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 pay tribute to fashion in this way, for some the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for others it brings good luck 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 to the left, 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 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 during the times 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 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 the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special importance 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, Jesus’ palms 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 as dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his 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 it is an image of a dead man, 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.

The meaning 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 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 crucifixion 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 for it a shameful and 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 were 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, 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. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: “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:

1. most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.


2. Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).


3. 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.


4. 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.

Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak

The cross is a very ancient symbol. What did it symbolize before the Savior’s death on the cross? Which cross is considered more correct - Orthodox or Catholic four-pointed (“kryzh”). What is the reason for the image of Jesus Christ on the cross with crossed feet for Catholics and separate feet in the Orthodox tradition.

Hieromonk Adrian (Pashin) answers:

In different religious traditions, the cross symbolized different concepts. One of the most common is the meeting of our world with the spiritual world. For the Jewish people, from the moment of Roman rule, the cross, crucifixion was a method of shameful, cruel execution and caused insurmountable fear and horror, but, thanks to Christ the Victor, it became a desired trophy, evoking joyful feelings. Therefore, Saint Hippolytus of Rome, the Apostolic Man, exclaimed: “and the Church has its own trophy over death - this is the Cross of Christ, which it bears on itself,” and Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Languages, wrote in his Epistle: “I wish to boast... only by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14).

In the West, the most commonly used now is the four-pointed cross (Fig. 1), which the Old Believers call (for some reason in Polish) “Kryzh Latin” or “Rymski”, which means Roman cross. According to the Gospel, the execution of the cross was spread throughout the Empire by the Romans and, of course, was considered Roman. “And not by the number of trees, not by the number of ends, we venerate the Cross of Christ, but by Christ Himself, whose most holy blood was stained,” says St. Demetrius of Rostov. “And showing miraculous power, any cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and by invoking His most holy name.”

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.

The eight-pointed Orthodox cross (Fig. 2) most closely corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified, as testified by Tertullian, Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, Saint Justin the Philosopher and others. “And when Christ the Lord carried the cross on His shoulders, then the cross was still four-pointed; because there was no title or foot on it yet. 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” (St. Demetrius of Rostov). 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 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” (Matthew 27: 37).

Images of the Savior’s crucifixion have also been known since ancient times. Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant (Fig. 3), and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear (Fig. 4).

Since ancient times, crucifixion crosses, both in the East and in the West, had a crossbar to support the feet of the Crucified One, and His legs were depicted as nailed each separately with its own nail (Fig. 3). The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail (Fig. 4) first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement) undoubtedly follows the idea 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 hands, calling “all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 45:22).

Therefore, in the tradition of Orthodoxy, it is to depict the Savior Almighty precisely as the already Risen Cross-Bearer, holding and calling into His arms the entire universe and carrying on Himself the New Testament altar - the Cross.

And the traditionally Catholic image of the crucifixion, with Christ hanging in his arms, on the contrary, has the task of showing how it all happened, of depicting the dying suffering and death, and not at all what is essentially the eternal Fruit of the Cross - His triumph.

Orthodoxy invariably teaches that suffering is necessary for all sinners for their humble assimilation of the Fruit of redemption - the Holy Spirit sent by the sinless Redeemer, which, out of pride, Catholics do not understand, who through their sinful sufferings seek participation in the sinless, and therefore redemptive Passion of Christ and thereby fall into the crusader heresy "self-rescue".

Most often, Catholics depict the cross as four-pointed.

Four-pointed crosses have been known since the 3rd century. Having once appeared in the Roman catacombs, they remain to this day the main form of depiction of the cross among Catholics. However, Catholics do not attach much importance to the shape of the cross, noting that it is not the basis of the creed. The image of the Savior is not always found on Catholic crosses, but if it is present, then Jesus’ feet are nailed with three nails. Catholics believe that three nails were used in the Crucifixion. Above the head of Jesus there is a tablet on which is written in Latin “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” - INRI. Usually above the head of the crucified person there was a description of his crime. Pontius Pilate did not find another name for the “crime” of the Savior.

Catholic cross: difference from the Orthodox one

The Orthodox cross does not always have an eight-pointed shape, although this is the form of the cross used by Orthodox Christians in the East. A lower crossbar can also be added to an Orthodox cross, which symbolizes the “righteous standard.” On one side of the scale are sins, on the other are the good and righteous deeds of people.

The shape of the cross is also not decisive for Orthodox Christians. Much more important in this case is what is depicted on the cross. So the sign “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in Orthodoxy looks like IHHI (in Slavic-Russian). Jesus' feet are not nailed to the cross together and there are only four nails on the crucifix. The letters IC XC on the right and left hand of the Savior are a Christogram and stand for Jesus Christ.

On the reverse side of the Orthodox cross there is always the inscription “Save and Preserve.”

The palms of Jesus on the Orthodox cross are usually open. It’s as if Jesus is taking the world into his arms. On the Catholic cross, the Savior's hands can be clenched into fists.

The use of the cross also differs: during burial, Orthodox Christians place a cross at the feet of the deceased, and Catholics place a cross at the head of the deceased. However, the rule is not mandatory and mainly depends on the local traditions of Christians. Catholics always install a four-pointed cross on domes (spires near churches), but in Orthodoxy there are different forms of crosses.

Catholic and Orthodox cross - is the difference significant?

The Monk Theodore the Studite wrote “the cross of every form is the true cross.” Neither Catholics nor Orthodox Christians attach much importance to the shape of the cross. The Catholic cross has changed over the centuries, just like the Orthodox one. Thus, until the 10th century, Christ was depicted on the cross as resurrected and triumphant; the image of the dead and suffering Christ appeared only in the 10th century and is more often found among Catholics.

Both in Catholicism and Orthodoxy there are six and eight-pointed crosses, these are the crosses of the hierarchy (archiepiscopal and papal).

The main thing that unites all Christians: if earlier the cross was an instrument of torture and shame, then after Christ’s sacrifice on the cross it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The Lord himself spoke about the necessity and significance of the feat of the cross: “ He who does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian) is unworthy of Me"(Matthew 10:38). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, also addressed the topic of the sacrifice of the cross: “ 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 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 destroy the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this century? 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 both the Jews demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, for the Jews a stumbling block, and for the Greeks foolishness, but for those who are called, Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God"(1 Cor. 1:17-24).

It would seem that Christianity assumes the same symbols, but despite this, the Catholic cross and Orthodox crosses have a significant difference. The attributes of religion are different for each religious movement. In this article you can learn how to identify the Orthodox and Catholic cross.

History of Catholicism

As a separate movement of Christianity, it separated back in 1054. This happened after the “Great Schism,” when the Pope and the Patriarch anathematized each other. The followers also divided into two “camps” and since then, Catholicism has been considered a separate religious movement.

Like the Orthodox, they have their own symbols and attributes that symbolize their faith. Catholicism is considered one of the most widespread religions on the planet. In Europe, most countries are controlled and the church has the strongest influence on people's lives. For example, Poland, Belgium, Italy and others. The American continent has the largest number of Catholics.

Meaning

As for the Orthodox, for Catholics the cross signifies liberation and a symbol of the victory of good over evil. Can be interpreted as an attribute of an eternal afterlife. The cross also symbolizes hope and faith - this is its main purpose. A person receives it as a sign that he is committed to a particular church.

There is also the cross of St. Peter, which can symbolize faith in Christianity. It does not at all symbolize Satanism or blasphemy, but is one of the varieties of the Catholic cross. It is worth noting that this is a regular Latin inverted cross. You can find many different crosses that are used not only by Catholics, but also by Orthodox Christians.

Each variety symbolizes involvement in the church and is also highly revered by the Christian Church. It is worth noting that for Catholics the ordinary cross and the Papal cross differ in the number of ends. The papal represents a triple government, as the highest order of priest. He is higher than everyone else because he is more committed to the Lord and can send his prayers directly.

The difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one

On the Catholic cross, special attention is paid to the image of Christ on the crucifix, and not to the number of crossbars or other symbols. The cross, as for the Orthodox, plays an important role among Catholics and their faith.

To cover this topic in more detail, let us turn to the most important details that both crosses have and they may have differences. This:

• Form;
• Lettering;
• The disposition of Christ himself;
• Number of nails on the cross

Form

The main difference that exists is the number of ends. In Orthodoxy there are eight or six, and in Catholicism there are four. At the same time, both churches recognize that faith does not depend on the number of crossbars, it is just a symbol that shows a person’s commitment to religion.

The Catholic Church, like the Orthodox Church, recognizes both types. On the Orthodox cross there is an upper crossbar, which symbolizes the repentance of the thief, as well as an upper name plate. But at the same time, the ancient Christian church recognized only one form of the cross - quadrangular. Mentions of this can be found in the catacombs where Christians were during the persecution. Also in Catholicism and Orthodoxy you can find the hexagonal shape of the cross, which is also correct.

Image of Jesus Christ

The Catholic view of the cross is the closest to reality. On it you can find images of Christ, where his fingers are folded into a fist. This symbolizes the torment he suffered. Some crosses may depict blood or some other attributes of unbearable pain and repentance.

It is the placement of Christ on the crucifix that causes the most controversy among both churches. The shape and location on the Catholic cross speaks of the pain and torment that the Savior experienced. As mentioned earlier, blood and a certain facial expression on Christ can be depicted. Traditionally, in the Orthodox Church, the cross signifies salvation and eternal love, which Christ presents to his followers and the whole world. Orthodoxy also explains that the Savior depicted on their cross shows that eternal life exists and after death it does not end, but simply passes into another form. Until one time, the crosses depicted not just a living Christ, but a triumphant one, ready to enter into a new life, already purified and redeemed. Only from the tenth century did images of the already dead Savior appear, and they also began to depict various attributes of his death.

Inscriptions

There are other minor differences that can be found in both types. You can also find differences in the sign, which is located at the top of the cross. When among the Orthodox it is IHCI (or ІННІ, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”), and among Catholics in the Latin alphabet it is INRI. The Catholic cross does not have the inscription “Save and Preserve,” while the Orthodox cross has it on the back.

Nails

The number of nails plays an important role in the depiction of Christ on the crucifixion. On Catholic crosses, the Lord's feet are nailed with only one nail, but on Orthodox crosses - two. This is the standard appearance of the Catholic cross, which is kept in the Vatican.

If the theme of the form was described in more detail above, then it is worth adding that the image of the Catholic cross is made in a more restrained form. Like the decoration of Catholic churches itself, the cross is without unnecessary details or special decoration.

Conclusion

Regardless of which cross a person prefers, it is a direct symbol of the fact that he knows about the torment of Christ and is committed to a certain religious movement. The priests themselves do not give an accurate assessment of whether a person takes off the Orthodox one and puts on the Catholic one. That is why adherents of both churches can wear crosses of different shapes without worrying about their faith. The material used to make the Catholic symbol does not matter; it can be gold, silver, wood or something else.

This is the most important symbol, recognized not only in our time, but also ten centuries before us. "The guardian cross of the entire universe."- affirms the sanctuary of the Feast of the Life-Giving Cross. The main differences are only in their form, and not in the strength of a person’s love for the Lord.

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The Christian (Orthodox) pectoral cross is a symbol of faith that a person receives at the moment of his initiation into the faith - Baptism and wears of his own free will all his life until his last earthly days. It is called upon to protect, protect from troubles and misfortunes, bring inspiration and remind us of the essence of faith.

The cross has an ancient history; it appeared long before Christianity in different cultures: Eastern, Chinese Indian and others. Archaeologists find ancient imprints of the cross in rock carvings of caves in Scandinavia, Easter Island, India, Japan...

The cross personifies great balance, harmony in the Universe, and carries a deep secret meaning of the knowledge accumulated by our ancient ancestors. The cross acquired a sacred (hidden deep) meaning after Jesus Christ was crucified on it.

There are people who wear a cross as decoration, as a fashion statement, without considering themselves believers. Is this forbidden? Of course not, for such a person the cross will serve as decoration, completely devoid of the meaning of those things that we outlined above.

What is the difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one?

The eight-pointed cross was considered by ancient people to be the most powerful protective amulet against evil spirits and all kinds of evil. Although the hexagonal one was also widely used.

There is an opinion that Catholics and Orthodox Christians have different shapes of the cross. How to distinguish an Orthodox cross from a Catholic one? In general, an Orthodox believer should not have such a question, since any form of the cross is acceptable for such a believer. Venerable Theodore the Studite wrote:

“The cross of every form is the true cross.”

And even though the shape and meaning of the cross changed over the centuries, some attributes were added, but since Christ accepted the sacrifice on it, it has become a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

The Lord himself spoke about how important this symbol is for every believer:

« He who does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian) is unworthy of Me"(Matthew 10:38). -24).

Serbian Patriarch Irinej says this:

« 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 the shape».

What is the meaning of all the sides of the cross and what do they mean?

Orthodox Christians more often wore six-pointed crosses, when a lower crossbar was added, symbolizing the “righteous standard”: on one side of the scale are sins, on the other are righteous deeds.

For an Orthodox Christian, the shape of the pectoral cross should not matter; the information that is indicated on it is much more important.

• The inscription “Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews” on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: in Catholic in Latin script “INRI”, in Orthodox in Slavic-Russian “IHCI”. Sometimes it has the following form: “IC” “XC” - the name of Jesus Christ;
• Often on the back of the cross there is the inscription “Save and Preserve.”
• At the very bottom, sometimes in another place you can see the inscription “NIKA” - which means Winner.

• Another distinctive feature is the position of the legs on the Crucifix and the number of nails. The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic crucifix, and each one is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.

• Western Christians (Catholics) portray Jesus as tortured and dead; for them he is a man. For Orthodox Christians, Jesus is God and man rolled into one; his crucifix most often has a flat image. Catholics make it more voluminous.
• Catholics have a crown of thorns on Jesus' head, while Orthodox Christians have his head uncovered.

But I repeat once again, in fact, all these differences are not so significant.

And yet, when choosing a cross for yourself and your child, give preference to the one without a crucifix. With all your love for Jesus and filled with gratitude and reverence, remember that the crucifix contains the energy of pain and suffering, which presses on your soul and heart chakra, filling your life, which is already full of suffering. Think about it... Watch this video:

And remember that the cross is just a symbol of faith, and it cannot replace faith itself.