Orthodox cross

See also: Patriarchal cross and Cross of Lorraine

The Orthodox Cross is a variation of the Christian cross and is commonly found in Eastern Orthodox Churches. The cross has three horizontal crossbeams, the top representing the plate with INRI, and the bottom, a footrest. In Russian Orthodox tradition, the lower beam is slanted, with the side to the viewer's left usually being higher, while in the Greek Orthodox Church, it remains straight, as in some earlier representations.

Russian variations

A variation of the Russian cross, so called "Calvary cross"

In Russia, the top crossbeam can be absent, however, in the Russian North it is usually attached above the vertical beam and not across it.

Another variation is a special monastic "Calvary cross"," in which the cross is situated on a calvary, usually in the form of steps. To the right is the Holy Lance, with which Jesus was wounded in his ribs, and to the left, a cane with a wine-saturated sponge. Under the Calvary, is a skull and bones, where the right bone is usually above the left one, mirroring the practice of believers folding their arms on their chest during an Orthodox communion in this fashion. Around the cross are abbreviations in Church Slavonic. This type of cross is usually embroidered on a schema-monk's robe.

Between 1577–1625, the Russian Orthodox cross was between the heads of the double-headed eagle in the coat of arms of Russia. It was also drawn on military banners until the end of the 17th century.

Gallery

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  Coat of arms of Russia from the seal of Ivan IV (the Terrible), 1577

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  Coat of arms of Russia from the seal of Fyodor I, 1589

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  A rider with the banner from an icon Blessed Be the Host of the King of Heaven (Church Militant), 1550s

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  A 17th century miniature of the Battle of Kulikovo (1380). A warrior bears a red banner with a cross

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  A copper cross typical for Old believers

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  A cross of a Russian Orthodox priest

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  A modern memorial to St. Cyril and Methodius in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia

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  Coat of arms of Kherson Governorate, Russian Empire, 1878

External links

• "Explanation of the Three-Bar Cross". Church of the Nativity: Russian Orthodox Old Rite. http://www.churchofthenativity.net/orthodoxy/three-bar-cross/. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
• V. Rev. John Shandra. "The Skull on the "Russian" Orthodox Cross". http://frjohnshandra.pravsvit.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:the-skull-on-the-qrussianq-orthodox-cross&catid=38:general. Retrieved October 20, 2011.