What does the Orthodox cross represent?
The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven.
What is the Orthodox Cross called?
According to many sources the name of the three beam slanted cross is Russian (Orthodox) cross (Russian: русский православный крест). Sometimes it is also called the Byzantine cross.
Can a Catholic wear an Orthodox cross?
There is no rule that demands that a person of one or another denomination only wear a certain type of cross. The plain cross is favored among liberal Xtians. The crucifix is favored among Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Cross is favored among the Orthodox, but this is not cast in stone.
What is the difference between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox cross?
On Catholic crosses Jesus is dead with blood all over his face and on Russian Orthodox crosses Jesus is already resurrected . Then legs of Christ on Orthodox crosses are nailed with two nails, each separately, and on Catholic legs are nailed with one nail, one on the other.
What does IC and XC mean on the Orthodox cross?
On icons, this Christogram may be split: “ΙϹ” on the left of the image and “ΧϹ” on the right. It is sometimes rendered as “ΙϹ ΧϹ ΝΙΚΑ” (Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς νικᾷ), meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers.” “ΙϹΧϹ” may also be seen inscribed on the Ichthys.
What is a Botonee cross?
The Botonee cross is a cross with a trefoil design on the ends. The trefoil design is made of up of three knobs or buttons. It can be said that the knobs represent the three persons of the Godhead, namely, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Do Orthodox churches have crucifixes?
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the crucifix is often placed above the iconostasis in the church. In the Russian Orthodox Church a large crucifix (“Golgotha”) is placed behind the Holy Table (altar).
What does INRI mean on a cross?
Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews
INRI is generally thought of to refer to “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum,” meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” but apparently there’s more.
How do Orthodox make sign of cross?
When an Orthodox priests faces the people and blesses them, they literally trace his blessing on themselves as they make the sign of the Cross. Hence, the priest moves his hand from left to right, while the faithful touch their shoulders from right to left, thereby moving in the same direction at the same time.
What is the Eastern Orthodox cross?
The Eastern Orthodox Cross is seen in various shapes and forms. St Nicholas Cross superimposed on Budded Cross. The Eastern Orthodox Cross has three cross beams and is distinctly different from other Christian crosses. The deep symbolism and the tradition of icons were preserved from Byzantium through the Christian Empire it created in Russia.
What does the Greek Orthodox cross mean?
The Greek Orthodox Cross This symbol is one of the earliest Christian symbols which emerged right after Christ’s resurrection. The Greek Cross has all fours members the same shape and form (crux quadrata) and usually suggests the Christian church rather than a symbol of Christ’s suffering.
What is the meaning of the Russian Orthodox Church Cross?
The Russian Orthodox cross consists of three bars, the lowest bar low and slanted. The top bar represents the “INRI” sign placed over Jesus’ head. The meaning of the slanted bar is not known for certain, but probably represents St. Andrew’s cross (which looks like an X).