During Baptism, each person wears a pectoral cross. It must be worn on your chest for the rest of your life. Believers note that the cross is not a talisman or dyeing. This is a symbol of commitment to Orthodox faith and to God. It helps in difficulties and troubles, strengthens the spirit. When wearing a cross, the main thing is to remember its meaning. By putting it on, a person promises to persevere through all trials and live according to God’s commandments.
It is worth noting that a cross on the body is considered a sign that a person is a believer. Those who have not joined the church, that is, have not been baptized, should not wear it. Also, according to church tradition, only priests can wear it over their clothes (they wear it over their cassock). All other believers are not allowed to do this and it is believed that those who wear it over their clothes are bragging about their faith and putting it on display. But such a manifestation of pride is not appropriate for a Christian. Also, believers are not allowed to wear a cross in their ear, on a bracelet, in their pocket or on their bag. Some people argue that only Catholics can wear four-pointed crosses; supposedly Orthodox Christians are prohibited from wearing them. In fact this statement false. The Orthodox Church recognizes today different types crosses (photo 1).
This means that Orthodox Christians can wear a four-pointed or eight-pointed cross. It may or may not depict the crucifixion of the Savior. But what to avoid Orthodox Christian, so this is a depiction of the crucifixion with very extreme realism. That is, the details of the sufferings on the cross, the sagging body of Christ. This image is typical of Catholicism (photo 2).
It is also worth noting that the material from which the cross is made can be absolutely anything. It all depends on the wishes of the person. For example, silver is not suitable for some people because it does not immediately turn black. Then it is better for them to refuse such material and opt for, for example, gold. In addition, the church does not prohibit wearing crosses large sizes, inlaid with expensive stones. But, on the contrary, some believers believe that such a demonstration of luxury is not at all compatible with faith (photo 3).
The cross must be consecrated in the church if it was purchased at a jewelry store. Usually the consecration takes a couple of minutes. If you buy it in a shop that operates at a church, then you don’t need to worry about it, it will already be consecrated. Also, the church does not prohibit wearing crosses that were inherited from a deceased relative. There is no need to be afraid that in this way he will “inherit” the fate of his relative. IN Christian faith there is no idea of an inevitable fate (photo 4).
So, as already said, Catholic Church recognizes only the four-pointed shape of the cross. The Orthodox, in turn, is more lenient and recognizes six-pointed, four-pointed and eight-pointed forms. It is believed that the more regular shape is still eight-pointed, with two additional partitions. One should be at the head, and the second for the legs (photo 5).
It is better not to buy crosses with stones for small children. At this age, they try everything, they can bite off a pebble and swallow it. We have already noted that the Savior does not necessarily have to be on the cross. Also orthodox cross It differs from the Catholic one in the number of nails for the feet and hands. So, in the Catholic Creed there are three of them, and in the Orthodox Creed there are four (photo 6).
Let us note that on the cross, in addition to the crucified Savior, the face of the Mother of God, the image of Christ Pantocrator, can be depicted. Various ornaments can also be depicted. All this does not contradict faith (photo 7).
THE EIGHT-LEADED CROSS is the most common in Rus'.
Above the middle vertical crossbar there is a short, long and under them oblique crossbar, the upper end of which faces north, the lower end faces south. The upper small crossbar symbolizes a tablet with an inscription made by order of Pilate in three languages: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” the lower crossbar is the footstool on which Jesus’ feet rested, depicted in reverse perspective. The shape of the Orthodox cross most closely corresponds to the one on which Jesus was crucified, therefore it is not only a sign for everyone, but also an image of the Cross of Christ...
The eight ends of the cross symbolize eight main periods in the history of mankind, where the eighth is the life of the next century, the Kingdom of Heaven. The end that is directed upward symbolizes the path to the Heavenly Kingdom, opened by Christ. The oblique crossbar, to which, according to legend, Christ’s feet were nailed, suggests that with his coming in the earthly life of people, the balance of being in the power of sin was disrupted for everyone without exception. This is the beginning of spiritual rebirth everywhere, the path of man from the region of darkness to the region of heavenly light. This movement from earth to sky is indicated by the oblique crossbar of the eight-pointed cross.
When the crucifixion of Christ is depicted on the cross, the cross marks the full image of the Crucifixion of the Savior and contains the fullness of the Power of the Cross. Therefore, in Rus' there are eight-pointed pectoral cross has always been considered the most reliable protection against all evil - both visible and invisible.
SIX-POINTED CROSS.
This is also one of the oldest Russian crosses. For example, the worship cross, installed in 1161 by the Venerable Eurosinia, Princess of Polotsk, was six-pointed, with an inclined lower crossbar. Why is it slanted here, in this version of the cross? The meaning is symbolic and deep.
The cross in the life of every person serves as a measure, as if as a scale, of his inner state, soul and conscience. This was the case at the time of the real crucifixion of Jesus on the cross - between two thieves. In the liturgical text of the 9th hour of the service to the Cross there are words that “between two thieves the standard of righteousness will be found.” We know that during the execution one of the robbers blasphemed Jesus, the second, on the contrary, said that he himself suffered the execution justly, for his sins, and Christ was executed innocently.
We know that Jesus, in response to this sincere repentance, told the thief that his sins were being removed, that “today” he would be with the Lord in paradise. And in the six-pointed cross, the inclined crossbar with its lower end symbolizes the terrible weight of unrepentant sin, dragging the first of the thieves into darkness, the second, directed upward, is liberation through repentance, through which the path to the Kingdom of Heaven lies.
IN Orthodox culture An eight-pointed grave cross is usually placed on the grave, and the same cross is placed on the coffin lid. It is often supplemented with the crucifixion of Christ.
The Old Believers' cross is one of the symbols of faith, which is used for worship, baptism and other religious procedures. Eight-pointed cross different from the usual Orthodox. The modern church does not use the eight-pointed cross after Nikon’s reform, but the Old Believers or schismatics, as they were called in the old days, continue to use just such a cross, not paying attention to the reforms carried out.
History of persecution
It all started quite a long time ago; it is noteworthy that the schism of the church caused the death of large quantity people who supported the old faith. But, despite this, the Old Believers were able to survive executions, public reprisals and catastrophically high taxes. Old Believers still exist; there are about two million of them in Russia alone.
Old Believer's vest
In 1650–1660, the church split into two camps. The reason for it was the reform. Some took ignorance for granted, others began to believe that the reform was trying to impose on them a foreign faith that had nothing to do with Orthodoxy.
The church reform of Nikon and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, in fact, divided people and became the cause of serious disagreements. As a result, the disputes turned into active actions, which led to mass repressions against those people who did not support the innovations.
Nikon's reforms began in 1653, and the reaction to the metropolitan's activities was not long in coming. In 1656, a significant event took place at the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church: everyone who was baptized with two fingers was declared heretics. The cross was replaced, and books, scrolls and other symbols were to be destroyed. All those who continue to make the sign of the cross with two fingers and practice the old faith will be excommunicated and anathematized.
Not everyone agreed with this decision; the disagreements that arose led to the fact that faith was under threat. The country could plunge into religious war. The situation was aggravated by the actions of the clergy, who independently escalated the situation. Wanting to subjugate the Old Believers to their will, they adopted a document called “12 Articles.”
Mass executions and reprisals against Old Believers began after the Pomeranian Gathering; Queen Sophia failed to influence the situation. However, the country was in a precarious position, and religious executions and forgeries only worsened the situation. The “12 Articles” did not resolve the situation; after their release, a series of forgeries appeared, lies and unrest led to the execution of thousands of innocent citizens, and priests also suffered.
Despite the fact that books, scrolls and the Old Believers themselves were subjected to persecution and public executions, they managed to survive the Time of Troubles. The situation was resolved with the coming to power of Peter the Great. The emperor was relatively loyal to the Old Believers. He allowed them to exist and abolished the 12 Articles. But this existence was semi-legal.
In law:
- Marriages of Old Believers were considered illegal.
- Old Believers were prohibited from holding high positions.
- Baptism was considered illegal.
- Children born in marriage with Old Believers were considered illegitimate.
In addition, all those who deviated from religion had to pay double tax. If a person evaded paying the tax, he could be executed, tortured, or sent to hard labor.
Old Believer eight-pointed cross
Despite the fact that the Old Believers were still subject to repression, their weakening made it possible to save the lives of many people. To maintain their usual way of life and avoid reproaches and taxes, many believers went into the forests or immigrated. This allowed them not only to continue to live normally, but also to legalize their marriages. In the territories of a large number of countries, Old Believers lived in communities, built houses and churches.
According to some information, in the 19th century, Old Believers comprised a third of the entire population of the Russian Empire.
In 1846, thanks to the efforts of Metropolitan Ambrose, it was possible to alleviate the situation in the country; the authorities made certain compromises, as a result of which unity of faith was introduced. On the territory of Austria-Hungary, the Old Believers managed to restore the diocese. But not everyone accepted the metropolitan and his decisions; some of the Old Believers began to consider him a heretic who wanted to influence them and destroy their religion.
In 1883, it was possible to achieve some relief in relation to the Old Believers; they were allowed to hold public positions. Later, in 1905, a decree was issued that partially lifted the restrictions on citizens who were baptized with two fingers and using an eight-pointed cross.
The USSR authorities treated representatives of this religious trend relatively favorably. Despite the fact that the Bolsheviks did not accept faith and God, they had no special complaints against the Old Believers. While clergy throughout the country feared for their lives, churches were destroyed and looted, icons were burned and sold, the Old Believers lived relatively calmly.
In the Second world war Some Old Believers, in spite of everything, rushed to defend their Motherland from enemies, while others preferred to hide in the forests.
When hard labor, high taxes and executions were a thing of the past, many Old Believers decided to return to Russia. Today there are several large settlements that are located on the territory of our country, in which people live on farms, engage in farming, harvesting, go to church and still cross themselves with two fingers.
Symbolism and features
The eight-pointed cross is considered one of the symbols of the Old Believers; the four-pointed and six-pointed symbols of faith are considered inferior. According to legend, it was this kind of cross that Queen Helen discovered on Mount Golgotha.
So, what does this symbol indicate:
- contains, in addition to the large crossbar, two more;
- the upper crossbar symbolizes the tablet on the cross with the name of Christ on which he was crucified;
- the bottom bar is for Jesus' feet;
- on the top crossbar there is the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
With the lower crossbar, which is intended for the legs, everything is more difficult. According to legend, if the left edge of the lower crossbar is raised, then this indicates that the sinner has repented, and his sins and righteous deeds when placed on the scales allowed him to be sent to heaven. If the edge of the crossbar looks down, it means that the sinner during the crucifixion did not repent of his sins, did not ask for forgiveness from God, and thereby aggravated his sins and went to hell.
Such crosses with three crossbars are used only by Old Believers; in the modern Orthodox Church they use a four-pointed cross during liturgies and services. It doesn't have a footrest or sign.
According to legend, when Jesus was crucified on the cross, one of the criminals began to mock him. He said, “If you are God, then set us free.” And the other criminal said: “He is innocent and convicted by mistake, but we are the real criminals.” The criminal who told the truth was sent to heaven. This is evidenced by the lower support under the feet, the edge of which has risen.
Beginning in 1577, the eight-pointed cross was placed on the coat of arms of the Russian state; the situation changed in 1625 even before Nikon’s reforms: it was decided to replace the cross with the third crown.
You can also find images that were used in wars: the banners depicted an eight-pointed cross of red, green or of blue color. But such banners also date back to the 1630s; after the reform, banners with similar crosses were no longer used.
There is another type of religious symbol - this is the cross of Golgotha, a monastic symbol. It is an eight-pointed cross placed on a symbolic image of Mount Golgotha, which most often looks like several steps. That is, the cross is placed on the steps, on one side there is a spear, on the other there is a cane with a sponge.
The symbol contains the following inscriptions:
- Above the middle crossbar ІС ХС - the name of Jesus Christ.
- Below it is the Greek inscription Nike - Winner.
- SNЪ BZHIY - the inscription on or near the tablet (can be replaced by the abbreviation ІНЦІ - Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
- The inscription above the sign: TsRЪ SLVY - King of Glory.
- There are also two letters K and T, which stand for a cane and a spear with a sponge.
In the 16th century, a tradition appeared in Rus', which consisted in placing additional letters near the image of Golgotha.
M L R B - the place of execution was crucified; G G - Mount Golgotha; G A - head of Adam. It was also customary to depict bones and a skull under the steps. In Rus', these images have changed a little.
Currently, the cross from Mount Golgotha is not widespread, and it is quite difficult to come across it.
You can see eight-pointed crosses not only at liturgy and services, but also in Old Believers’ cemeteries.
The Old Believers have a few more features that are worth mentioning, in addition to the cross: believers commit prostrations, like Muslims, into the ground. When bowing, the believer must touch the ground with his knees and forehead. Only Old Believers prefer such bows. When believers pray, they touch their knees and foreheads not to the ground, of course, but to the prayer rug.
Another feature of the Old Believers' worship service is singing. Before Nikon's reform, all churches sang with one voice during services. The singing remains monotonous and melodic. Regardless of how many people are involved in singing, the voices must merge into one voice, one melody.
But due to the large number of vowels, it can be difficult to understand what they are singing about during worship.
There are several other features that distinguish the faith of the Old Believers from the modern Orthodox faith:
- writing the name Jesus without the additional letter “I” (that is, the name is written with one letter “I”, and not in the Greek manner with two letters);
- believers use ancient terms and adhere to the ancient spelling of words;
- baptism of children takes place with complete three-time immersion in water;
- services are held according to the Jerusalem Rule;
- the safety of the actions performed during the ritual is noted.
Undoubtedly, the eight-pointed cross can be considered a bright religious symbol of the Old Believers. It is placed on the domes of churches, worn on the body and placed as a monument on the grave of the deceased. But the traditions of the Old Believers, their way of life and behavior have undergone certain changes over time. Despite all the events, people managed to survive difficult times and maintain their faith.
One can come to an understanding of Christianity by deciphering its symbols. From them one can trace both its history and the development of spiritual thought.
The eight-pointed cross is also called the Orthodox cross or the cross of St. Lazarus. The smallest crossbar represents the title, where it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” the upper end of the cross is the path to Heavenly Kingdom which Christ showed.
The seven-pointed cross is a variation of the Orthodox cross, where the title is attached not across the cross, but on top.
2. Ship
The ship is ancient Christian symbol, which symbolized the church and each individual believer.
Crosses with a crescent, which can be seen on many churches, just depict such a ship, where the cross is a sail.
3. Calvary cross
The Golgotha Cross is monastic (or schematic). It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ.
Widespread in ancient times, the cross of Golgotha is now embroidered only on the paraman and the lectern.
4. Grapevine
The vine is the gospel image of Christ. This symbol also has its own meaning for the Church: its members are branches, and the grapes are a symbol of Communion. In the New Testament, the grapevine is a symbol of Paradise.
5. Ichthys
Ichthys (from ancient Greek - fish) is an ancient monogram of the name of Christ, consisting of the first axle boxes of the words “Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior”. Often depicted allegorically - in the form of a fish. Ichthys was also a secret identification mark among Christians.
6. Dove
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Also - a symbol of peace, truth and innocence. Often 12 doves symbolize the 12 apostles. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are also often depicted as doves. The dove that brought an olive branch to Noah marked the end of the Flood.
7. Lamb
The Lamb is the Old Testament symbol of Christ's sacrifice. The Lamb is also a symbol of the Savior himself; this refers believers to the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Cross.
8. Anchor
The anchor is a hidden image of the Cross. It is also a symbol of hope for the future Resurrection. Therefore, the image of an anchor is often found in burial places of ancient Christians.
9. Chrism
Chrisma is a monogram of the name of Christ. The monogram consists of the initial letters X and P, often flanked by the letters α and ω. Christianity became widespread in apostolic times and was depicted on the military standard of Emperor Constantine the Great.
10. Crown of thorns
The crown of thorns is a symbol of the suffering of Christ, often depicted on crucifixes.
11. IHS
IHS is another popular monogram for Christ. It's three letters Greek name Jesus. But with the decline of Greece, other, Latin, monograms with the name of the Savior began to appear, often in combination with a cross.
12. Triangle
The triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each side personifies the Hypostasis of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All sides are equal and together form a single whole.
13. Arrows
Arrows or a ray piercing the heart - an allusion to the saying of St. Augustine in Confessions. Three arrows piercing the heart symbolize Simeon's prophecy.
14. Skull
The skull or Adam's head is equally a symbol of death and a symbol of victory over it. According to Sacred Tradition, Adam's ashes were on Calvary when Christ was crucified. The blood of the savior, having washed Adam’s skull, symbolically washed all of humanity and gave him a chance for salvation.
15. Eagle
The eagle is a symbol of ascension. He is a symbol of the soul that seeks God. Often - a symbol of new life, justice, courage and faith. The eagle also symbolizes the evangelist John.
16. All-seeing eye
The Eye of the Lord is a symbol of omniscience, omniscience and wisdom. It is usually depicted inscribed in a triangle - a symbol of the Trinity. Can also symbolize hope.
17. Seraphim
Seraphim are the angels closest to God. They are six-winged and carry fiery swords, and can have from one to 16 faces. As a symbol, they mean the purifying fire of the spirit, divine heat and love.
18. Eight-pointed star
Eight-pointed or Star of Bethlehem- symbol of the birth of Christ. Over the centuries, the number of rays changed until it finally reached eight. It is also called the Virgin Mary Star.
19. Nine-pointed star
The symbol originated around the 5th century AD. The nine rays of the star symbolize the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
20. Bread
The bread is a reference to the biblical episode where five thousand people were fed with five loaves of bread. Bread is depicted in the form of ears of corn (sheaves symbolize the meeting of the apostles) or in the form of bread for communion.
21. Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd is a symbolic representation of Jesus. The source of this image is the Gospel parable, where Christ himself calls himself a shepherd. Christ is depicted as an ancient shepherd, sometimes carrying a lamb (lamb) on his shoulders.
This symbol has deeply penetrated and become entrenched in Christianity; parishioners are often called the flock, and priests are shepherds.
22. Burning Bush
In the Pentateuch, the Burning Bush is a thorn bush that burns but is not consumed. In his image, God appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. The burning bush is also a symbol Mother of God touched by the Holy Spirit.
23. Leo
The forest is a symbol of vigilance and the Resurrection, and one of the symbols of Christ. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Mark, and is associated with the power and royal dignity of Christ.
24. Taurus
Taurus (bull or ox) is a symbol of the Evangelist Luke. Taurus means the sacrificial service of the Savior, his Sacrifice on the Cross. The ox is also considered a symbol of all martyrs.
25. Angel
The angel symbolizes the human nature of Christ, his earthly incarnation. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew.
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 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 church shops offer a wide variety of crosses of various shapes. However, very often not only parents who are planning to baptize a child, but also sales consultants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is, in fact, very simple to distinguish them.In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross with three nails. In Orthodoxy there are four-pointed, six- and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for the hands and feet.
Cross shape
Four-pointed cross
So, in the West the most common is four-pointed cross. Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.
For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross is not particularly important; much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have gained the most popularity.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified.The Orthodox cross, which is most often used by the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, contains, in addition to a large horizontal crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous standard" weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted 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).
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 in times Ancient Rus', also had six-pointed cross. It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation through repentance.
However, all its strength does not lie in the shape of the cross or the number of ends. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and this is all its symbolism and miraculousness.
The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. According to the expression of the Monk Theodore the Studite - “The cross of every form is the true cross” Andhas unearthly beauty and life-giving power.
“There is no significant difference between the Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, or between any other crosses used in Christian services. In essence, all crosses are the same, the only differences are in shape.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
Crucifixion
In Catholic and Orthodox Churches Special significance is attached not to the shape of the cross, but to the image of Jesus Christ on it.
Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant, and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.
Yes, we know that Christ died on the cross. But we also know that He later resurrected, and that He suffered voluntarily out of love for people: to teach us to take care of the immortal soul; so that we too can be resurrected and live forever. In the Orthodox Crucifixion this Paschal joy is always present. Therefore, on the Orthodox cross, Christ does not die, but freely stretches out his arms, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to hug all humanity, giving them his love and opening the way to eternal life. He is not a dead body, but God, and his whole image speaks of this.
The Orthodox cross has another, smaller one above the main horizontal crossbar, which symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words appeared on the tablet "Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews" in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic. In Latin in Catholicism this inscription looks like INRI, and in Orthodoxy - IHCI(or INHI, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a support for the legs. It also symbolizes the two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them, before his death, repented of his sins, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.
The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS"- the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" — Winner.
Greek letters were necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo of the Savior UN, meaning “truly existent”, because “God said to Moses: I am who I am.”(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the originality, eternity and immutability of the being of God.
In addition, the nails with which the Lord was nailed to the cross were kept in Orthodox Byzantium. And it was known for sure that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, Christ’s feet are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.
In the Catholic Crucifixion, the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ dead, sometimes with streams of blood on the face, from wounds on the arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). It reveals all human suffering, the torment that Jesus had to experience. His arms sag under the weight of his body. The image of Christ on the Catholic cross is plausible, but this image dead person, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the Savior's feet are nailed with one nail.
Meaning death on the cross Savior
The emergence of the Christian cross is associated with martyrdom Jesus Christ, which he accepted on the cross under the forced sentence of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - descendants of Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifix was first used in Phenicia). Thieves were usually sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this way.
Before the suffering of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of 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 shamefully and shamefully for it. most painful death on the cross; then on the third day he rose again as the conqueror of hell and death.
Why was such a terrible Sacrifice needed to cleanse the sins of mankind, and was it possible to save people in another, less painful way?
The Christian 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 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 personal experience They were convinced of the great spiritual benefits that the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, and they shared this experience with their disciples.
(The mystery of the redemption of mankind is closely connected with a number of important religious and psychological factors. Therefore, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:
a) understand what actually constitutes the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;
b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;
c) we need to understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love most of all reveals itself in sacrificial service to one’s neighbor, then there is no doubt that giving one’s life for him is the highest manifestation of love;
d) from understanding the power of human love, one must rise to understanding the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of a believer and transforms his inner world;
e) in addition, in the atoning death of the Savior there is a side that goes beyond the human world, namely: On the cross there was a battle between God and the proud Dennitsa, in which God, hiding under the guise of weak flesh, emerged victorious. The details of this spiritual battle and Divine victory remain a mystery to us. Even Angels, according to St. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Peter 1:12). She is a sealed book that only the Lamb of God could open (Rev. 5:1-7)).
In Orthodox asceticism there is such a concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called the “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. About the need personal feat The Lord said this: “Whoever does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).
“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. 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.