Orthodox crosses: types and meaning. Construction rules: proportions and sizes. The Significance of the Savior's Death on the Cross
Cross/ … Morphemic spelling dictionary
Husband. roof, two strips or two bars, one across the other; two lines intersecting one another. The cross can be: straight, oblique (Andreevsky), equal-ended, long, etc. The cross is a symbol of Christianity. According to the difference of confessions, the cross is honored ... ... Dictionary Dalia
Exist., m., use. often Morphology: (no) what? cross for what? cross, (see) what? cross what? cross about what? about the cross; pl. What? crosses, (no) what? crosses for what? crosses, (see) what? crosses what? crosses, about what? about crosses 1. The cross is an object, ... ... Dictionary of Dmitriev
A; m. 1. An object in the form of a vertical rod, crossed at the upper end by a crossbar at a right angle (or with two crossbars, upper, straight, and lower, beveled), as a symbol of belonging to the Christian religion (according to ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
CROSS, cross, male. 1. An object of Christian worship, which is a long vertical rod, crossed at the upper end by a crossbar (according to the gospel tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross of two logs). pectoral cross.… … Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
CROSS, cross, male. 1. An object of Christian worship, which is a long vertical rod, crossed at the upper end by a crossbar (according to the gospel tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross of two logs). Pectoral cross. ... ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
CROSS, cross, male. 1. An object of Christian worship, which is a long vertical rod, crossed at the upper end by a crossbar (according to the gospel tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross of two logs). Pectoral cross. ... ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
Cross- The cross that appeared in a dream should be taken as a warning of an impending misfortune in which others will involve you. If in a dream you kissed the cross, then you will accept this misfortune with due stamina. Young woman,… … Big universal dream book
CROSS, a, husband. 1. A figure of two lines intersecting at right angles. Draw k. Fold your arms in a cross (crossed over your chest). 2. The symbol of the Christian cult is an object in the form of a narrow long bar with a crossbar at a right angle (or with two ... ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov
Books
- Cross, Vyacheslav Degtev. The works of Vyacheslav Degtev, the winner of many literary awards, the master of the story, recognized as one of the leaders of Russian contemporary post-realism, are of increasing interest. WITH…
- Cross, Andrey Kornilov. He is a criminal authority, which is much more honest than the defenders of the law who sold out. He is Vlad Kedrov, nicknamed CROSS. He is hunted - dirty and ruthless. His loved ones are being threatened. His…
The history of the appearance of the cross in Orthodoxy is very interesting. This ancient symbol was revered even before the advent of Christianity and had a sacred meaning. What does the Orthodox cross with crossbars mean, what is its mystical and religious meaning? Let's turn to historical sources to learn about all types of crosses and their differences.
The symbol of the cross is used in many world beliefs. Only 2000 years ago it became a symbol of Christianity and acquired the value of a talisman. IN ancient world we meet the symbol of the Egyptian cross with a loop, expressing the divine principle and the principle of life. Carl Gustav Jung refers the emergence of the symbolism of the cross in general to primitive times, when people made fire with the help of two crossed sticks.
Early images of the cross can be found in the most various forms: T, X, + or t. If the cross was depicted as equilateral, it symbolized 4 cardinal points, 4 natural elements or 4 Heavens of Zoroaster. Later, the cross began to be compared with the four seasons of the year. However, all the meanings and types of crosses were somehow correlated with life, death and rebirth.
The mystical meaning of the cross at all times has been associated with cosmic forces and their currents.
In the Middle Ages, the cross became strongly associated with the death and resurrection of Christ, acquired a Christian meaning. The equilateral cross began to express the idea of the divine presence, power and strength. It was joined by an inverted cross as a symbol of the denial of divine authority and adherence to Satanism.
Saint Lazarus Cross
IN Orthodox tradition the cross can be depicted in different ways: from two crossed lines to a complex combination of several crossbars with additional symbols. All types of Orthodox crosses carry the same meaning and meaning - salvation. The eight-pointed cross, which is also common in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and of Eastern Europe. This eight-pointed symbol has a special name - the cross of St. Lazarus. Often this symbol depicts the crucified Christ.
The eight-pointed Orthodox cross is depicted with two transverse bars at the top (the upper one is shorter than the lower one) and the third one is inclined. This crossbar carries the meaning of the foot: the feet of the Savior rest on it. The slope of the foot is always depicted in the same way - the right side is higher than the left. This has a certain symbolism: the right foot of Christ rests on right side which is above the left. According to Jesus' words, the Last Judgment the righteous will stand by right hand from him, and sinners to the left. That is, the right end of the crossbar symbolizes the path to heaven, and the left end symbolizes the path to the hellish abode.
The small crossbar (upper) symbolizes the tablet above the head of Christ, which was nailed by Pontius Pilate. It was written in three languages: Nazirite, king of the Jews. This is the meaning of the cross with three crossbars in the Orthodox tradition.
cross calvary
There is another image of the eight-pointed Orthodox cross in the monastic tradition - the schema cross of Golgotha. He is depicted above the symbol of Golgotha, on which the crucifixion took place. The symbol of Golgotha is depicted with steps, and under them is a skull with bones. On both sides of the cross, other attributes of the crucifixion can be depicted - a cane, a spear and a sponge. All these attributes have a deep mystical meaning.
For example, a skull with bones symbolizes our ancestors, on whom the sacrificial blood of the Savior was glassed and washed from sins. Thus, the connection of generations is carried out - from Adam and Eve to the time of Christ. It also symbolizes connection. Old Testament with New.
A spear, a cane and a sponge are another symbol of the tragedy at Calvary. The Roman warrior Longinus pierced the ribs of the Savior with a spear, from which blood and water flowed. This symbolizes the birth of the church of Christ, like the birth of Eve from Adam's rib.
Seven-pointed cross
This symbol has two crossbars - the top and the foot. The foot has a deep mystical meaning in Christianity, as it binds both testaments - the Old and the New. The foot is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah (Is. 60, 13), the psalmist in Psalm No. 99, and you can also read about it in the book of Exodus (see: Ex. 30, 28). The seven-pointed cross can be seen on the domes of Orthodox churches.
Seven-pointed Orthodox cross - image:
Six-pointed cross
What does the six-pointed cross mean? In this symbol, the lower sloping crossbar symbolizes the following: the raised end has the meaning of liberation through repentance, and the lowered one means unrepentant sin. This form of the cross was common in ancient times.
Cross with crescent
On the domes of churches you can see a cross with a crescent at the bottom. What does this church cross mean, does it have a connection with Islam? The crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, from where it came to us Orthodox faith. There are several various versions the origin of this character.
- The crescent symbolizes the manger in which the Savior was born in Bethlehem.
- The crescent symbolizes the cup in which the body of the Savior was.
- The crescent symbolizes the sail under which the ship of the church sails to the kingdom of God.
Which version is correct is not known. We know only one thing, that the crescent was a symbol of the Byzantine state, and after its fall it became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.
The difference between the Orthodox cross and the Catholic
With the acquisition of the faith of their ancestors, many newly minted Christians do not know the main differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox. Let's designate them:
- On Orthodox cross always more than one crossbar.
- In Catholic eight-pointed cross all the crossbars are parallel to each other, and in the Orthodox the lower one is oblique.
- The face of the Savior on the Orthodox cross does not express torment.
- The legs of the Savior on the Orthodox cross are closed, on the Catholic one they are depicted one above the other.
Attracts Special attention image of Christ on the catholic and orthodox cross. On the Orthodox we see the Savior, who gave mankind the way to eternal life. On the Catholic cross is depicted dead man who endured terrible suffering.
If you know these differences, you can easily determine the identity of the symbol christian cross to one church or another.
Despite the variety of forms and symbols of the cross, its strength lies not in the number of ends or the crucifix depicted on them, but in repentance and faith in salvation. Any cross carries life-giving power.
The cross is one of the most famous signs in human history. This universal graphic symbol has been identified with Christianity for more than 2 millennia. But its origin dates back much more early periods cultural development.
Drawings and other images of crosses appeared in the Stone Age, which is proved by excavations and study of the primitive sites of ancient tribes.
Later, the cross became common in civilizations that different periods developed in all parts of the world - European, Asian, African, Australian, American and island.
Why are the most different nations, with distinct cultures (often never knowing about each other at all) used this image?
For what reasons, even among warring tribes and religions, was it not just famous, but one of the most important mystical signs?
Perhaps the whole point is in the simplicity of the character's outline, which disposes to a flight of fancy, to creativity. Maybe its shape touches some deep aspects of the human subconscious. There may be many answers.
In any case, over the course of millennia, a group of motives has formed that regularly participated in the formation symbolic meanings cross. So, this figure was associated:
with the world tree;
with a person;
with the image of fire and the image of a wooden fire starter (sticks for extracting the flame by friction): two hands were often associated with flammable sticks, which, in the view of primitive man, were endowed with female and male characteristics;
with a solar sign(crossed beams).
Ancient Civilizations
Paleolithic and early Neolithic periods, the sun was considered their first and main deity and his light shed upon the earth. This is understandable, because it was the sun, rising every morning in the east, that ensured the normal life of people. It drove away darkness and cold, gave light and warmth. When people mastered fire, which also gave warmth, illuminated, protected, they began to associate it with the sun.
Many nations have myths that fire is the son or other closest relative of the great luminary. These are, for example, the Indian Agni, the Persian Atar, the ancient Greek Helios and Prometheus, the ancient Roman Vulcan. However, the sacred and much-needed fire for a long time were unable to extract.
The first method that became known to people was the extraction of fire by rubbing two pieces of dry wood against each other. Probably, sticks of soft and hard wood were used for this, which were arranged crosswise. Drawings of such crosses can be seen on ancient megaliths and tombs. Over time, a more convenient flint was invented: two intersecting dies with a hole on top into which a dry stick was inserted. It was quickly rotated until flames appeared.
This tool in the form of a cross became the very first graphic symbol fire and its progenitor the sun. Subsequently, improving this tool, the ends of the cruciform dies began to be bent to the sides. This is how the Indo-European swastika appeared - a solar sign known to many tribes, denoting at the same time the great cosmos and life itself.
Even after other, easier ways of lighting a fire were invented, during sacred actions on altars and in temples, the sacrificial flame was allowed to be ignited only by rubbing the wood on the swastika cross. So it was done in Persia, India, Ancient Greece, among the Germanic tribes, among the Scottish Celts and Eastern Slavs. To emphasize that fire and the sun are one element, the cross was often inscribed in a circle or a circle was drawn inside the crosshairs. Such signs were found during excavations in the Caucasus, in different parts of Asia and the European part of the continent, in many African territories.
So, wide use the cross in ancient times is explained by the shape of the tool with which the flame was produced. The fire carried warmth, was life-giving and deified. Symbolically depicting him and the sun, the cross acquires a sacred, religious meaning. Later, it becomes a sign of new gods - fertility and the life-giving forces of nature, which were also associated with life-giving warmth and light. In addition, the cross became an attribute of priests and kings as vicegerents of heavenly forces on earth.
The invention of devices for the birth of a flame revolutionized human culture.
Considering the fiery cross (like the flame itself) as a talisman, they began to depict it not only on religious buildings, but also on dwellings, jewelry, weapons, clothes, utensils, even on gravestones and urns.
Spatial symbolism of the cross
also very old.
It represents the world along with the circle and the square. But if geometric figures share the external and inner space, then the cross is a harmonized Universe. From its center there are directions that indicate the cardinal points and divide the world (square) into the correct sectors. It was in the image and likeness of the cross that many great cities were built.
For example, Rome with its crossroads of streets and later cities with the correct division into squares of quarters. In the Middle Ages, world maps were drawn in the form of a cross with Jerusalem in its center.
However, one of the most sacred spatial correspondences was the correlation of the cross with the World Tree. This image is characteristic of the primary beliefs of almost all peoples of the world. Usually, this refers to the cosmic Tree, which was considered the core of the world and organized the world space. The upper kingdom of gods and spirits was associated with its crown, the middle dwelling of people with the trunk, and the underworld with its roots, in which evil demonic forces live. Time flows under the shadow of the World Tree, events, people, gods change. The tree was often recognized as a source of cosmic vital energy, giving fertility and nourishing life. The fruits of the World Tree gave true knowledge and immortality, and on the leaves were written the fate of everyone who has ever come or will come to this world.
special role The World Tree played in religions associated with the idea of a dying and resurrecting god, who crucified himself on the trunk, died, and then was reborn stronger than he was before.
This is told in the legends of the Hittites (about the god Telepin), the Scandinavians (about Odin), the Germans (about Wotan), etc. During the holidays associated with agricultural cults, on pillars and crosses imitating wood, figures of fertility gods were hung or painted. They were sacrificed to the Tree so that the earth would give good harvest. Especially interesting example this kind is the pillar of Osiris, which was crowned with a cross. Branches with leaves and the image of God were carved on the pillar. During the spring agricultural ceremony, this cross was burned by priests, and its sacred ashes were buried in the ground so that it would bear fruit better. Later, during the era of Roman domination, the belief in the animating power of the cross in the Empire was replaced by a different perception of this sign. The cross became an instrument of torture and a shameful death for foreigners and at the same time - a symbol of a man with arms outstretched to the sides, as during a crucifixion.
Cross in Christianity
The Bible also describes a cosmic plant called the Tree of Life and the knowledge of good and evil, growing in the midst of the earthly Paradise. It was his fruit that caused the fall and the expulsion of the first people from Eden. In the books of the Church Fathers, the biblical Tree of Life is associated with the multi-pointed cross and the Savior himself. In addition, in Christianity, the cross is called the "life-giving tree."
The oldest sources claim that it was a part of the trunk of the Tree of Eden that was transformed into the passionate cross of Golgotha. John of Damascus on this occasion wrote literally the following: “The tree of life, planted by God in Paradise, transformed the cross, because just as death entered the world through the tree, so life and resurrection must be given to us through the tree.”
Thus, the World Tree and the cross symbolizing it were the most ancient sacred images of life and death, resurrection and immortality. This perception was passed on to Christianity. In it, the cross became the central sacred symbol of faith and the Savior. He personifies, first of all, the holy martyrdom and redemptive crucifixion of Jesus, with the blood of which the world was washed and humanity was cleansed from sin.
In addition, the Christian cross is a sign of faith in divine power, the ascension of Jesus, the immortality of the soul and the coming resurrection.
Over time, people have significantly diversified appearance simple cross. Pre-Christian and Christian symbolism has a huge number of modifications of this sacred image. Here are descriptions of just some of the most famous options.
Ankh - Egyptian looped cross("with a handle"). It combines a crosshair (life) and a circle (eternity). This is a sign that unites opposites: temporary and eternal, heaven and earth, male and female, life and death, all the elements.
It was also adopted by early Christianity. His images are found in the Coptic catacombs and in religious manuscripts of the 1st century AD.
Teutonic cross(crosslet) is crowned with small crosses at each of its ends, which are symbols of the four evangelists. The oblique shape of such a cross denotes Christ and adorns the clothes of Orthodox priests.
Greek variant- one of the simplest: these are two crossbars of equal size, superimposed one on top of the other. In early Christianity, he is also identified with Christ.
Greek cross. CROSS. CRUCIFICATION. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS DEATH OF CHRIST. THE DIFFERENCE OF THE ORTHODOX CROSS FROM THE CATHOLIC CROSS.
Among all Christians, only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. They decorate the domes of churches, their houses with crosses, they wear them around the neck. As for the Protestants, they do not recognize such a symbol as the cross and do not wear it. The cross for Protestants is a symbol of a shameful execution, a tool by which the Savior was not only hurt, but also killed.
The reason why a person wears is different for everyone. Someone thus pays tribute to fashion, for someone the cross is beautiful jewel, it brings good luck to someone and is used as a talisman. But there are those for whom dressed at baptism pectoral cross indeed is a symbol of their infinite faith.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SAVIOR'S DEATH ON THE CROSS
As is known, 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 form of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - the descendants of the Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifix was first used in Phoenicia). Usually thieves were sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this manner.
Before the sufferings of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, he became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God's infinite love, an object of joy. The incarnated 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), the idea undoubtedly follows that the death of the Lord is the ransom of all , the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched arms calling "to all the ends of the earth"(Isaiah 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. By His sufferings on the Cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, "redeemed" us (ransomed us). In Golgotha lies the incomprehensible mystery of the infinite truth and love of God.
The Son of God voluntarily took upon Himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and 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 doctrine of the death of the God-man on the cross is often a "stumbling block" for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both many Jews and people of the Greek culture of apostolic times found it contradictory to say that Almighty 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 mankind. "This is impossible!"- objected one; "It is not necessary!" others argued.
The Holy Apostle Paul in his epistle 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 abolish the cross of Christ. For the word of the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved, it is the power of God. Where is the wise man, where is the scribe, where is the questioner of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks foolishness, for the very called ones, Jews and Greeks, Christ, God's power and God's wisdom"(1 Corinthians 1:17-24).
In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness, in fact, is a matter of the greatest Divine wisdom and omnipotence. True expiatory death and the 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 achievement, about the goal of life, about the coming judgment and the resurrection of the dead and others.
Wherein, redemptive death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even "seductive for those who are perishing," has a regenerating power that the believing heart feels and longs for. Renewed and warmed by this spiritual power, both the last slaves and the most powerful kings bowed with trepidation before Golgotha; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles personal experience became convinced of the great spiritual blessings brought to them by the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior, 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, in order to understand the mystery of the redemption, it is necessary:
a) to understand what actually is the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;
b) it is necessary to understand how the devil's will, thanks to sin, got the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;
c) one must understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love reveals itself most of all 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) one must rise from understanding the power of human love 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 limits of 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 ap. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Pet. 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 thing as bearing one's cross, that is, the patient fulfillment of Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called "cross." Each bears his life's cross. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: "Whoever does not take up his cross (turns away from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), he is not worthy of Me"(Matthew 10:38).
“The cross is the guardian of the whole universe. Cross of the beauty of the Church, Cross of kings orb, Cross true statement, Cross with an angel glory, Cross with a demon plague,- 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 crusaders and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians drawn into this heinous deed, it is all the more impossible to be silent, for, according to the words of St. Basil the Great, “God is given up in silence”!
FORM OF THE CROSS
four-pointed cross
Today, shops and church shops offer a wide variety of crosses. various shapes. However, very often, not only parents who are going to baptize a child, but also sales assistants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is actually very simple to distinguish them.In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross, with three nails. In Orthodoxy, there are four-pointed, six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for hands and feet.
So, in the West, the most common is four-pointed cross . Starting from the III century, when such 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 does not really matter, much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it., however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses received the greatest popularity.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically reliable 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 bar, two more. The top symbolizes the tablet on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower slanting crossbar - a prop for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous measure", weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed to be tilted left side, 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, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was still no title or footstool on it. There was no footstool, because Christ had not yet been lifted up on the cross, and the soldiers, not knowing where Christ's feet would reach, did not attach footstools, finishing it already at 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 an inscription and placed it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was at first that the warriors “who crucified Him” (Mt. 27:35) divided “His clothes” by lot, and only then “They put an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”(Matthew 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 during Ancient Rus', also had six-pointed cross . It also has sloping crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper one - liberation by repentance.
However not in the shape of the cross or the number of ends lies all its power. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and all its symbolism and miraculousness lies in this.
The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. In the words of the Monk Theodore the Studite - "a cross of every form is a true cross" Andhas unearthly beauty and life-giving power.
“There is no significant difference between Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, as well as between any other crosses used in the service of Christians. In essence, all crosses are the same, the differences are only in form., - says the Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
CRUCIFICATION
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. That's why 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 embrace all of 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 above the main horizontal bar has another, smaller one, which symbolizes the tablet 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 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 ІНHI, “Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes footrest. She also symbolizes two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them repented of his sins before his death, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.
Above the middle crossbar are the inscriptions: "IC" "XS" - the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" — Winner.
On the cross-shaped halo of the Savior they necessarily wrote Greek letters UN, meaning - "Truly Existing" , because "God said to Moses: I am who I am"(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the self-existence, 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 precisely known that there were four of them, not three. That's why on Orthodox crosses, the feet of Christ are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one nail, first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.
IN Catholic Crucifix the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). It manifests 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 man, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy just symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the feet of the Savior are nailed with one nail.
Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross
Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox:
- most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.
- Words on a tablet on the crosses are the same, only written on different languages: latin INRI(in the case of a Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on an Orthodox cross).
- Another fundamental position is the position of the feet on the Crucifixion and the number of nails . The feet of Jesus Christ are located together on the Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on the Orthodox cross.
- different is image of the Savior on the cross . The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the way to eternal life, and the Catholic cross depicts a man in torment.
Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak
for the Temple Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills
Among all Christians, only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. They decorate the domes of churches, their houses with crosses, they wear them around the neck.
The reason why a person wears a pectoral cross is different for everyone. Someone thus pays tribute to fashion, for someone the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for someone it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is indeed a symbol of their infinite faith.
Today, shops and church shops offer a wide variety of crosses of various shapes. However, very often not only parents who are going to baptize a child, but also sales assistants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is actually very simple to distinguish them. In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross, with three nails. In Orthodoxy, there are four-pointed, six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for hands and feet.
cross shape
four-pointed cross
So, in the West, the most common is four-pointed cross. Starting from the III century, when such 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 does not really matter, much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have received the greatest popularity.
Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically reliable 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 bar, two more. The top symbolizes the plate on the cross of Christ with the inscription " Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews» (INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower slanting crossbar - the support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the “righteous measure”, which weighs the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left side, symbolizing that the repentant robber, crucified on the right side of Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the robber, 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 a cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was still no title or footstool on it. 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 footstools, finishing it already at 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 put it on the cross"(John 19:19). It was at first that the soldiers divided “His clothes” by lot. crucified him"(Matt. 27:35), and only then" They placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.» (Matthew 27:37).
The eight-pointed cross has long 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 the days 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 by repentance.
However, not in the shape of the cross or the number of ends lies all its power. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and all its symbolism and miraculousness lies in this.
The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. In the words of the Monk Theodore the Studite - “ a cross of every form is a true cross”and has unearthly beauty and life-giving power.
« There is no significant difference between Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, as well as between any other crosses used in the service of Christians. In essence, all crosses are the same, the differences are only in form.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
crucifixion
In the 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 hands, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to embrace all of 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 above the main horizontal bar has another, smaller one, which symbolizes the tablet 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 ІНHI, “Jesus of the Nazarene, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a leg support. It also symbolizes two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them repented of his sins before his death, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.
Above the middle crossbar are the inscriptions: "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 Existing", because " God said to Moses: I am who I am”(Ex. 3:14), thus revealing His name, expressing the self-existence, 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 precisely known that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, the feet of Christ are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one 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 manifests 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 is the image of a dead person, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy just symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the feet of the Savior are nailed with one nail.
The Significance 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 at the forced verdict of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians, the descendants of Phoenician colonists (it is believed that crucifixion was first used in Phoenicia). Usually thieves were sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this manner.
Roman crucifixion
Before the sufferings of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, he became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God's infinite love, an object of joy. The incarnated 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), the idea undoubtedly follows that the death of the Lord is the ransom of all, the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched arms calling "to all the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 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. By His sufferings on the Cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, “redeemed” (ransomed) us. In Golgotha lies the incomprehensible mystery of the infinite truth and love of God.
The Son of God voluntarily took upon Himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and 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 doctrine of the death of the God-man on the cross is often a "stumbling block" for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both many Jews and people of the Greek culture of apostolic times seemed contradictory to the assertion that the almighty and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily suffered beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to mankind. " This is impossible!”- some objected; " It is not necessary!' - said others.
The Holy Apostle Paul in his epistle 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 abolish the cross of Christ. 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 I will put away the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into folly? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God with the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For the Jews also demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks madness, for the very called ones, Jews and Greeks, Christ, God's power and God's wisdom"(1 Cor. 1:17-24).
In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness, is in fact the work 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 achievement, about the goal of life, about the coming 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 “seductive for those who perish,” 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 with trepidation before Golgotha; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles became 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, in order to understand the mystery of the redemption, it is necessary:
a) to understand what actually is the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;
b) it is necessary to understand how the devil's will, thanks to sin, got the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;
c) one must understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love reveals itself most of all 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) one must rise from understanding the power of human love 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 limits of 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 ap. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Pet. 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 thing as bearing one's cross, that is, the patient fulfillment of Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called "cross." Each bears his life's cross. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: Whoever does not take up his cross (shirks the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), he is not worthy of Me» (Matthew 10:38).
« The cross is the guardian of the whole universe. Cross of beauty of the Church, Cross of kings power, Cross of faithful affirmation, Cross of an angel glory, Cross of a demon plague”, - 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 crusaders and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians involved in this heinous deed, it is all the more impossible to be silent, for - according to the words of St. Basil the Great - "God is given up in silence"!
Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross
Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox:
Catholic cross Orthodox cross
- Orthodox cross most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. catholic cross- four-pointed.
- Words on a tablet on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of a Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on an Orthodox cross).
- Another fundamental position is the position of the feet on the Crucifixion and the number of nails. The feet of Jesus Christ are located together on the Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on the Orthodox cross.
- different is image of the Savior on the cross. On the Orthodox cross, God is depicted, who opened the way to eternal life, and on the Catholic one, a person experiencing torment.
Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak
