially accepted symbolic crucifix of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem on the island of Malta. The movement openly opposed Freemasonry, and, according to some information, participated in organizing the murder of Pavel Petrovich, the Russian Emperor who patronized the Maltese. Figuratively, the cross is represented by equilateral rays expanding at the ends. Awarded for military merit and courage.
The figure contains the Greek letter "Gamma" and resembles in appearance the ancient Indian sign of the swastika, meaning the highest being, bliss. First depicted by Christians in the Roman catacombs. It was often used to decorate church utensils, gospels, and was embroidered on the clothes of Byzantine church servants.
The symbol was widespread in the culture of the ancient Iranians and Aryans, and was often found in China and Egypt during the Paleolithic era. The swastika was revered in many areas of the Roman Empire and ancient Slavic pagans. The sign was depicted on rings, jewelry, and rings, signifying fire or the sun. The swastika was churched by Christianity and many ancient pagan traditions were reinterpreted. In Rus', the image of the swastika was used in the decoration of church objects, ornaments and mosaics.
What does the cross on church domes mean?
Domed crosses with a crescent decorated cathedrals since ancient times. One of these was the Cathedral of St. Sophia of Vologda, built in 1570. In the pre-Mongol period, an eight-pointed form of a dome was often found, under the crossbar of which there was a crescent moon turned upside down by its horns.
There are various explanations for such symbolism. The most famous concept is compared to a ship's anchor, which is considered a symbol of salvation. In another version, the moon is symbolized by the font in which the temple is clothed.
The meaning of the month is interpreted in different ways:
- The Bethlehem font that received the infant Christ.
- Eucharistic cup containing the body of Christ.
- Church ship, led by Christ.
- The serpent trampled under the cross and placed at the feet of the Lord.
Many people are concerned about the question - what is the difference between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one. In fact, it is quite easy to distinguish them. Catholicism has a four-pointed cross, on which the hands and feet of the Savior are crucified with three nails. A similar display appeared in the 3rd century in the Roman catacombs, but still remains popular.
Features:
Over the past millennia, the Orthodox cross has invariably protected the believer, being a talisman against evil visible and invisible forces. The symbol is a reminder of the Lord’s sacrifice for salvation and the manifestation of love for humanity.
Behind centuries-old history Christianity masters church art Many forms and varieties of the cross were created. Today, historians know more than thirty types of designs of the Christian cross. Each of the forms carries a deep, symbolic meaning; there has never been anything random or arbitrary in Christian symbols. They were widespread in Russian Orthodoxy, and are now found most often, the following types: eight-pointed, four-pointed, trefoil, petal, Moscow, grapevine cross, Let's dwell on them in more detail.
Eight-pointed cross most fully corresponds to the actual historical truth. The cross acquired its completed, eight-pointed shape after the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on it. Ancient historians write about this: St. Justin the Philosopher, Tertullian and others. Before the crucifixion, when the Lord carried the cross to Calvary on His shoulders, the cross had four points. The lower, oblique crossbar and the upper, short one, were made by soldiers immediately after the crucifixion.
The lower crossbar represents the stool that the soldiers attached to the cross, “when it became clear to what place Christ’s feet would reach.” The top 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” (Matthew 27 ; 37)
The eight-pointed form is still considered generally accepted in Orthodoxy. Crosses of exactly this shape hang on the dome Orthodox churches, are depicted on the covers of sacred books and on icons. Modern pectoral crosses are usually eight-pointed in shape.
Four-pointed cross is also historically reliable, and is called “His cross” in the Gospel. It was the four-pointed cross that the Lord carried to Calvary.
The four-pointed cross in Rus' was called the Roman or Latin cross. The name corresponds to historical realities: execution on 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 most common, but compared to others.
Saint Dmitry of Rostov, during a polemic with the Old Believers about which cross is the truest, wrote: “And not by the number of trees, not by the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but by Christ Himself, whose most holy blood was stained. ... any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by invoking His most holy name.”
Cross Vine known since antiquity. They decorated the tombstones of Christians, liturgical books and utensils. From the tree of the cross comes a branching vine with beautiful, full-bodied tassels 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; He who 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 can do nothing.”
A type 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 vestments of the priesthood, and decorating liturgical utensils. Petal crosses are found in the mosaic of the Kyiv Church of St. Sophia, the mosaic dates back to the 9th century. Pectoral crosses, both in ancient times and in modern church, often made in the form of a petal cross.
Trefoil cross is a four-pointed or six-pointed cross, the ends of which are made in the shape of a trefoil - three pointed leaves. Altar crosses of this shape are common in Russia. The trefoil 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 from gold or silver coins. This cross had an equilateral, quadrangular shape and rounded ends. It got the name "Moscow cross", due to the fact that Moscow merchants often wore just such a cross.
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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 people pay tribute to fashion in this way, for others 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.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross
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 of Nazareth, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - the 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, finishing this already on 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 placed it on the cross"(John 19:19). It was at first that the soldiers divided “His garments” by lot. those who crucified Him"(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.
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 Studite - “ a cross of any form is a true cross"and has 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 the shape“says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
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 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 “ 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 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" "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 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 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.
Roman crucifixion
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).
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 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 stated.
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 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, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks foolishness, but for those who are called, Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God"(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 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;
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 “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"(Matthew 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.
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 - according to the words of St. Basil the Great - “God is betrayed by silence”!
Differences between Catholic and Orthodox crosses
Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one:
Catholic cross Orthodox cross
- Orthodox cross most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. Catholic cross- 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
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