The Cross: A Cornerstone of Orthodox Christian Faith and Identity
For many Americans, the image of a cross is instantly recognizable as a symbol of Christianity. However, when you see an Orthodox Christian wearing a cross, particularly one with a slightly different design than the common Latin cross, you might wonder about the specific significance and reasons behind this practice. The Orthodox tradition imbues the cross with profound theological meaning and views its wearing as a public declaration of faith, a spiritual protection, and a constant reminder of Christ's sacrifice.
More Than Just a Symbol: The Theology of the Cross in Orthodoxy
In Orthodox Christianity, the cross is not merely a historical artifact or a decorative item. It is understood as the primary instrument of humanity's salvation. It represents the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry – His sacrificial death and subsequent glorious resurrection. This event, known as the "Salvific Event," is the very foundation of Christian belief.
- The Victory Over Death: Orthodox theology emphasizes that Christ's death on the cross was not a defeat but a victory. Through His suffering and death, He conquered sin and death, opening the gates of paradise for all who believe.
- Redemption and Atonement: The cross signifies Christ's atoning sacrifice, where He took upon Himself the sins of the world and reconciled humanity to God.
- Divine Love Incarnate: The act of crucifixion is seen as the ultimate expression of God's boundless love for humanity.
- The New Covenant: The cross marks the establishment of the New Covenant between God and His people, replacing the Old Covenant.
The "Sign" of the Cross: A Sacred Gesture
Beyond wearing a physical cross, Orthodox Christians frequently make the Sign of the Cross. This is a ritualistic gesture performed by touching the forehead, abdomen, right shoulder, and then the left shoulder, often accompanied by prayer or at significant moments during worship. This act is a fervent prayer and a personal affirmation of faith.
The specific order of touching the shoulders is significant: the right shoulder first, symbolizing the "right hand of God" and the thief who was saved on the cross, and then the left, representing those who turned away. This practice is a tangible expression of faith and a moment of spiritual engagement.
Why Wear the Cross? Practical and Spiritual Reasons
The act of wearing a cross is a deeply personal and public expression of Orthodox Christian identity and devotion. Several key reasons motivate this practice:
- Public Confession of Faith: Wearing a cross is a visible and unwavering declaration of one's commitment to Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Orthodox Church. It is a way of saying, "I am a follower of Christ."
- Spiritual Protection: In Orthodox tradition, the cross is believed to offer spiritual protection against evil influences and temptations. It is seen as a constant reminder of Christ's power and His victory over the forces of darkness. Many believe that the presence of the cross wards off negative spiritual energies.
- A Constant Reminder: The cross serves as a perpetual reminder of Christ's love, His sacrifice, and the spiritual truths of the faith. It encourages believers to live a life that is pleasing to God and to strive for holiness.
- Identification with Christ's Suffering: Wearing the cross can also be a way of identifying with Christ's suffering and participating in His redemptive work, even in small ways. It fosters humility and a spirit of self-denial.
- Part of a Sacred Blessing: In Orthodox practice, the cross is often blessed by a priest before it is worn. This blessing imbues the cross with spiritual significance and consecrates it for its sacred purpose.
The Many Faces of the Orthodox Cross
While the simple cross is common, Orthodox Christians often wear crosses with specific designs that carry additional theological weight. The most prevalent is the eight-pointed cross (also known as the Crucifixion Cross or the Russian Orthodox Cross).
This design features a horizontal bar in the middle, representing Christ's outstretched arms, and a shorter, diagonal bar below it. This lower bar is often interpreted in several ways:
- It can represent the footrest of Christ on the cross.
- It can symbolize the inscription placed above Christ's head, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" (INRI in Latin, or IC XC NIKA in Greek, meaning "Jesus Christ is Victor").
- The angle of the diagonal bar is also significant, with the ascending end pointing towards heaven, symbolizing the good thief who was saved, and the descending end pointing downwards, representing the impenitent thief.
Other designs may include images of Christ's Passion, the Virgin Mary, or saints, all of which are integral to Orthodox iconography and devotion.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
This verse from the Apostle Paul encapsulates the Orthodox understanding of the cross as a symbol of divine power and salvation, not weakness or defeat. For Orthodox Christians, the cross is the ultimate symbol of hope, love, and the transformative power of God's grace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orthodox Crosses
Q1: Why do Orthodox Christians wear crosses around their necks?
Orthodox Christians wear crosses around their necks as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. It also serves as a constant spiritual reminder of Christ's love and teachings, and is believed to offer protection against evil influences. It's a tangible expression of their commitment to living a life according to their faith.
Q2: How is the Orthodox cross different from other Christian crosses?
The most common Orthodox cross is the eight-pointed cross, which features an additional diagonal bar below the main horizontal one, representing the footrest or the inscription above Christ's head. While the Latin cross is more common in Western Christianity, the Orthodox cross's design often carries specific symbolic meanings related to the Crucifixion and Christ's victory. However, the fundamental meaning of salvation through Christ remains the same across different Christian traditions.
Q3: Is it mandatory for Orthodox Christians to wear a cross?
While not a strict legalistic requirement in the same way as adhering to commandments, wearing a cross is a deeply ingrained and highly encouraged practice within the Orthodox Church. It is seen as an essential outward expression of inner faith and devotion. Most Orthodox Christians choose to wear one as a personal commitment and a visible sign of their identity.
Q4: Are Orthodox crosses blessed before being worn?
Yes, in the Orthodox tradition, crosses are typically blessed by a priest or bishop before they are worn by a layperson. This blessing consecrates the cross, imbuing it with spiritual significance and reinforcing its role as a sacred object of devotion and protection. It is not merely an accessory but a sacramentally charged item.
