Orthodox Crosses

The cross is the central sign of the Christian faith, and the Orthodox world has given it a great variety of forms. This section looks at those forms and their meanings. They include the simple Greek cross with equal arms, the eight-pointed Russian cross with its upper title board and slanted footrest, and the elaborate processional and altar crosses of Byzantine and post-Byzantine metalwork. Articles discuss pectoral and baptismal crosses, carved and enamelled reliquary crosses that held fragments of the True Cross, and the monumental stone crosses of Armenia and Georgia. They also cover the painted crosses and inscriptions found in church murals. We explain common inscriptions, such as IC XC NIKA (“Jesus Christ conquers”), and the symbolism traditionally attached to each element: Golgotha and Adam's skull at the base, the instruments of the Passion, and the sun and moon. Wherever possible we point to surviving examples and the collections that hold them.