Considering oneself an Orthodox Christian, it is important to have elementary basic knowledge in the field of Christian culture, and not be led by popular superstitions. And, unfortunately, there are a great many of them, even if we are talking about the main shrine - the cross. They begin with the interpretation of dreams, during which any manipulations with the pectoral cross take place, end with indecision and fear if a cross was found lost by someone. Let's try to deal with the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and how the church recommends dealing with such an unexpected "foundling".
The meaning of the cross in Orthodoxy
Jesus was martyred on the cross for the salvation of every living being. Wearing around the neck the crucifixion of Christ, received at baptism, a believer declares his involvement in the sufferings of the Lord, his selfless feat, which gives hope for resurrection. The pectoral cross is a silent prayer with which we turn to the Almighty for the salvation of our souls. A believer should wear a cross all his life, because it is a clear proof of self-sacrifice in the name of love. Russian folk proverbs have survived to this day, symbolizing the attitude towards this shrine: “Whoever has a cross is with Christ”, “We don’t wear a cross, but he wears us.” The crucifix tells about faith in the Lord, is a promise to live according to his commandments. The Almighty hears everyone who addresses him, and opens his arms to him.
Wearing rules
The figure of the Savior, superimposed on the cross, shows the human and divine incarnations, the triumph of victory over death. The symbol received its dogmatic validity in the 690s in Constantinople. Since then, the pectoral cross has been a sign of belonging to the Orthodox Christian faith, a silent witness to the "ineffable". There are several principles for wearing it:
- The crucifix is a cross, on one side of which is the image of Jesus Christ, on the other - the words "Save and Save."
- The cross can be made of any material: gold or silver, wood or stone, amber or pearls.
- The protective effect of the power of the cross comes from the correct cross consecrated in the church. It can be 4-, 6- and 8-pointed.
- The crucifix is worn constantly, under clothing, with the prayer side to the body.
- Treating the cross as an adornment or a fetish is unacceptable.
Priests about other people's crosses
People are often interested in whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross. The answers of the priests fit into a few words: "The cross is the cross." They treat the cross as a shrine, reverently. The prayer “Let God rise again” conveys the attitude of a believer to crucifixion as a living, spiritualized being. The clergy do not approve of all kinds of superstitions, predictions, fortune-telling. When asked if the bad energy and sins of the former owner will be transferred with someone else's cross, they remark: “What about virtue? Will she pass too?" The priest will advise you to treat the found cross with respect, carefully pick it up and take it for yourself, give it to someone who needs it or take it to the temple. But in no case should you step over it and leave it to be trampled underfoot.
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross
Despite the fact that it is easier to believe in folk signs, it is worth understanding the nuances. Is it possible to wear the found cross, consciously and churchily? On the one hand, if the "foundling" is to your liking, you should not be afraid to wear it yourself. On the other hand, is there a good reason for this and is there some secret mystical goal being pursued? The cross is not a talisman, so there is no strong or weak amulet among them. It is at least naive to pin your hopes or, on the contrary, fears on him. You can simply take the crucifix to the church as a donation. But it should be remembered that there is no trouble in finding a cross, and wearing it does not bode any trouble.
Cross as a gift
The best gift for a believer is a pectoral cross. Therefore, it can be safely given: for christening, name day, birthday. Both new and found. The main thing is that he be consecrated in the church and gain his power of the cross. If there is no lighting information, it's best to do it anyway. What if one of the relatives offers to wear his crucifix - is it possible to wear the cross of a relative or close friend? Oh sure. After all, such gifts are not made to people whose fate is indifferent.
Cross of the deceased
There is an interesting fact: in ancient Russia, the deceased people were interred, having previously removed the cross from them. Russians reasoned like this: "Why a shrine in the ground?". In our time, on the contrary, they put on a cross, because grieving relatives want their loved one to appear before the Creator with a reverent shrine around his neck. Times change and traditions change with them. It happens that a family has a sacred relic, an old cross, passed down from generation to generation through the female or male line after the death of its owner. Sometimes there are fears and concerns about whether it is possible to wear the cross of the deceased, even if it is so valuable. Just as in the case of a cross found or donated, these worries are groundless. Believers are not inclined to trust prejudices and beliefs. Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, they do not need a priest's answer. In their bright God's world there is no place for dark superstitions.
Loss of a cross
Unfortunately, no one is immune from the unpleasant situation of losing an expensive thing. When it comes to wearing a crucifix or a wedding ring, the experience is exacerbated by superstitious fears. But there is no supernatural in such a loss, just as there is no omen. A popular sign says that at such a moment a person is, as it were, at a crossroads, and the Lord will give him a second chance. You can believe in such a "miracle of rebirth." But it is better to think about the soul and its immortality, about how to bring it closer to God. Since the cross itself, without faith, means nothing, it is more important to take care not of external manifestations, but of carrying Christ in your heart. If you analyze the situation, it becomes clear that the chain or ribbon may be to blame for the loss, and they do not carry any symbolic load. Therefore, if such a loss occurs, then you should go to the temple or visit the church shop and get yourself a new cross. And to the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, if one of your friends offers it to you in return for the lost one, the answer is definitely positive. You can save and protect your soul with any life-giving cross, no matter who it previously belonged to.
The cross is not a witch's amulet or a dead symbol, not a talisman or jewelry trinket. It is important to worry not about whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and whether someone else's "cross" will have to be carried along with it. It is much more essential to treat it as a living weapon of grace given by the Lord. Wear a cross around your neck, and faith in your heart.
What does the cross on the human body mean? This is a symbol of salvation. As we know from history, death on the cross in ancient Rome was the most shameful. Killers, thieves, rapists accepted such a death - those people whom society despised. There was a "noble" death - either by hanging or by beheading with a sword. As a rule, people of the upper class were subjected to this execution. And people of the lower class who committed crimes were crucified on the cross.
Everything changed after Christ, our Savior, having atoned for human sins, ascended the Cross and, together with Himself, raised the sins of all mankind to the Cross. From that moment on, the cross becomes a symbol of the salvation of every Orthodox Christian. Wearing this banner, each Christian carries his personal cross, which the Lord gave him during the sacrament of Baptism. Our pectoral cross is the banner of our victory over sin. What is the right way to use this flag?
Myth number 1. The pectoral cross should not be removed under any circumstances.
The cross really cannot be removed. He protects the person. He must always be with us. By bearing the cross, we confess Christ. But there are times when, for example, in a hospital during treatment, it is desirable to remove the cross. This does not mean that it should be removed altogether. You can put it on your hand or put it in your pocket. When I was operated on, the doctors told me to remove the cross. But I put it on my hand.
The cross should always be either on a person or next to him. When a person is with a cross, he is with the power of God. But, on the other hand, it is not necessary to treat the cross as some kind of talisman or amulet. The cross is not a talisman. This is the banner of our salvation.
Myth number 2. The cross can only be made of silver or tin. The golden cross offends Christ - by this a person shows his love for wealth - and deprives a person of the help of heavenly powers.
It does not matter what metal the cross is made of - silver, gold, tin or wood. The main thing is that a person should treat him as a sign of his salvation. Very often, for a person, the cross is not a symbol of salvation, but a kind of decoration, along with rings, bracelets, chains. Of course, such an attitude offends Christ. If he flaunts his cross as a symbol of his wealth - this is an insult to God.
The cross does not need to be flaunted, worn over clothing. The cross should be on your chest. And what metal it is made of is purely personal preference. Even if it is made of gold, I don't see any violations here.
Myth number 3. In no case should you show your cross to others, otherwise the person will be available to the action of dark forces.
If a person leads a Christian way of life, repents of his sins, takes communion, does good deeds, the demon will not approach him. Faith without works is dead. You can believe as much as you like, wear at least five crosses, but if you do nothing in the name of your faith, this faith is dead.
It does not matter where you wear the cross, it is important whether you confess Christianity with your life, with your actions, or for you Christianity is like a kind of screen, a beautiful ritual.
Indeed, you should not wear a cross for show. But not because evil forces will approach you, but because the cross is not an ornament.
Myth #4: Several crosses are better than one.
You can often see that people put on themselves a cross, an icon, and an amulet. There is a bracelet with icons on one hand, a bracelet with a cross on the other, a bandage with a prayer on the belt ... But this is direct paganism. It seems to a person that the more he puts on something, the more protection he will have. So the pagans thought - the more I sacrifice to the gods, put on amulets, the better the gods will protect me.
An Orthodox Christian understands that a pectoral cross is enough. You don't need to "strengthen" it. As the advanced youth say now, there is no need to “upgrade”. One pectoral cross is enough. And two, three crosses are absolutely useless. After all, then it turns out that a person does not believe in the power of his cross.
In the first centuries of Christianity, the cross was worn on the chest only inside the medallion. This was due to the inability to openly confess their faith. Often, instead of a cross, a Lamb was depicted on the inside of the medallion. For example, St. Gregory the Great, the Pope of Rome, in the 6th century sent two flat medallions with a crucifix to be worn on the chest to Queen Theodelinda of Lombardy.
However, in the acts of the VII Ecumenical Council, which took place in the 18th century (act 4), it is said that the martyr Procopius (died in 303), who suffered under Diocletian, wore a cross around his neck, half gold, half silver. The same is known about the Christian warrior martyr Orestes (died in 304).
St. John Chrysostom speaks of the pectoral cross given to infants in the sacrament of Baptism in the 4th century. Rebuking unreasonable women who placed amulets on baptized babies, he wrote: “You should not put anything on babies except the saving cross.”
Crosses have always been customary for Christians to wear under clothing. Only clerics or princes wore them over it.
Myth number 5. To lose a pectoral cross is unfortunately (another option is fortunately, since a lost cross takes on all the sins of its owner).
We all live in an active world. People work, hurry on business, go in for sports. It may happen that a person loses a pectoral cross. Nothing wrong with that. The cross is not a talisman or amulet. You need to come to the temple and buy another one in the icon shop. You can not attach any importance to this - that I lost the cross, my sins left with it, or new ones came - no, this is a delusion. Put on a new one and wear it with faith and prayer.
Myth No. 6. You can’t lift someone else’s pectoral cross, and even more so wear it; changing a pectoral cross is a change of fate.
When I was not yet a priest, I used to find pectoral crosses. I just took them to the temple. They know very well what to do with them. If you have found a cross, in no case should you pass by so that the shrine is not trampled under foot. You need to pick it up and bring it to the temple where you go, give it to the priest or to the icon shop.
And the superstition that I found the cross and took on someone's sins or changed fate - this is from the field of magic. Christianity generally denies the concept of fate. Man builds his own life. Man is an absolutely free creation of God. He is free to choose whether to go left or right, to do evil or good.
Speaking of fate, we are talking about some kind of predestination in our lives. This is mistake. There is no predestination. There are gifts that the Lord gave to every person at his birth. One draws well, the other writes well, the third is an excellent mathematician. This gift depends only on you - either you will develop it, or you will bury it in the ground. This is your destiny.
We recently read a parable about talents in the Gospel - someone multiplied them, and someone buried them in the ground. Those people who multiply their talents have a happy life, and those who bury them have an unhappy one. But it does not depend on God, but on the person himself.
When we say “life didn’t work out” or “fate didn’t work out,” then first of all we need to look at the actions of this person, how he disposed of the gifts that the Lord gave him. And the pectoral cross has absolutely nothing to do with this. This is the banner of our salvation. Only you yourself, your deeds and deeds, have any relation to your destiny.
If you put on one cross today, and another tomorrow, and something in your life went wrong, then the cross has nothing to do with it. Look for a problem in your life. Analyze your actions and deeds and draw conclusions.
Myth number 7. Dropping your pectoral cross is also unfortunate. Especially if it happened in a cemetery. In this case, you cannot raise your cross: it already belongs to the spirits of the dead.
Nothing wrong with that. Cross yourself, kiss your cross and put it on again. The same in the cemetery. It is not worth attaching some kind of sacred meaning to the cemetery land or the place itself. The spirits of the dead are with God, in His mansions, they are not in the cemetery. Here is one of the popular superstitions, of which there are a great many.
From the early centuries, different forms of Orthodox crosses appeared, each of which had its own spiritual meaning.
Eight-pointed cross
It most closely matches the historically reliable form of the cross on which Christ was crucified. The upper crossbar means the inscription "Jesus Christ the King of the Jews", which was made by Pontius Pilate, and the lower one - the foot.
Cross "Maltese", or "St. George"
This form of the cross was officially adopted by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in Malta. The George Cross became the highest award for soldiers. Often, crosses of this form are also found as underwear.
Drop-shaped cross
The "drops" at the ends symbolize the blood of Jesus. Such a cross was first drawn on the first leaf of a Greek Gospel dating from the 2nd century. It also symbolizes the struggle for faith to the end.
Cross four-pointed
The Orthodox Church, calling this cross "Latin", does not reject it, also recognizing it as the true form of the cross, equal to others. Starting from the 3rd century, this simplest image of the cross appears in the Roman catacombs.
Saint Nina's Cross
According to legend, the cross, woven from the branches of a vine, was handed over by the Most Holy Theotokos to the Enlightener of Georgia, sending her to preach. The relic is kept in Sioni, the Cathedral of Tbilisi. Reduced copies of the shrine are very popular in Georgia.
Myth number 8. Only parents, godparents or a priest can give a pectoral cross, as this is a very personal thing.
There are no barriers for anyone to do so. If your child was given a cross, come to the temple, consecrate it, and let the child wear it. A believer will gladly accept the cross for his child or grandson, granddaughter.
Myth number 9. If the pectoral cross has darkened, it is currently actively fighting against the dark forces.
If the cross has darkened, it means that it has oxidized. When silver or gold oxidizes, it darkens. This happens from time to time. There is no need to give any meaning to this. The cross itself does not lead any struggle. The struggle is waged by the person who wears this cross: with himself, with his passions. The cross helps a person with its power. And if it darkens, it means that the metal has oxidized. Sin or dark forces are not displayed as darkness on your cross. I advise everyone to study the laws of chemistry.
Myth No. 10. If the chain on the cross breaks or the cross itself breaks, trouble is coming. It is God thus warning about them.
You don't have to pay attention to such things. We are not pagans. It happens that an icon has fallen in the car, and some time later a wheel has broken through or something else has happened. A person thinks: behold, the Lord warned me. And in fact, you don’t have to drive on bald tires.
Your chain broke or the eyelet of the cross broke - it's okay. Go to the jeweler, let him solder. The chain, which constantly hangs around the neck, frays. This is a scientifically explainable phenomenon. There is no need to attach any occult significance to this.
If you constantly give everything a mystical meaning, you can slide into the occult. I see such people every day, and I feel sorry for them. Instead of coming to the temple to pray, confess, they look around: then my chain fell, then something else happened to me ... Instead of praying to God, communicating with Him, they constantly watch for “signs”. And the devil simply laughs at such people - he sends them more and more new moments to which they will pay attention.
If you are afraid to accept, come to the temple, confess, take communion, listen to the sermon of a priest or bishop. And don't be afraid of anything.
Cross with crucifix
One of the first images of the crucified Lord Jesus Christ on the cross that has come down to us refers only to the 5th century. This is a crucifix on the door of the church of St. Sabina in Rome. However, for a long time - until the 9th century inclusive - the Savior was depicted in a long robe, as if standing in front of a cross, not only resurrected, but also triumphant. Only in the 10th century did images of the actual crucifixion appear.
Cross "crown of thorns"
The image of a cross with a crown of thorns has been used for many centuries by various peoples who have adopted Christianity. The crown of Christ depicted on it symbolizes victory and reward: “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8), “crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:4), “crown of life” (James 1:12 and Apoc 2:10).
Old-printed cross "wicker"
Byzantine weaving was borrowed by the Slavs and became part of their church art. Most often, images of "wicker" crosses are found in Bulgarian old printed books.
Schema Cross, or "Golgotha"
Since the 11th century, under the lower oblique crossbar of the eight-pointed cross, a symbolic image of the head of Adam appears, buried, according to legend, on Golgotha, where Christ was later crucified. Near the image of Golgotha, the letters "M.L.R.B." - the place of the frontal was crucified, "G.G." - Mount Golgotha, "G.A." - Head of Adam. The letters "K" and "T" are signatures for a copy of a warrior and a cane with a sponge.
The inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "XC" - the name of Jesus Christ, "NIKA" - the Winner, on the title or near it: "SN" "BZHIY" - the Son of God - or "I.N.Ts.I" - Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews, at the very top: "ЦРЪ" "SLAVY" - the King of Glory.
Myth No. 11. A pectoral cross that has broken should be thrown into the river or buried.
A broken pectoral cross should be taken to the temple. In every church there are a lot of such things that people bring. These things are just kept. Old icons, whose faces have already been erased, broken crosses. They are kept in a holy place.
In our Intercession Church Zaitsevo, upstairs, in the choirs, there is a vestry, and there is a specially designated place where such icons, crosses are stored, which people brought to the temple with the words “Father, we don’t know what to do with them.” Zaitsevo is an old village, and many people had such things at home. It is imperative to bring such shrines to the temple so that they are not trampled on or someone throws them away.
If the cross is made of precious metal, gold or silver, the owner can take it to a jewelry workshop and ask to be melted down into another cross. But you can not smelt some other product from it. It would be wrong to sell it.
In no case should a shrine be thrown anywhere - into a river or lake, or buried. You can't treat a cross like that. Even if the temple is far away, the person who wears the cross still visits it.
The cross is the banner of our salvation. We do not bury our banners. The banner, which becomes unusable, is handed over to the museum, where it is kept with honors. If your cross is broken or it is already old - take it to the temple, where it will be kept with honors.
Myth No. 12. If you exchange crosses, people will become closer to each other spiritually.
It is not true. Indeed, there is such a custom among the people: they exchange crosses and after that consider themselves godbrothers. When someone wanted to express gratitude to another person or become closer to him, he performed such a symbolic act as a sign of his friendship.
In my understanding, this is nothing more than a good, kind custom. Of course, it is not worth attaching mystical significance to this. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, in a spiritual sense, and brothers and sisters even in a physical sense. We are all descended from Adam and Eve, and each person is a brother to another.
Interviewed by Maria Tsyrlina
The cross for believers is a great power that delivers from all evils, especially from the villainy of hated enemies. The pectoral cross helps to endure illness and adversity, strengthens the spirit, protects from evil people and in difficult circumstances.
The cross is placed on a person at Baptism, in Russia it is also called a "vest". During the Sacrament of Baptism, a cross is laid as a fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Whoever wants to follow Me, turn away from yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).
The pectoral cross is consecrated by the priest, who reads two special prayers in which he asks the Lord God to pour heavenly power into the cross and that this cross saves not only the soul, but also the body from all enemies, sorcerers, sorcerers, from all evil forces. That is why on many pectoral crosses there is an inscription "Save and save!".
How to choose a pectoral cross?
The pectoral cross is primarily a symbol of the Christian faith, and not a beautiful piece of jewelry. Pectoral crosses have always been distinguished by a variety of shapes and materials from which they are made - gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, bone, amber. When choosing a cross, one should pay attention not to metal, but to the form, which should correspond to Orthodox traditions. The traditional Orthodox pectoral cross has an eight-pointed shape.
Can crosses be worn with a Catholic crucifix?
The main condition in Orthodox iconography is that the figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and majesty. It is, as it were, placed on the cross, and the Lord opens His arms to all who turn to Him. The artist performs the task of depicting Christ in the Human and Divine hypostases, showing both the death and victory of the Savior. Catholics in the Middle Ages abandoned the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus. They focus on torment and death, thereby hiding the triumph of the Lord, who conquered death and reveals eternal life. The features of naturalism of human suffering and the torment of the execution of the Cross predominate: The heaviness of the body sagging on outstretched arms. Head crowned with a crown of thorns. The crossed feet are nailed with one nail. Anatomical details that convey the veracity of the execution. Orthodoxy requires the wearing of an Orthodox cross, not a Catholic one. This is due to different views on the foundations and dogmas of the Christian faith.
How to consecrate a pectoral cross?
To consecrate the pectoral cross, you need to come to the church at the beginning of the service and ask the clergyman about it. If the service is already taking place, you can ask for help from a church worker who will help pass the cross to the priest at the altar. If you wish, you can ask to consecrate the cross in your presence in order to participate in prayer.
What to do with the found pectoral cross?
The found pectoral cross can be kept at home, you can give it to the temple or to someone who needs it. These are superstitions that one cannot take up a cross that someone has lost, because by doing so we take on other people's sorrows and temptations. The Lord gives everyone his own path and his trials. If you want to wear the found cross, it must be consecrated. All the same applies to any "vest" that you for some reason were not able to wear.
Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?
You can donate crosses. A person dear to you will be doubly pleased if, when handing over the cross, you say that you went to church and have already consecrated the cross.
The main differences between Orthodox and Catholic crucifixion
1. On the Orthodox Crucifixion, Christ is nailed to the Cross with four nails, on the Catholic one - with three;
2. The most important thing. The Catholic Crucifixion is very naturalistic and sensual, the Orthodox Crucifixion reveals the spiritual essence of the event. On Catholic Crucifixes, Christ is depicted with a body sagging in his arms, with a suffering face, with a crown of thorns on his head, with blood and wounds. The classic Orthodox icon of the Crucifixion (Dionysius, 1500) depicts Christ the Conqueror, His appearance expresses Divine peace and majesty. He does not hang helplessly on his hands, but, as it were, soars in the air, inviting the entire Universe into His arms (which is indicated by both His hands and open palms). The Mother of God courageously empathizes with the suffering of Her Son.
The iconography of the Orthodox Crucifixion received its final dogmatic justification in 692 - in the 82nd rule of the Trullo Cathedral. The main condition is the combination of historical realism with the realism of Divine Revelation. The figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and greatness. It is, as it were, superimposed on a cross, arms outstretched and straight. The Lord opens his arms to all who turn to him. This iconography solves the difficult task of depicting the two hypostases of Christ - Human and Divine, showing both death and the victory of the Savior over it.
The rules of the Tula Cathedral, the Catholics, who abandoned their early views, did not accept. Accordingly, they did not accept the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus Christ.
Thus, in the Middle Ages, the Catholic type of crucifixion arises, in which the naturalistic features of purely human torment become predominant: the heaviness of the body on sagging rather than straight arms. Head of Jesus crowned with thorns. Crossed feet nailed with a single nail is an innovation of the 13th century. The anatomical details of the Catholic image, conveying the veracity of the execution itself, nevertheless hide the main thing - the triumph of Jesus, who conquered death and reveals eternal life to us, focusing on the agony of death.
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(catholic crucifix) (orthodox crucifix)
Some components
In an Orthodox crucifixion, the outstretched hands of the Savior should be straight, and not sagging under the weight of a dying body.
A distinctive feature of the Catholic Crucifixion is both feet of Christ crossed and pierced with one nail. In the Orthodox tradition, Christ is depicted crucified on four nails: both hands and feet are nailed each with its own nail. (“From ancient times, crucifixion crosses, both in the East and in the West, had a crossbar to support the feet of the Crucified, and His legs were depicted nailed each separately with their own nail. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one nail, first appeared as an innovation on West in the second half of the thirteenth century.)
Also on the Orthodox Crucifixion, the palms of Christ are necessarily open. The issue of the inadmissibility of depicting the bent fingers of Christ under Catholic influence was raised in 1553 by the clerk Viskovaty and, although the clerk was convicted for reasoning about icon painting, the arguments about the need to depict open palms were recognized as correct, and the controversial icons were rewritten.
In the Orthodox cross, unlike the Catholic one, there are no naturalistic traces of the sufferings of Christ.
The crown of thorns is an attribute of the Catholic crucifix. In the Orthodox tradition, it is rare (for example, on Easter artos).
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(Catholic cross) (Orthodox cross)
Common features
The Monk Theodore the Studite taught as early as the 9th century that "a cross of every form is a true cross." “Not according to the number of trees, not according to the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but according to Christ himself, with whose holy blood it was stained. Manifesting miraculous power, any Cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and the invocation of His most holy name,” said St. Dmitry of Rostov.
Obviously, in Catholicism there are no clear rules on the leash of the crucifix. On the most ancient crucifixes, Christ is depicted alive, in clothes and crowned with a crown. The crown of thorns, wounds and blood collected in a bowl appear in the late Middle Ages, along with other details that have a mystical or symbolic meaning.
That is, in the Romanesque era, or in the east, where the Greek tradition was preserved, there were no significant differences between the Orthodox and Catholic crucifixions. Actually, naturalism and realism appeared in the West in the Gothic era and received special development in the Baroque era. The features of this naturalism also passed into the Russian religious painting of the Synodal period, although, of course, they are not considered examples of the canon.
Of course, Orthodox and Catholic crucifixes depict two sides of the same event. And on Catholic images, where suffering, death and hopelessness are depicted, the further resurrection and victory of the Savior is implied. And, looking at the Orthodox crucifixes, which depict the triumphant Lord - the Conqueror, we understand that He suffered for the sins of the whole world.
On one of the types of Catholic Crucifixes, which is called the Crucifixion of the Franciscan Order, the Lord is depicted crucified with four nails (such a Crucifix hangs over the stage in the Church of St. Nicholas (House of Organ and Chamber Music) on B. Vasilkovskaya Street in Kyiv). And in the Sinai Monastery, the icons of the Lord crucified with three nails are in the temple and are revered on a par with Orthodox crucifixes.
How to choose a gold chain for a cross?
Let's take a look at the women's jewelry collection, hidden in an exquisite jewelry box. Most likely, there will be one or even several gold chains. But the point is not in quantity, but in the fact that the decoration looks perfect on you. How to choose the right chain of gold?
The color and weight of the metal from which the chain is made are very important, as well as pay attention to weaving and length. In addition, the shape of the neck, the condition of the skin and the age of the future owner of the jewelry are important.
How to choose the right gold chain?
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In the event that a woman is large, has a full feminine neck, a gold chain with large weaving is perfect for her. On a thin girl, such a product will look much worse, if not ridiculous.
If wrinkles are visible on the neck, then wearing short chains is contraindicated. They will emphasize your age.
Often the chain is selected to wear a pendant, pendant or pectoral cross. With regard to pendants and pendants, it must be remembered that some weaves simply will not work from a functional point of view.
As for the pectoral cross, its color should be matched to the chain, which in turn should be elegant, not too prominent with complex weaves.
The moment with the choice of weaving must be taken into account when buying a product for a child. After all, it is not always possible to hope for a careful or careful attitude of your child to an expensive thing. In addition, very complex weaves are not taken to be repaired in every workshop.
Remember about the castle. It must be as reliable as possible. Here you can be guided by a simple observation: the more expensive the chain, the better and stronger its lock.
But, most importantly, the quality of the decoration should come to the fore. In this case, you do not need to chase cheapness. Many imported goods tempt the buyer with their massiveness, inside which there is often a void. They break quickly and are difficult to repair, as too thin metal simply burns out.
For example, Russian gold jewelry manufacturers offer heavier, albeit expensive jewelry. However, they will serve you much longer.
Do you wear a cross? ☦️
Otherwise, it will not bring any benefit!
The pectoral cross is a symbol of the Christian faith. Many people perceive it as a decoration. But the cross is a sacred object, which must be treated with great care.
Here's what absolutely can not be done with a pectoral cross:
1) Buy an expensive or too massive cross.
If you are going to wear a cross all the time, refrain from buying large or overly expensive gemstone crosses. This is your personal amulet, which should not be conspicuous and attract too much attention.
The cross is not an ornament that you can show off or put on public display. It is desirable that it be small in size so that it is comfortable to carry.
2) Buy a cross unnecessarily.
During baptism, a cross is hung around the child's neck. It is quite enough. Let it be simple and discreet, the main thing is what meaning you put into it.
If the cross is lost or damaged, you can replace it, but this should be done in the church.
3) Independently consecrate the cross.
The cross is consecrated during a special ceremony. He is a sacrament. Thanks to him, the cross acquires a special meaning and great power, it becomes a talisman against troubles and misfortunes.
You do not need to consecrate the cross yourself, even if you know all the necessary prayers. This rite has the right to conduct only a clergyman.
4) Wear a cross over outerwear.
It is not for nothing that the cross is called underwear - this means that it should be as close to the body as possible. It is an attribute of faith, not an ornament. Our ancestors wore clothes that hid the cross. No deep cuts.
A cross over clothes is a bad form, an attempt to draw attention to one's religiosity, brag, etc. But boasting and narcissism are terrible sins.
5) Remove the cross unnecessarily.
The cross is a charm, it loses its power when it does not come into contact with the human body. It is not recommended to remove it without special reasons. Before putting on a cross, be sure to read a prayer.
Our ancestors, even while visiting the bath, tried not to part with the crucifix, while bathing they used a wooden cross. They were replaced with underwear, so as not to get burned by hot steam.
6) Wear a cross on a chain.
Priests do not prohibit the use of a chain for this purpose. However, during the rite of baptism, the cross is usually hung on a string.
The desire to change it for a chain - gold, silver or platinum - is considered a manifestation of pride and bragging, and this is a sin.
There should be nothing superfluous on your neck, except for a cross. It is unacceptable to use amulets or pendants with zodiac symbols. All these things are forbidden in the Christian church.
The pectoral cross should be worn exclusively around the neck. It can not be used as an earring, cling to a bracelet or put in a wallet.
8) Throw away the damaged cross.
You can not throw the cross in the trash, even if it is damaged. It's a sacred item, it has no place in a landfill.
If the damage is minor, repair the cross yourself or take it to an antique shop. If the crucifix has become unusable, take it to the church and replace it with a new one.
9) Wear someone else's cross.
If you received a pectoral cross from a loved one, it's okay. The Church does not forbid giving a cross, especially to someone who has never worn it before.
But you should not put on a cross found on the street. After all, you absolutely do not know who wore it, it is better not to touch it at all. It’s just that he is a stranger, and it is not known whether he was consecrated or not.
10) Wear a cross without a crucifix.
Some people believe that a pectoral cross should not be in the form of a crucifix, otherwise it will bring trouble on its owner and make his life unbearable.
However, these fears are unfounded. The crucifixion is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for the salvation of mankind. There is nothing bad in such an image.
11) Wear an unconsecrated cross.
The Church does not forbid wearing an unconsecrated cross. After all, even two crossed sticks can protect against evil spirits.
However, a cross, over which a church ceremony was not performed, is just an ornament, nothing more. And jewelry has nothing to do with faith. Therefore, it is better to consecrate the cross after all.
P.S. Do you follow the rules for wearing a cross?
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The pectoral cross has long become an integral attribute of Christianity for many people. The question arises - is it necessary to wear a cross? What does it say about wearing a cross? Some argue that the tradition of wearing a pectoral cross came from the very.
Did Jesus talk about wearing a cross?
The Bible has a lot to say about the cross. But let's be careful readers of the Bible - what kind of cross was Jesus talking about? Was Jesus talking about wearing a cross around his neck, or was Jesus talking about a different cross?
“If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, let him carry his cross day by day and follow Me” (Gospel of Luke 9:23).
Of course, Jesus was not talking here about wearing a pectoral cross. Can any reasonable person believe that Jesus, speaking about the cross in chapter 9 of the Gospel of Luke, is talking about wearing a cross around his neck?
Jesus Christ spoke of the cross in light of trials and suffering.
What was the "cross" of Jesus? His cross was in the doing of the will of God. His cross was to lay down His life for all people. His cross was to do according to the will of God, not his own. While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ said the following words:
Was there a practice of wearing a pectoral cross in the early church?
FACTS show that the early church of the first century did not wear any crosses. They did not even place crosses on their buildings and did not use images of the cross in their worship services. The cross in Christianity began to be used much later, but even then it was in the texts, and not in reality.
The early church would not have used the cross as a symbol at all, since in the first two centuries it was opposed to the use of any physical object, including icons and other images. The cross was used only metaphorically, and until the 4th century AD. not used in art at all. The physical use of the cross began later - in the 4th-5th centuries AD.
In any case, do we really need to study the history of the early church in such detail to understand that Jesus does not speak about the physical wearing of a cross around the neck in chapter 9 of the Gospel of Luke?
In those days, the cross was used in only one way - for the execution of criminals. It is foolish to think that Jesus Christ was talking about wearing a cross around his neck, saying that a person should "bear his own cross."
So is it possible to wear a cross?
So, why do Christians wear a pectoral cross? The Bible says nothing about wearing a pectoral cross. And to wear it or not - you decide. The Bible also does not forbid wearing crosses. But at the same time, it is necessary to understand that wearing a cross around the neck, or hanging a cross in a car or at home does not carry any power and no meaning. After all, God saves people, and not any object. Belief in the saving power of objects is the lot of pagan beliefs. Christianity has nothing to do with this!
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