The word about the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).
The cross is a Christian's weapon! The shining Cross with the inscription “By this victory” appeared to Emperor Constantine, who, by the will of God, built a banner, transferring the seen sign there. And indeed “Sim won”! In honor of Suvorov's crossing of the Alps, a granite cross twelve meters long was carved into the mountains.
It is impossible to imagine the history of mankind without the cross. Architecture (and not only temple architecture), painting, music (for example, “Carrying the Cross” by J.S. Bach), even medicine (the Red Cross), all aspects of culture and human life are permeated with the cross.
It is wrong to think that the cross appeared with Christianity. In many Old Testament events we see the mark of the cross. St. John of Damascus: “The Tree of Life, planted by God in Paradise, prefigured this Honest Cross. For since death entered through the tree, it was necessary that Life and Resurrection should be given through the tree. The first Jacob, bowing to the end of Joseph's rod, denoted the Cross by means of an image, and, blessing his sons with alternating hands (Gen. 48:14), he very clearly inscribed the sign of the Cross. The same thing was meant by the rod of Moses, which struck the sea in a cross shape and saved Israel, and drowned Pharaoh; hands stretched out crosswise and putting Amalek to flight; bitter water that is sweetened by the tree, and a rock that is torn and pours forth springs; the rod that gives Aaron the dignity of the clergy; the serpent on the tree, lifted up as a trophy, as if it had been put to death, when the tree healed those who looked with faith on the dead enemy, just as Christ, in the flesh that knew no sin, was nailed for sin. The great Moses says: you will see that your life will hang on a tree before you (Deut. 28:66).”
IN Ancient Rome the cross was an instrument of execution. But in the time of Christ, it turned from an instrument of shame and painful death into a symbol of joy.
Since the first centuries of Christianity, the Egyptian hieroglyph ankh has been used to depict the cross, meaning eternal life. It combines two symbols: a cross - as a symbol of life and a circle - as a symbol of eternity. Together they mean immortality. This cross became widespread in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
An equilateral cross consisting of two identical 
rectangular crossbars intersecting at right angles are called Greek. In early Christianity, the Greek cross symbolized Christ.
On the national flag of Greece, this cross, white on a blue background, first appeared in 1820, symbolizing the struggle against the rule of the Muslim Turks.
The Gamma Cross, or Gammadion, gets its name from the third letter of the Greek alphabet. It is said to symbolize Christ as the "cornerstone of the Church." Often such a cross can be seen on the clothes of priests of the Orthodox Church.
We call the letter X, in which the name of Christ is hidden, the St. Andrew's Cross, because the Apostle Andrew was crucified on such a cross.
Illiterate opponents of Christianity believe that the inverted cross is an anti-Christian symbol. In fact, this is also a Christian symbol. Saint Peter believed that he was not worthy to die the same death that Jesus Christ died. At his request, he was crucified head down. That's why he wears such a cross 
his name.
Christ was taken down from such a cross; it is usually called Latin. The most common Christian symbol in the Western world.
The six-pointed cross with a crossbar for the legs is a symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church. The lower crossbar is depicted tilted from right to left.
According to legend, during the crucifixion of Christ, a tablet in three languages (Greek, Latin and Aramaic) with the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” was nailed above the cross. Such eight-pointed cross also commonly called Russian.
The inscriptions and cryptograms on Russian crosses have always been much more diverse than on Greek ones. Since the 11th century, under the lower oblique crossbar of the eight-pointed cross, a symbolic image of the head of Adam appears, buried, according to legend, on Golgotha (in Hebrew - “place of the skull”), where Christ was crucified. “In the place where I will be buried, the Word of God will be crucified and water my skull with His blood,” Adam prophesied. The following inscriptions are known.
“M.L.R.B.” - the place of execution was quickly crucified.
“G.G.” - Mount Golgotha.
“G.A.” - head of Adam,
The letters “K” and “T” mean a copy of the centurion Longinus and a cane with a sponge, depicted along the cross.
The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: “IC” “XC” - the name of Jesus Christ; and under it: “NIKA” - Winner; on the title or near it the inscription: “SN” “BZHIY” - Son of God or the abbreviation “I.N.Ts.I.” - Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews; the inscription above the title: “KING” “SLOVES” - King of Glory.
Clover leaves on a trefoil cross 
symbolize the Trinity and Resurrection. The circles on the edges of the drop-shaped cross are drops of the Blood of Christ, which, having sprinkled the cross, imparted Christ’s power to it. The pointed circle on the crosses is a symbol of the crown of thorns that the Roman soldiers placed on the head of Christ.
St. Ephraim the Syrian spoke about the power of the Cross and the sign of the cross. “If you always use the Holy Cross to help yourself, then “no evil will befall you, and no plague will come close to your dwelling” (Ps. 90:10). Protect yourself instead of a shield By the Honest Cross, imprint your members and heart with it. And don’t just rely on yourself sign of the cross, but also in your thoughts imprint with it every activity you do, and your entrance, and your departure at all times, and your sitting, and your rising, and your bed, and any service... For this weapon is very strong, and no one can ever do you harm if you are protected by it.”
The cross in Orthodoxy is not just an object of worship, it is a powerful tool for repentance and atonement for sins, for receiving God's grace. There are many crucifixes and they are different. It is common among people to divide them into male and female, for the domes of churches, etc. There are Orthodox and Catholic. There are no canons in the church that separate crosses by gender, just as there are no special ones for baptism and other holidays.
There are many secrets hidden in the crucifixion. For the Orthodox, this is a kind of strongest amulet against evil spirit, evil eye, unpleasant accidents. They are worn without taking them off. Once upon a time, when a child left home or left his father's house, a cross was tied around his neck. It was called wearable.
The mind must honor the words of prayer, the laws of God. The heart must be in repentance and tears for sinful actions.During baptism, a cross is also worn. It is believed that by removing it, you open the way for dark forces to reach the baby. Therefore, the rope or chain is made so long that it is comfortable for the child and cannot be removed.
When you enter church, you mark yourself with a cross, this is a righteous sign and faith in its power.
Image of orthodox cross
The meaning of the Orthodox cross
The cross is an integral part of Orthodoxy. Denotes the crucified Jesus and the life he gave for us sinners. Atheists think that Orthodoxy worships the instrument that killed Christ. But this is far from true. Believers worship the symbol of eternal life. The Church says “the life-giving cross,” which means that Jesus, in terrible agony, begged the Almighty for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life for the laity.
By putting a cross on themselves, Orthodox Christians honor the Almighty, His laws, and fulfill the Word of God. They accept humility and receive blessings. That is why the cross is the redemptive power of faith for the life Jesus gave.
Types of Orthodox crosses
Patriarchal Cross
Used in the middle of the last century. Such a large cross is located in the Museum of Russian Art.
Four-pointed cross
“All-honorable cross, four-pointed power, blessing to the Apostles.”
Six-pointed cross “Russian Orthodox”
This crucifix has its purpose. The lower bar serves as a kind of scale of good and bad deeds. This is how Jesus defined the two criminals who were crucified on either side of him. One of them repented and departed into another world with a pure soul, and the second blasphemed Christ and ended up in hell.
Eight-pointed cross
Christ was executed on a four-pointed crucifix. And only when they drove the nail into the feet, the lower bar, the foot, appeared at the crucifix. Afterwards it was attached top bar at the headboard with the inscription.
This is how the eight-pointed cross, now known throughout the world, appeared.
Seven-pointed cross
Such crosses were depicted in 1500 in northern Russia. They are also installed on the domes of Russian churches.
Cross “crown of thorns”
“The whole earth is cursed because of you. Only thorns will grow,” these were God’s words to Adam. Jesus, without coercion, took upon himself all the sins of mankind, and the crown of thorns is like the thorny road he passed while carrying the cress for crucifixion. Completely atoned for Adam's sin.
Cross “gallows”
Such crucifixes can be seen in almost all churches. All church objects are crowned with them.
Cross " vine”
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). This designation was given by Jesus to himself and to the Lord God. The combination of a crucifix and a vine can be found on the domes.
Cross “Greek”, or ancient Russian “korsunchik”
One of the oldest in Rus'. Saint Prince Vladimir was baptized with this cross.
This designation was given to the micro-ecumenical cross.
Domed cross with crescent
The domes are topped with such crucifixes. This is the form of the distant 1570s. It is designated as the birthplace of Christ, as an anchor of hope for eternal life, as the enemy of the Lord God at the feet of Jesus.
Trefoil cross
Altar crosses in churches are crowned with this design. It is on the symbols of the Russian state.
Cross “Maltese”, or “St. George”
It got its name after Pavel Petrovich was killed Russian Emperor. He was an adherent and trustee of the Order of John of Jerusalem in Malta. This organization opposed Freemasonry. That's why the Masons killed the Emperor.
The cross of St. George the Victorious was used to award cavalry.
Cross “Prosphora-Konstantinovsky”
The very name already suggests that they place it on prosphora. You have the opportunity to see and eat them in church after communion.
Old printed “wicker” cross
Such drawings can be seen on printed ancient books in Russia.
Four-pointed “drop-shaped” cross
When Christ died in terrible agony, drops of his blood dripped onto the cross on which he was crucified. Giving it special power.
Cross “crucifixion”
Before the 1800s, Jesus was presented as living or resurrected. Since ancient times, crosses had a footstool, and the legs were nailed separately, and Jesus seemed to be leaning against the crucifix. And only Catholics have a clear image of Christ with sagging arms. It is clear in what terrible agony he died. The bottom line is this: the laity must see the power of Christ’s love for his people, that he gave his life for them.
Schema cross, or “Golgotha”
They are embroidered on the priests' clothes. This is an image of a spiritual cross. Used to illuminate a room, glued to 4 walls. His designation is true guardian.
Gamma cross
It was used in ancient times to decorate church objects. It is also visible under the dome of the Hagia Sophia, on the door drawings of the Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral.
Correct Orthodox cross
A four-pointed crucifix is considered correct. It should have an image of Christ, his feet nailed with two nails.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross
Christ was executed on such a crucifixion.
And only when they drove the nail into the feet, a foot appeared at the crucifixion. After this, they attached the top bar at the headboard with the inscription. This is how the eight-pointed crucifix appeared, now known throughout the world.
It can also be considered as eight periods human life. The eighth is another world, a future life. One end looks towards the Kingdom of God. The crossbar for the legs speaks about sin on earth, that Jesus broke stereotypes, showed people that there is God, explained to them what sin is.
Proportions of the Orthodox cross
The cross consists of a base and three additional parts:
- Inscription plate;
- The one in the middle is intended for the hands with which Jesus embraces the world, showing his love for it;
- Bottom, foot base.
The base for the feet has this shape for a reason. According to Scripture, believers will become right hand Christ, sinners on the left. Those on the right will go to the Kingdom of God, those on the left will go to utter hell.
By standards. Hands spread out in width are proportional to the person’s height. Accordingly, part of the middle bar of the cross must correspond to the length from the middle to the beginning of the bottom bar. This means that with a base of 1, the length of the bar will be 0.618, from the middle to the bottom it will also be 0.618. From the top to the beginning of the crucifixion 1-0.618=0.382. Difference 0.382/2=0.191
What is the difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one?
On the Catholic cross, Christ's legs are crossed, nailed with one nail. He is depicted alive, experiencing terrible torment. The inscription has the designation INRI.
The Orthodox crucifix shows us Christ after the resurrection. Legs are not crossed. The inscription has the designation ІНЦІ. It is also on the back side of “Save and Preserve”
Orthodox cross for men
Crucifixes are in fashion these days. Silver represents earthly life, gold represents heaven. They have a simple look, a little rough. There may be no crucifixion at all.
Women's Orthodox cross
Women are supposed to hide the crucifix under their clothes. It is believed that this way she will be closer to God. Her prayer comes from the heart, and the cross nearby gives her strength. A woman has the Lord's blessing when she carries a child under her heart. In defense she is given the same pectoral cross ik.
Nowadays, the cross also serves as a beautiful decoration.
Orthodox crosses on churches
Inscriptions on the Orthodox cross, meaning
- The designation NIKA (victory) is Jesus' victory over death and his resurrection.
- The ICXC designation is Jesus Christ the King of Glory.
- The designation INCI is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
- The head of Adam signifies his sin and death, located at the feet of Jesus as a sacrifice for the atonement of sins.
Dimensions of the Orthodox cross for the grave
The cross is a symbol permitted by the canons of the church, which takes place during burial. Its life-giving power allows the soul to say goodbye to the world and fly away with relief into the Kingdom of God.
What does the crescent on the cross of an Orthodox church mean?
It was used in ancient times to decorate church objects. It is also visible under the dome of the Hagia Sophia, on the door drawings of the Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral. Quite common. Has a crescent, which is located at the base of the cross. They are installed on the domes of temples and churches. It signifies the birth of Jesus. They can also interpret it as the Mother of God.
There is an opinion that such a designation gives Orthodox faith advantage over the Muslim. But Muslims had such an image of the cross much earlier than it appeared in Orthodoxy.
In reality, it is a cross anchor. In the old days, the church was a lifeboat; it guided the laity to the true path, showed them the way to the Kingdom of God.
Prayer orthodox cross
"Lord Jesus, save me, a sinner"On the back side of the crucifix there is a prayer stamped - a petition, this is the most important prayer for the Orthodox.
At the same time, one of the most familiar and most mysterious decorations for those uninitiated in the secrets of religion. We have prepared a guide for you that will answer all your questions.
Pectoral cross: decoration and symbol of faith
Despite the fact that now the cross is extremely common as decorative element and is often perceived at odds with Christian traditions, its origin and symbolism should not be ignored.
Historical models of body crosses
Religion insists: it doesn’t matter how much the material from which the cross is made costs. It is primarily a symbol of the Christian faith. In the same time tradition of honoring the cross, which is always with you, turned it into decoration and a luxury item.
There is an opinion that it is true religious pectoral cross should be simple in design and should be worn under clothing. Now this is not entirely true. The main difference between a purely decorative and a truly significant thing is whether the cross is consecrated or not. The church will not refuse to bless a product strewn with stones, nor will they demand that it be hidden under clothing in the summer heat.
What you really should pay attention to is not the metal, but the Does the shape of the chosen decoration correspond to the Orthodox or Catholic tradition?.
How to distinguish between Orthodox and Catholic crosses
Form
The most common in the Orthodox Church six- and eight-pointed crosses. By the way, the latter have long been considered a powerful amulet against evil spirits. The small crossbar at the heads symbolizes the sign that was used to mark the crimes committed. But since no one called Jesus' crimes that way, Orthodox tradition it may have the abbreviation I.N.C.I. or I.N.C.I, Catholics write I.N.R.I in Latin. This is an abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”The slanting crossbar under your feet symbolizes the path from sins to righteousness. In turn, Catholic crosses are as simple as possible and consist of only two crossbars.
Engravings
In addition to the inscription I.N.C.I., on Orthodox crosses on the opposite side of the crucifix there may be engraved "Save and Preserve". There is no such thing in the Catholic tradition.
Nails
Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was nailed with four nails, Catholics believe that there were three nails. That is why the feet of Christ on the Orthodox cross are located one next to the other, but on the Catholic cross they are thrown one on top of the other.
Crucifix
T oh what it should be depiction of Jesus on the crucifixion- the subject of heated debate among representatives of both faiths. Catholics adhere to the most naturalistic image, which reflects the insane suffering on the cross. At the same time, the Orthodox believe that such an image speaks of torment, but is silent about the main thing - Jesus conquered death. Therefore, in the Orthodox tradition, his figure rather reflects happiness from the transition to a better world.
Difference between Orthodox and Catholic cross
Symbolism of the main Orthodox crosses
Eight-pointed cross
This is one of the most canonical Orthodox crosses. Above its widest horizontal crossbar there is a short one (often with the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I.), and at the feet there is a short diagonal crossbar (the upper end is directed to the left, the lower end is directed to the left, if you look at the cross directly). The lower part is a symbol of support under the feet of the crucified Jesus, as well as the transition from a sinful world to a righteous one. In fact, the presence of this false support only prolonged the torment on the cross.
Six-pointed cross
One of the oldest options. In this cross, the inclined lower crossbar symbolizes the internal scales of each of us: what wins - conscience or sin. Its meaning is also interpreted as the path from sin to repentance.
Four-pointed teardrop cross
It is believed that the drops at the ends of the crossbars are the blood of the crucified Christ, who atoned for the sins of mankind. This symbol was often used to decorate religious books.
"Shamrock"
This cross is often used in heraldry (for example, on the coat of arms of Chernigov), but many people also love it as a body cross. The ends of the crossbars of such a product are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes there are also beads on them - “bumps”.
Latin four-pointed cross
This is the most common in the West christian cross IR. The horizontal crossbar is located 2/3 of the height of the vertical one. The elongated lower part symbolizes Christ's patience in redemption. Such crosses are a very long tradition. They appeared around the 3rd century in the catacombs of Rome. At that time Christians gathered there.
How to choose a cross for a christening
Traditionally, the first pectoral cross or vest, as it is also called, is assigned at the rite of baptism. Controversy over when to baptize a child: still a baby or at a more conscious age - still have not stopped. For adults who decide to undergo this sacrament, there are special restrictions in choosing sacred decoration No. But to get it right choose a cross for baptism for newborns oh, there are several factors to consider.
Women's and men's crosses
There is no particular difference between crosses for men and women. Their average size is about 4 centimeters. The main difference is in the design. Silver and gold men's crosses, as a rule, more concise in execution. Their crossbars can also end with drops, petals and trefoils, but the overall composition is simpler than that of women's products, and the decoration itself is a little more massive.
Crosses for the fair half are often decorated precious stones. If the decoration is consecrated, its decor does not affect its sacred meaning in any way. Rarely, but still, a church may refuse to consecrate a decorative cross with too curved and shaped crossbars. Although, of course, the main thing is your own feelings. Whether he warms you up or not.
The cross is supposed to stay with you forever. But at the same time, the church does not condemn the change of this decoration. Let us add that wearing it on the same chain with any other pendant is bad manners. The only thing that can be worn with a cross is an amulet.
How to consecrate a cross
Crosses purchased in church shops have two advantages. Firstly, they exactly correspond to the traditions of your religion. Secondly, they are already sanctified. If you bought a cross at a jewelry store, you can consecrate it in church. It is better to come before the start of the service and make this request to the priest. You can also ask to perform the ceremony in your presence and take part in prayer.
As a rule, body crosses are consecrated only once. The exception is that the decoration was severely damaged.
What to do if you find a cross
There is an opinion that find a cross - Bad sign . Allegedly, along with it, the sorrows and sorrows of the previous owner may be passed on to you. At the same time, in the church we were advised not to pay attention to such superstitions, explaining that everyone has their own temptations and their own troubles.
If you find a cross, keep it freely at home, you can give it to someone who needs it more, give it as a gift, or wear it yourself.
It is better to consecrate the found pectoral cross first
Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?
It is possible and necessary. The Church does not prohibit this. A to a loved one such a gift will be especially symbolic. If you choose a gold or silver cross in a jewelry store, before giving it, go to the temple and consecrate it. The decoration will take on a special meaning.The domes of Orthodox churches are crowned with crosses. Believers wear crosses on their chests to always be under the protection of God.
What should be the correct Orthodox cross? on his back side there is an inscription: “Save and preserve.” However, this attribute is not a talisman that can protect against all misfortunes.
The pectoral cross is a symbol of the “cross” that God gives to a person who wants to serve Him - in fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him turn aside, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mark 8, 34).
A person who wears a cross thereby gives a guarantee that he will live according to the commandments of God and steadfastly endure all the trials that befall him.
Our story about what to consider when choosing an Orthodox cross will be incomplete if we do not turn to history and talk about the festival dedicated to this Christian attribute.
In memory of the discovery of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem in 326, near Golgotha, where Jesus Christ was crucified, the Orthodox Church celebrates a holiday called the Exaltation of the Honest and Life-giving Cross The Lord's. This holiday symbolizes the triumph of the Church of Christ, which has gone through a difficult path of trials and persecution and spread throughout the world.
As legend says, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, Queen Helena, went in search of the Holy Cross to Palestine. Excavations were carried out here, as a result of which the cave of the Holy Sepulcher was found, and three crosses were discovered not far from it. They were placed one by one on a sick woman, who, thanks to touching the Cross of the Lord, was healed.
According to another legend, a dead man was resurrected from contact with this cross and was being carried funeral procession. However, what exactly the cross on which Christ was crucified looked like is unknown. Only two separate crossbars were found, along with a sign and a footstool.
Part Life-Giving Tree and Queen Helen brought the nails to Constantinople. And Emperor Constantine erected a temple in Jerusalem in 325 in honor of the Ascension of Christ, which included the Holy Sepulcher and Golgotha.
The cross began to be used as a symbol of faith thanks to Emperor Constantine. As the church historian Eusebius Pamphilus testifies, “Christ, the Son of God, appeared in a dream to the emperor with a sign seen in heaven and commanded, having made a banner similar to this one seen in heaven, to use it for protection from the attacks of enemies.”
Constantine ordered images of the cross to be placed on the shields of his soldiers and installed three commemorative Orthodox crosses in Constantinople with gold inscriptions in Greek “IC.XP.NIKA”, which means “Jesus Christ the Victor”.
What should be the correct pectoral cross?
There are various graphic types of crosses: Greek, Latin, St. Peter's cross (inverted cross), Papal cross, etc. No matter how different the different branches of Christianity may be, this shrine is revered by all denominations.
But if in Catholicism Jesus Christ is depicted sagging in his arms, which emphasizes His martyrdom, then in Orthodoxy the Savior appears in power - as a winner, calling the entire Universe into His arms.
The palms of Jesus on the Orthodox cross are usually open; the figure expresses peace and dignity. In Him are embodied His most important hypostases - Divine and Human.
The attribute of the Catholic crucifix is the Crown of Thorns. In the Orthodox artistic tradition it is rare.
Also in Catholic images, Christ is crucified with three nails, that is, nails are driven into both hands, and the soles of his feet are put together and nailed with one nail. In the Orthodox crucifix, each foot of the Savior is nailed separately with its own nail, and a total of four nails are depicted.
The canon of the image of the Orthodox crucifixion was approved back in 692 by the Tula Cathedral and remains unchanged to this day. Of course, Orthodox believers should use crosses that are made in accordance with the Orthodox tradition.
It must be said that the debate about what a Christian cross of the correct shape should be - eight-pointed or four-pointed - has been going on for a long time. In particular, it was led by Orthodox believers and Old Believers.
According to Abbot Luke,
“in the Orthodox Church, its holiness does not depend in any way on the shape of the cross, provided that the Orthodox cross is made and consecrated precisely as a Christian symbol, and not originally made as a sign, for example, of the sun or part of a household ornament or decoration.”
What form of the pectoral cross is considered correct in Orthodoxy?
The Orthodox Church recognizes both four-pointed and six-pointed, and eight-pointed species crosses (the latter, with two additional partitions - inclined in left side for the legs and a crossbar at the head, are used more often), with or without the image of the crucified Savior (however, such a symbol cannot be 12-pointed or 16-pointed).
The letters ІС ХС are a christogram, symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ. Also, the Orthodox cross has the inscription “Save and Preserve.”
Catholics also do not attach much importance to the shape of the cross, but Catholic crosses The image of the Savior is not always found.
Why is the cross called a cross in Orthodoxy?
Only clergy wear crosses over their clothes, and ordinary believers should not wear crucifixes for show, thereby demonstrating their faith, because such a manifestation of pride is not appropriate for Christians.
It must also be said that an Orthodox pectoral cross can be made from different materials– gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, bone, amber, decorated with ornaments or precious stones. The main thing is that it must be sanctified.
If you bought it in a church shop, you don’t have to worry about this: they sell already consecrated crosses. This does not apply to items purchased in jewelry stores, and such crosses will need to be consecrated in the temple. During this ritual, the priest will read prayers calling to protect not only the soul, but also the body of the believer from evil forces.
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 in 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 accepted in the 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 a very specific meaning. According to established tradition, it is considered to be a kind of “standard of righteousness” that weighs human sins. Its inclination, at which Right side raised up and pointing towards the repentant thief, symbolizing 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 in the form of a dove, and in others, a miraculous image of the Savior or the God of Hosts. These are not just different artistic solutions, these are their fundamental canonical principles. Looking at such a cross, a specialist can easily determine 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
Nowadays, when the official church has recognized the legitimacy and equality of the Old Believer Church, in Orthodox churches you can often see the same crosses that 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. 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 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.