Calvary cross meaning of inscriptions. The cross as a symbol of the Christian faith. Monogram cross “Konstantinovsky”
Traditionally, most monuments are decorated with a portrait, text, words of memory and a cross. When choosing a cross for a monument, customers often have difficulties: which cross to choose? Crosses can be four-pointed, six-pointed, eight-pointed. Which one is Orthodox, which one is Catholic, what is the difference between the crosses? Let's try to find out.
How to choose a cross for a monument
There were and are a huge number of crosses in the world: the ancient Egyptian Ankh, the Celtic cross, the solar, Latin, Orthodox, Byzantine, Armenian (“blooming”), St. Andrew’s and other crosses - these are all geometric symbols used in different eras and in modern times to express different meanings. Most crosses are somehow connected with Christianity.
In the Christian tradition, the veneration of the cross originates from the legend of the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. Execution by crucifixion existed before Christ - this is how robbers were usually crucified - however, in Christianity, the cross takes on the meaning not only of an instrument of execution, but of the salvation of Christians through the death of Jesus.
To decide on the choice of a monument in the form of a cross, you need to understand the difference between their different types. Considering that the majority of Belarusians identify themselves with Christianity, we will dwell in more detail on the types of Christian crosses used on the territory of Belarus.
In the early Christian Eastern Church, about 16 types of crosses were common. Each of the crosses is revered by the church, and, as the priests say, a cross of any shape is as holy as the tree on which the Savior was crucified.
The most common types of crosses in Belarus:
- Six-pointed Russian Orthodox cross
- Eight-pointed Orthodox (cross of St. Lazarus)
- Eight-pointed cross - Golgotha
- Four-pointed Latin (or Catholic). Alternatively, this is also an Orthodox cross.
What is the difference between these crosses?
The six-pointed Russian cross is a cross with one horizontal crossbar and a lower inclined one.
This form of the cross exists in Orthodoxy along with the eight-pointed one, being, in fact, its simplified form. However, it should be noted that the spread of this type of cross is more typical for Belarus. In Russia, you can find an eight-pointed Orthodox cross much more often.
The lower crossbar of the six-pointed Russian cross symbolizes the footrest, a detail that took place in reality.
The cross on which Christ was crucified was four-pointed. Another crossbar at the feet was attached to the cross before placing the cross in a vertical position, after the crucifixion, when the place on the cross where the feet of the crucified person were located became obvious.
The inclination of the lower crossbar has the symbolic meaning of “the measure of righteousness.” The higher part of the crossbar is located on the right side. At the right hand of Christ, according to legend, a repentant and therefore justified thief was crucified. On the left side, where the crossbar faces down, a robber was crucified, who by blaspheming the Savior further aggravated his situation. In a broad sense, this crossbar is interpreted as a symbol of a person’s state of mind.
Eight-pointed cross
The eight-pointed cross is a more complete form of the Orthodox cross.
The upper crossbar, which distinguishes the cross from the six-pointed one, symbolizes the tablet with the inscription (title), which was nailed to the cross also after the crucifixion, by order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. Partly in mockery, partly to indicate the “guilt” of the crucified man, the tablet read in three languages: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (I.N.C.I.).
Thus, the meaning of the six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses is the same, but the eight-pointed cross is more rich in symbolic content.
Eight-pointed cross-Golgotha
The most complete type of Orthodox cross is the Golgotha cross. This symbol contains many details that reflect the meaning of Orthodox doctrine.
The eight-pointed cross stands on a symbolic image of Mount Golgotha, on which, as it is written in the Gospel, the crucifixion of Christ took place. To the left and right of the mountain are the letter signatures of G.G. (Mount Golgotha) and M.L. R.B. (Place of Execution Crucified Byst or, according to another version, Place of Execution Paradise Byst - according to legend, at the site of the execution of Christ there was once Paradise and the forefather of humanity, Adam, was buried here).
Under the mountain there is a skull and bones - this is a symbolic image of the remains of Adam. Christ “washed” his bones with his blood, saving humanity from original sin. The bones are arranged in the order in which the hands are folded during communion or burial, and the letters G.A. located near the skull indicate the words Head of Adam.
To the left and right of the cross are depicted the instruments of Christ’s execution: on the left is a spear, on the right is a sponge with the corresponding letter signatures (K. and G.). According to the Gospel, a warrior brought a sponge on a cane, soaked in vinegar, to Christ’s lips, and another warrior pierced his ribs with a spear.
Behind the cross there is usually a circle - this is the crown of thorns of Christ.
On the sides of the cross of Golgotha there are inscriptions: Isa. Xs. (short form of Jesus Christ), King of Glory, and Ni Ka (meaning Conqueror).
As you can see, the Golgotha cross is the most complete form of the Orthodox Christian cross in terms of symbolic content.
Four-pointed cross
The four-pointed cross is one of the most ancient variants of Christian symbolism. The cross of the Armenian Church, in which Christianity was recognized as the state religion for the first time in the world at the beginning of the 4th century AD, was and remains four-pointed.
In addition, crosses not only on ancient, but also on the most famous Orthodox cathedrals have a four-pointed shape. For example, at the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, the Transfiguration Cathedral in Pereslavl, and the Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg. If we talk about Belarus, then a four-pointed cross with a crescent can be seen on the dome of the Church of St. Elisabeth Monastery in Novinki. The crescent on the cross, according to different versions, symbolizes the anchor (the Church as a place of salvation), the Eucharistic Chalice, the cradle of Christ or the baptismal font.
However, if in Orthodox churches the four-pointed form of the cross is not often found, then in the Catholic Church only one version of the cross is used - the four-pointed one, otherwise called the Latin cross.
When choosing a cross for a monument to a deceased person who professed the Catholic faith, it is best to choose a four-pointed Latin cross.
Difference between Orthodox and Catholic crucifixes
In addition to the difference in the shape of the cross between Eastern and Western Christians, there are also differences in the crucifix itself. Knowing the important distinctive features of Orthodox and Catholic crucifixes, you can easily determine which direction of Christianity this symbol belongs to.
Differences between Orthodox and Catholic crucifixes:
- Number of nails visible in a crucifix
- Position of Christ's body
If in the Orthodox tradition four nails are depicted on the crucifix - for each hand and leg separately, then in the Catholic tradition the legs of Christ are crossed and nailed with one nail, respectively, there are three nails on the crucifix.
Orthodoxy explains the presence of four nails by the fact that the cross on which Christ was crucified, brought by Queen Helena from Jerusalem to Constantinople, had traces of four nails.
Catholics justify their version of the three nails by the fact that all the nails of the cross on which Christ was crucified are kept in the Vatican, and there are only three of them. In addition, the image on the Shroud of Turin is printed in such a way that the legs of the crucified man are crossed, therefore it can be assumed that Christ’s legs were nailed with one nail.
The position of the body of Christ on the Orthodox crucifix is a little unnatural; the body of Jesus does not hang on his hands, as it should have happened according to physical laws. On the Orthodox crucifix, Christ’s hands extend along the cross to the sides, as if calling “all the ends of the earth” (Is. 45:22). The crucifixion makes no attempt to reflect pain, it is more symbolic. Orthodoxy explains such features of the crucifixion by the fact that the cross is, first of all, a weapon of victory over death. The crucifix in Orthodoxy is a symbol of the victory of life over death, and, paradoxically, almost an object of joy, because it contains the idea of the Resurrection.
On a Catholic crucifix, the position of the body is as close as possible to physiological: the body sags in the arms by its own weight. The Catholic crucifixion is more realistic: often depicted bleeding blood, stigmata from nails, spears.
Correct placement of the cross on the monument
In fact, there is no “correct” position on the cross as such. The very presence of the cross is of greatest importance if the deceased was a Christian.
Of course, the entire monument could be made in the shape of a cross, and this option would probably be a better tombstone for a Christian. However, in modern monuments the cross is more often used in the form of engraving on steles of various geometric shapes. The cross can be granite, as an integral part of the monument, or it can be applied metal or engraved.
Usually the cross is located just above the portrait or medallion, if any, in the higher part of the monument. If there is no image, then the cross is located above the text (above the full name of the deceased).
On a symmetrical stele, it is better to place the cross on the right, because the icons of the Savior on the iconostasis of Orthodox churches are located on the right side. Traditionally, the right side of the interior space of the church is considered “male”; women in the church are assigned the left side, although this rule is more strictly observed in churches at monasteries.
Form cross bars can be selected taking into account the text font. If the text is printed, the shape of the crossbars can also be straight, without decorative elements. For text in italics, you can choose a cross with curly bars.
What should you do if the small size of the granite cross does not allow you to make it six- or eight-pointed?
In this case, the four-pointed shape is engraved with a six-pointed or eight-pointed Orthodox cross. Very often, pectoral Orthodox crosses are made precisely according to this principle.
We hope our article will help you make the right choice of the shape of the cross for your monument. If you have any difficulties, please consult with our order takers. If possible, we will help you decide on the choice of cross for the monument.
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 the Kingdom of Heaven, 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 an ancient Christian symbol that 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 Calvary 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. These are the three letters of the Greek name for 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, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha 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
The eight-pointed or Bethlehem star is a 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 when five thousand people were satisfied 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 of the Mother of God, who was 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.
Golgotha means a hill, a mountain that is round like a skull. In the Christian tradition, Golgotha was associated with the skull of Adam, which was buried there. The Cross of Calvary is the main symbol of Christians around the world. The richness of its production and framing, decoration in most works of church art indicates historical authenticity, and symbolizes the reverent attitude of believers towards it that has developed in the Christian Church.
For the Church, the Cross and Gologath are the most precious treasures, which cannot be compared with any riches in the whole world.
Church furniture gives a special memorable beauty to the decoration of Russian churches: these are iconostases, lecterns, icon cases, tombs, as well as tables for the blessing of bread, candle stands, choir fences, calvary (cross with crucifix), vestments for the throne and other church utensils. 
A black round cave with a dot located below is a symbol of Mount Golgotha, on which the Romans crucified Christ, and where, according to surviving legends, Adam’s skull appeared to be washed from sins by the Divine blood.
There may also be inscriptions: the word NIKA, which means won, and the letters MLBR, which can be deciphered as follows - Place of the Execution Crucified Byst (that is, the place of the execution where Jesus Christ was crucified).
Calvary or Calvaria(frontal place lit. skull; lat. Calvaria) - a small rock or hill where Jesus Christ was crucified. Along with the Holy Sepulcher, it is one of the two main shrines of Christianity.
According to tradition, at the beginning of the 1st century Golgotha was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, to the northwest of the city. Currently it is part of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Since the end of the 19th century, some researchers have put forward other versions of its location.
Six-pointed cross Russian-Orthodox
Question about the reason for the marking of the bottom crossbar tilted
is explained quite convincingly by the liturgical text of the 9th hour of the service to the Cross of the Lord: In the midst of the two thief, the measure of righteousness was found by Thy Cross: one is relegated to hell by the burden of blasphemy, while the other is relieved from sins to the knowledge of theology. In other words, just as on Golgotha for the two thieves, so in life for every person, the cross serves as a measure, as if as a scale, of his inner state.
To one robber brought down to hell by burden blasphemy , uttered by him against Christ, he became, as it were, a crossbar of a scale, tilting down under this terrible weight; another thief, freed by repentance and the words of the Savior: today you will be with me in paradise(Luke 23; 43), the cross ascends into the Kingdom of Heaven.
This form of the cross has been used in Rus' since ancient times: for example, the worship cross built in 1161 by the Venerable Euphrosyne Princess of Polotsk, was six-pointed.
The six-pointed Orthodox cross, along with others, was used in Russian heraldry: for example, on the coat of arms of the Kherson province, as explained in the Russian armorial (p. 193), a silver Russian cross is depicted (Fig. 26).
Orthodox osmic-pointed cross
Eight-pointed - most consistent with the historically accurate shape of the cross on which already crucified Christ as testified Tertullian, saint Irenaeus Lyon, saint Justin Philosopher and others. And when Christ the Lord carried the cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because hasn't happened yet there's nothing on it title, no foot.(...) There was no footstool, because Christ had not yet been raised on the cross and the soldiers, not knowing where Christ’s feet would reach, did not attach a footstool, having finished this already on Golgotha, the saint denounced the schismatics Dimitri Rostovsky (Investigation, book 2, chapter 24). Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first crucified Him(John 19; 18), and then only Pilate wrote the inscription and placed(by his order) on cross(John 19; 19). It was at first that they divided by lot His clothes warriors those who crucified Him(Matthew 27; 35), and only then they placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews Matt. 27; 37
So, four-pointed The Cross of Christ, carried to Golgotha, which all who have fallen into the frenzy of schism call the seal of the Antichrist, is still called in the Holy Gospel by His cross(Matt. 27; 32, Mark 15; 21, Luke 23; 26, John 19; 17), that is, the same as with the tablet and footstool after the crucifixion (John 19; 25). In Rus', a cross of this form (Fig. 27) was used more often than others.
Cross crown of thorns
Image of a cross with crown of thorns(Fig. 29) has been used for many centuries among different peoples who adopted Christianity. But instead of numerous examples from the ancient Greco-Roman tradition, we will give several cases of its application in later times according to the sources that were at hand. Cross with crown of thorns can be seen on the pages of an ancient Armenian manuscript books the period of the Cilician kingdom (Matenadaran, M., 1991, p. 100); on icon Glorification of the Cross of the 12th century from the Tretyakov Gallery (V.N. Lazarev, Novgorod Iconography, M., 1976, p. 11); on the Staritsky copper-cast cross-vest of the 14th century; on Pokrovets Golgotha - monastic contribution of Queen Anastasia Romanova in 1557; on silver dish 16th century (Novodevichy Convent, M., 1968, ill. 37), etc.
God told Adam who sinned that cursed is the earth for you. Thorn and she will bring forth thistles for you(Genesis 3; 17-18). And the new sinless Adam - Jesus Christ - voluntarily took upon himself both the sins of others and death as a consequence of them, and thorns suffering, to her leading along a thorny path.
Christ's Apostles Matthew (27; 29), Mark (15: 17) and John (19: 2) tell us that warriors, gossip crown of thorns, laid it on His head, and by His stripes we were healed(Isa. 53:5). From here it is clear why since then wreath symbolizes victory and reward, starting with the books of the New Testament: crown of truth(2 Tim. 4:8), crown of glory(1 Pet. 5; 4), crown of life(James 1; 12 and Apoc. 2; 10).
Schema Cross or Golgotha
The inscriptions and cryptograms on Russian crosses have always been much more diverse than on Greek ones.
Since the 11th century, under the lower oblique crossbar of the eight-pointed cross, a symbolic image of the head of Adam, buried according to legend on Golgotha, appears (in Hebrew - place of execution), where Christ was crucified. In the place where I will be buried, the Word of God will be crucified and water my skull with His blood,” Adam prophesied. These words of his clarify the tradition that had developed in Rus' by the 16th century of making the following designations near the image of Golgotha: M.L.R.B.- the place of execution was quickly crucified, G.G. - Mount Golgotha, G.A. - head of Adam; Moreover, the bones of the hands lying in front of the head are depicted: right on left, as during burial or communion.
Letters TO And T mean copy centurion Longinus and cane with a sponge, depicted along the cross.
The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: IС HS- the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: NIKA-Winner; On or near the title is the inscription: SNY BZHIY - Son of God or acronym I.N.C.I.- Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews; the inscription above the title: KING OF THE WORDS- King of Glory.
Such crosses are supposed to be embroidered on the vestments of the great and angelic schema; three crosses on the paraman and five on the kukula: on the forehead, on the chest, on both shoulders and on the back.
The Cross of Golgotha (Fig. 55) is also depicted on the funeral shroud, which marks the preservation of the vows given at baptism, like the white shroud of the newly baptized, signifying cleansing from sin.
Unlike image of the cross, depicting directly the Crucified Christ Himself, sign of the cross conveys his spiritual meaning, depicts him as real meaning, but the Cross itself does not appear.
The Cross is the guardian of the entire universe, the Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross is the power of kings, 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.
Of course, every Orthodox Christian is familiar with the symbolic image of the site of the Savior’s Crucifixion, called the Calvary Cross. This image can often be found on church utensils, on the vestments of monks, and as a symbol of the consecration of a home or vehicle. But perhaps not everyone knows what is depicted on it. The Calvary Cross is an image of the Cross, the instruments of the Passion, Mount Calvary, the head of Adam, inscriptions and represents an image of the Event near Jerusalem that forever changed the history of all mankind.
The central place in the image is occupied by the Cross. The outline of the Cross has been known to mankind since ancient times. Many ancient peoples depicted this sign as a magical symbol or as a sign of God. Later, the Cross becomes the subject of a cruel, martyr's and shameful execution. In the Roman Empire, this type of execution became widespread and was intended for slaves and especially dangerous criminals.
Early images of the likeness of the Cross, as a Christian symbol, were found in the Roman catacombs of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. They represented an image of intersecting palm branches, a brazier for torture, and the letter abbreviation of the name Christ. An unencrypted image of the Cross appears only in the 4th century.
In 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine, later glorified as the Holy King Equal to the Apostles, during the war with Emperor Maxentius, saw a sign in a dream. In a dream, Christ appeared to him and ordered him to make a sign on the banner for victory over the enemy. Emperor Constantine, not yet a Christian, decided to fulfill the command. The next day this sign appeared in the sky. As church historian Eusebius Pamphilus wrote:
“We also happened to see this banner with our own eyes. It had the following appearance: on a long spear covered with gold there was a transverse yard, which with the spear formed the sign of a cross, and on it the first two letters of the name Christ, combined together.”
Constantine ordered this symbol to be placed on the shields of soldiers and on banners. Subsequently, this image was applied to the helmet of Constantine and was called the monogram of Constantine. After the victory, three memorial Crosses were installed with the inscriptions “Jesus Christ the Winner” - “IC.XP.NIKA”.
In 313, at the insistence of Constantine, the Edict of Milan was proclaimed, allowing freedom of religion in the Roman Empire. This served to end the persecution of Christians. From that time on, Christian symbolism ceased to be encrypted and secret and received freedom not only for veneration, but also for development.
The Calvary Cross depicts a three-part (eight-pointed) Cross. And despite the fact that in Christian symbolism there are different designs of Crosses, when depicting the Calvary Cross, the eight-pointed one is most often depicted. It consists of a vertical pillar, a large crossbar, on top of which there is a small parallel crossbar, and at the bottom a small oblique one. The upper small crossbar is a sign.
“Pilate also wrote an inscription and placed it on the cross. It was written: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. This inscription was read by many of the Jews, because the place where Jesus was crucified was not far from the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Roman. The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Do not write: King of the Jews, but what did He say:
"I am the King of the Jews." Pilate answered: “What I wrote, I wrote.” (John 19-22).
And although on the tablet (tilte), written by the Roman proconsul of Judea Pilate, the inscription was in three languages, in the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church it is an abbreviation of the Russian phrase “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” - “INCI” or “INCI”. Carved Calvary Cross XVII .
The lower oblique crossbar is a footstool and was attached after the installation of the one crucified on the Cross. In the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, the part of this crossbar to the right of the Cross is depicted higher than the left. And this is explained by the liturgical text of the 9th hour of the service to the Cross of the Lord: “In the midst of two thiefs, Thy Cross was found as a measure of righteousness: for one I am brought down to hell by the burden of blasphemy, for the other I am relieved from sins to the knowledge of theology.” That is, this element of the Cross is also identified with the scales of human sinfulness. One thief, freed by repentance and the words of the Savior: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23; 43), the cross lifts into the Kingdom of Heaven with the upward side, and with the other, downward side, it brings down another thief to hell “with the burden of blasphemy.” uttered by him against Christ.
The cross is on a pedestal representing a mountain called Golgotha or the Place of the Skull. This mountain was located near the walls of Jerusalem and served as a place for public executions. And, bearing His cross, He went out to a place called Skull, in Hebrew Golgotha; there they crucified Him and two others with Him, on one side and the other, and in the middle was Jesus. (John 19). The mountain got its name because of its external resemblance to a human skull, being made of light gray limestone and round in shape. There are several types of the outline of the Mountain on the Calvary Cross. It can be depicted in the form of a hemisphere and in the form of a pointed or truncated pyramid with flat or stepped sides. The steps on the sides are also called the steps of spiritual ascent. The bottom step is Faith, the middle is Hope and the top is Charity. Next to Golgotha there are two letters “G” and “G” inscribed, meaning “Mount Golgotha”.
Next to the Cross are the Instruments of the Passion. As a rule, this is a Reed with a sponge dipped in vinegar and a Centurion's Spear.
Under the Mountain there is a skull inscribed - symbolizing the Head of Adam - the First Man. Next to the Skull are the letters “G” and “A”, respectively denoting “Head of Adam”. It is believed that the blood of the Lord, gushing from the wound, sprinkled the head of Adam and thereby washed away the ancestral sin. The appearance of the Head of Adam in this place has several versions. According to one version, the Ashes of Adam were buried here by Angels, according to another, by a descendant of Adam - Seth. According to the third version, the Head of Adam was transferred here by the waters of the Great Flood.
There is another version according to which the Skull of Adam was buried in this place by King Solomon. The tree that grew from the seed placed in Adam's mouth at burial by his son Seth was uprooted for use in the construction of the Jerusalem Temple. Found during the work, entangled in roots, the Skull was separated and thrown away. But Solomon, seeing Him, returning from hunting, picked him up and buried him, covering him with stones. Similar versions began to appear, like the very image of Adam’s skull washed with the blood of Christ, from the 9th century.
In addition to the mentioned images, inscriptions are also inscribed. On top of the Cross, it is traditionally written “SN BZHIY” - “SON OF GOD”. Sometimes there is an inscription “KING OF GLORY”. On top of the large crossbar is written “IC XC” - “JESUS CHRIST”, and below it “NIKA” - which means Victory in Greek. Near the image of Mount Golgotha four letters “ML” and “RB” are written. Which means: “Place of Execution” and “Paradise Byst”. What speaks about the place and essence of what happened.
Christ's death on Golgotha and the subsequent Resurrection are the central events of all Christianity. On the Cross, man was redeemed from sin, the path to deification was opened to him, Christ became the New Adam. Therefore, over the centuries, images of the Calvary cross concentrated all the symbolism that gradually filled it with developing Orthodox theology.
The Calvary cross is strict, in full accordance with its sacrificial meaning. It depicts the suffering Christ, and every detail is important. Above the Savior’s head is a tablet with his name King, and at the very bottom, at the base of the cross, is the skull of Adam’s head. When the Blood of Jesus was shed, it washed away the guilt of the first man and delivered his descendants from the consequences of the sin he had committed. Often, two lances are depicted on the sides of the crucifixion, on one of them there is a sponge, with the help of which the crucifixion soldiers gave vinegar to drink to Christ, as well as the lance with which His ribs were pierced to certify his death.
Often the Calvary cross is decorated with complex ornaments. Such patterns are not just decoration, but also symbolize branches and shoots as a sign that the cross has become a new Tree of Life, which has blossomed and is bearing the fruits of grace.
Pectoral crosses with the image of Golgotha are presented in a wide variety in our store. While maintaining the proper rigor of their important subject matter, they nevertheless differ in color. On the site it is possible, mainly light silver, as well as with a dark blackened background, on which the relief of the light image stands out in contrast.
The Cross of Calvary is worth buying as a gift for a Christian who has already taken his first steps in church life and who will be able to understand the full significance of such a gift. The cross, reminiscent of the Sacrifice of Christ, will inspire the believer to fight temptations and fulfill the gospel commandments.
What does the Calvary Cross mean?
In ancient times, this sign denoted belonging to God, and later became a symbol of martyrdom on the cross. The Christian tradition does not have clear canons for the outline of the Cross, but there are some traditional signs that are more common than others.
The eight-pointed Calvary cross, which can be purchased at Trinity, has two small crossbars at the top and bottom. This is, respectively, a tablet and a footstool. The image of Mount Golgotha (Place of Execution) also varies: it can be a pyramid, a hemisphere, or even a skull, symbolizing the head of Adam, whose sin Jesus washed away with his blood. On the sides of the cross are often depicted the Instruments of the Passion - a spear and a cane. Besides,
How to buy a cross
The Calvary Cross (silver, gold, enamel, blackening) can be selected and purchased at the Trinity store. Our features: attractive price, large range of quality products and full compliance with Orthodox traditions.
The cross with Golgotha, which our store offers to buy, differs from others precisely in the symbol of the mountain on which Christ’s execution took place. The style in which the product is made can be any to your taste, but the essence of the sign remains unchanged and is very important for a believer.
By purchasing a Calvary cross at an affordable price from Trinity, you are giving yourself or your loved ones a gift with sacred meaning.
