Question: "I somehow fell out pectoral cross, and they told me that he is Catholic, because. he is without the Crucifixion and the inscription "save and save." Now I am tormented by doubts - is it possible to wear such a cross?
Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov answers:
“It’s possible. Here I also wear a pectoral cross without the inscription “save and save.” What does it mean “possible or impossible”? Who can forbid you, in general? Give me a decree of the Church - ancient or new. "There must be a paper - Resolution Holy Synod, or the Council of Bishops, or simply even a decree of the Patriarch. It's enough."
Father Alexander: "On the shape of the Cross."
O. Dmitry: “No, but the Cross is Greek. The four-pointed Cross has always been called Greek. Moreover, even if you look at the priestly Crosses, all of them, with rare exceptions, have the image of a four-pointed Cross. Then, the Catholic . catholic cross does not happen, the Cross is exclusively Christ's, on which Christ was crucified. And so, in what tradition it is made, it does not matter at all. So, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. And very many people, especially those who could not raise their children in the Orthodox faith, they make up for it by trying to teach young people, and since they do not know either the Gospel, or the teachings of the Church, or the history of the Church, or its canons, they they themselves compose all sorts of “it’s possible, it’s impossible”, for example - you can’t pass a candle over your left shoulder - this is one of such crazy wishes, and they came up with a lot of things, “you can’t put a candle upside down” - where they find the candle’s legs, for me, for example , is still a mystery. And today I read one confession. I'll tell you the secret of confession. One servant of God writes (and I talk about this in every sermon on Fasting, and she is our constant parishioner) that she sinned: “I ate ice cream on Wednesday, and asked the saleswoman if it was Lenten? The saleswoman said: “Lenten,” they asked if there was milk there, the saleswoman said: “No”, then she came home and looked at the ice cream through a magnifying glass, and through a magnifying glass she found milk there. Here, finally, this poor sinner woman found something to repent of. Although we don’t talk about milk, and curd cheesecakes, and what only we don’t talk about during the sermon about Lent, and constantly.
So our life is very difficult. But, if they really bother you - It's a wooden cross, well, take it and write there: "Save and save." And yet, I’ll tell you a secret, in addition to Russia, there are several more Orthodox countries, and in these countries people also wear Crosses, and apart from Russia, nowhere else you will find Crosses with the inscription "Save and Save". Here Patriarch Philotheus recently came - if he has a pectoral Cross, then there is no inscription on it: "Save and save." And the tradition of writing this inscription, in general, arose only in recent years.
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Which cross is considered canonical, why is it unacceptable to wear a pectoral cross with the image of the crucified Savior and other icons?
Every Christian, from holy baptism until the hour of death, must bear on his chest the sign of his faith in the crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord and our God Jesus Christ. We wear this sign not over our clothes, but on our body, which is why it is called wearable, and it is called octagonal (eight-pointed) because it is similar to the Cross on which the Lord was crucified at Calvary.
The collection of pectoral crosses of the 18th-19th centuries from the area of settlements in the Krasnoyarsk Territory indicates the presence of stable preferences in form against the backdrop of a rich variety of individual products made by craftsmen, and exceptions only confirm the strict rule. Unwritten legends keep many nuances. So, after the publication of this article, one Old Believer bishop, and then the reader of the site, pointed out that the word cross, as well as the word icon, does not have a diminutive form. In this regard, we also appeal to our visitors with a request to respect the symbols of Orthodoxy and monitor the correctness of their speech!
Male pectoral cross
The pectoral cross, which is always and everywhere with us, serves as a constant reminder of the Resurrection of Christ and that at baptism we promised to serve Him and renounced Satan. Thus, the pectoral cross is able to strengthen our spiritual and physical strength, protect us from the evil of the devil.
The oldest surviving crosses often take the form of a simple equilateral four-pointed cross. This was the custom at a time when Christians venerated Christ, the apostles, and the holy cross symbolically. In ancient times, as is known, Christ was often depicted as a Lamb surrounded by 12 other lambs - the apostles. Also, the Cross of the Lord was depicted symbolically.
The rich imagination of the masters was strictly limited by unwritten concepts of the canonicity of pectoral crosses. Later, in connection with the acquisition of the genuine Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, St. Queen Elena, the eight-pointed shape of the cross begins to be depicted more and more often. This was also reflected in pectoral crosses. But the four-pointed cross did not disappear: as a rule, the eight-pointed cross was depicted inside the four-pointed one.
Along with the forms that have become traditional in Russia, in the Old Believer settlements of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, one can also find the legacy of an older Byzantine tradition. In order to remind us of what the Cross of Christ means to us, it was often depicted on a symbolic Golgotha with a skull (Adam's head) at the base. Next to him you can usually see the instruments of the passions of the Lord - a spear and a cane.
Letters INCI(Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews), which are usually depicted on larger crosses, commemorate the inscription mockingly nailed over the head of the Savior during the crucifixion.
The inscription TsR SLVA IS XC SN BZHIY explaining under the titles reads: “ King of Glory Jesus Christ Son of God". The inscription " NIKA” (Greek word, means the victory of Christ over death).
Separate letters that can be on pectoral crosses mean “ To” – copy, “ T”- cane, “ GG”- Mount Golgotha, “ GA” is the head of Adam. “ MLRB”- The Place of the Execution Paradise Became (that is: Paradise was once planted at the place of execution of Christ).
We are sure that many do not even realize how much this symbolism is perverted in our usual deck of cards . As it turned out, four card suits- this is a hidden blasphemy against Christian shrines: baptize- this is the Cross of Christ; diamonds- nails; peaks- a copy of the centurion; worms- this is a sponge with vinegar, which the tormentors mockingly gave Christ instead of water.
The image of the Crucified Savior appeared on pectoral crosses quite recently (at least after the 17th century). Pectoral crosses depicting the Crucifixion non-canonical , since the image of the Crucifixion turns the pectoral cross into an icon, and the icon is intended for direct perception and prayer.
Wearing an icon in a form hidden from the eyes is fraught with the danger of using it for other purposes, namely as a magical amulet or amulet. The cross is symbol , and the Crucifixion is image . The priest wears a cross with a Crucifix, but he wears it in a visible way: so that everyone sees this image and is inspired to pray, inspired to a certain attitude towards the priest. The priesthood is the image of Christ. And the pectoral cross that we wear under our clothes is a symbol, and the Crucifixion should not be there.
One of the ancient rules of St. Basil the Great (4th century), which was included in the Nomocanon, reads:
“Everyone who wears any icon as an amulet must be excommunicated from communion for three years.”
As you can see, the ancient fathers very strictly followed the correct attitude to the icon, to the image. They stood guard over the purity of Orthodoxy, in every possible way protecting it from paganism. By the 17th century, it was customary to place a prayer to the Cross on the back of the pectoral cross (“May God arise and oppose Him…”), or only the first words.
Women's pectoral cross
In the Old Believers, the external difference between “ female" and " male” crosses. The “female” pectoral cross has a smoother, rounded shape without sharp corners. Around the “female” cross, a “vine” is depicted with a floral ornament, reminiscent of the words of the psalmist: “ Your wife is like a fruitful vine in the countries of your house. ” (Ps., 127, 3).
It is customary to wear a pectoral cross on a long gaitan (braid, braided thread) so that you can, without removing it, take the cross in your hands and overshadow yourself with the sign of the cross (this is supposed to be done with the appropriate prayers before going to bed, as well as when making a cell rule).
Symbolism in everything: even the three crowns above the hole symbolize the Holy Trinity! If we talk about crosses with the image of the crucifixion wider, then distinctive feature canonical crosses is the style of depicting the body of Christ on them. Widespread today on New Rite crosses the image of the suffering Jesus is alien to the Orthodox tradition .
Ancient medallions with a symbolic image According to canonical ideas, reflected in iconography and copper plastic, the body of the Savior on the Cross was never depicted as suffering, sagging on nails, etc., which testifies to His divine nature.
The manner of “humanizing” the sufferings of Christ is characteristic Catholicism and borrowed much later than the church schism in Russia. Old Believers consider such crosses worthless . Examples of canonical and modern New Believer casting are given below: the substitution of concepts is noticeable even to the naked eye.
The stability of traditions should also be noted: the collections in the photographs were replenished without the goal of showing only ancient forms, that is, hundreds of types of modern “ Orthodox jewelry ”- an invention of recent decades against the backdrop of an almost complete oblivion of the symbolism and meaning of the image of the honest Cross of the Lord.
Related illustrations
Below are illustrations selected by the editors of the site "Old Believer Thought" and links on the topic.
An example of canonical pectoral crosses from different times:
An example of non-canonical crosses from different times:
Unusual crosses, presumably made by the Old Believers in Romania 
Photo from the exhibition “Russian Old Believers”, Ryazan A cross with an unusual back that you can read about
Male cross of modern work
Catalog of ancient crosses - online version of the book " Millennium of the Cross » – http://k1000k.narod.ru
A well-illustrated article on early Christian pectoral crosses with high-quality illustrations in color and additional material on the topic on the site Culturology.Ru – http://www.kulturologia.ru/blogs/150713/18549/
Comprehensive information and photos about cast icon-case crosses from Novgorod manufacturer of similar products : https://readtiger.com/www.olevs.ru/novgorodskoe_litje/static/kiotnye_mednolitye_kresty_2/
The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. From our article you will find out whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and why it cannot be worn over clothes.
The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on a believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions, which a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.
Cannot be worn on a chain
There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more important. If a person wants to wear a pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, such actions are not forbidden by the church. Most important principle, which must be followed in this case - so that the cross is not lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. Superstitious people, however, assure that, according to all signs, the cross is not lost just like that.
Cannot be worn over clothing
This is absolutely true statement. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. By not wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith, without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest gives to the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.
Can't give
You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of it, as one of the christening gifts. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also such a tradition when two people exchange pectoral crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually this is done by close people.
Cannot be picked up if found
A superstition that has absolutely no basis. We also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by raising the found cross, one can take on the problems of the person who lost or left it. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in a red corner in the house.
You can not wear someone else's cross
If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Especially if you don't have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner and it can be transferred to a new owner. They may also argue that by giving away a cross, a person gives away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and belong to the occult worldview.
You can not wear a cross with a crucifix
Another superstition that you should not pay attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring a hard life on a person. This is not true at all, just people's speculation. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But you need to wear it correctly: the crucifix should not be turned towards you, but outward.
You can not wear an unconsecrated cross
The cross is best to consecrate. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that evil spirits bypass even two crossed sticks. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.
You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry bought in a jewelry store as a cross. It must be understood that the church orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith in God, is different from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and are not related to faith.
There are also many signs and beliefs associated with the cross. To believe in them or not is up to you. All the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and
22.07.2016 06:16
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Search line: crucifixionRecords found: 65
Hello! Tell me, please, is it possible to wear a double-sided cross, on one side is the Crucifixion, on the other - St. Nicholas. And can this cross mean something bad? And who is patronized by St. Nicholas?
Kseniya
Xenia, the cross can never mean bad. Such a cross can be worn. St. Nicholas patronizes all who pray to Him.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Is it possible to use the rosary as a censer, as a symbol of prayer ascending to God, during the litia (for a layman)? Sorry for such a stupid question.
Gleb
Gleb, how can a rosary become a censer? This is nonsense. You can't, of course. Yes, and the symbolism of the censer is somewhat different - reverent censing in front of the shrine, the Crucifixion, at which litias are usually performed.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Father, hello, sorry to disturb you, I have a small question. They gave me a pectoral cross, I recently damaged mine (sent from Germany) with a crucifix (it has already been consecrated), but there is no inscription "save and save" on it. Can I wear it? Sorry again. Thank you in advance.
Natalya, if the cross was consecrated by an Orthodox priest, then feel free to wear it. Otherwise, it is better to bring the cross to the temple, show it to the priest, and, if the cross is Orthodox, then consecrate it.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
I was baptized as a child and wore an ordinary soft metal cross. Probably, from the influence of external factors and time, after 35 years, the ear broke off on it and it became impossible to wear it. I bought a new cross in a jewelry store that I liked, Orthodox with a crucifix. I consecrated it in the temple and have been wearing it for 10 years now. Based on this, I have 2 questions. 1. The first cross is very dear to me, I don’t want to give it to the temple, but I also don’t want to hide it somewhere in a box, so I attached it near the icon of the Savior in my car, and it turns out that it is always with me too ( moreover, the priest consecrated the car). Is it possible to do this, and is it not a reproach? 2. I chose the second cross among others on the counter, bought it, consecrated it, and it was on it that I did not look at the back. And only years later I discovered that it did not say "SAVE AND SAVE". Is it necessary to give it to a jewelry workshop to make an inscription? After all, they don’t write quickly, which means that they will have to put on another cross for several days. And I would not like to. Please answer and God bless you for all your answers, for your website and for everything you do! Dmitry
Dmitry
1) The way you did it is quite acceptable, because we hang icons in the car, you can also hang a cross, most importantly, do not forget to pray while looking at it. 2) On the pectoral cross, it is not necessary that “Save and save” be written.
Deacon Ilya Kokin
Good day. The question is. I was presented with a crucifix with relics brought to the temple. The wife scolds that it is impossible to take. How to be?
Dmitry
Dmitry, it seems that your wife is a superstitious woman and, probably, a little church. The life-giving Cross is our life, our protection and our hope. Especially - a cross with relics. It is very good that you were presented with this Cross. Keep the Crucifix at home and pray to our Savior.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello, father! Is it possible to make silver cross and decorate with stones, and later baptized in the church? Thanks for the advice!
Daniel
Daniel, you can make a custom-made cross. Please note that the cross must be Orthodox, always with a crucifix. You can decorate and precious stones. Such a cross will definitely need to be consecrated in the church, and it will be possible to baptize with it.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Christ is in our midst, father! Is it possible from the street side to front door a private house to attach a small cross with a crucifix, or it should be on inside doors?
Alexander Skillful
Alexander, the cross is usually hung inside the house. You can, of course, hang the cross outside, but then it is advisable to make sure that the water does not wet the cross, and let it be quite small.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Good afternoon, tell me, is it possible for a seven-year-old child to wear a cross with four stones (they say this is a charm), or is the church against it? Thank you.
Anastasia
Anastasia, the cross is not a talisman, ("the talisman" is generally not a Christian, pagan concept, associated with superstitions), but visible symbol our belonging to Orthodoxy. The cross must be worn from the very moment of baptism. If the cross is Orthodox and with a crucifix, even if it has jewelry in the form of stones, it can be worn. Only it seems to me that this is useless for a seven-year-old child, at that age it is better to wear a simple cross without any decorations.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello, father! I want to order a gold cross for my husband's birthday. Tell me, please, is it possible and correct if there is no crucifix on the cross, but only the inscription "save and save"? And is it possible to indicate on the cross the name of the person to whom it will belong? Thank you in advance.
Elena
Elena, the cross can be made to order. The cross must be strictly Orthodox and always with the Crucifixion. There should not be any superfluous inscriptions on the cross, only on reverse side"Save and Preserve", and, of course, no names other than the Name of the Savior Jesus Christ (Is. Chr.). The cross must be consecrated in the church.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello! Is it possible not to wear a cross if there is an image of a cross on the wearable icon with a heavenly patron on the back? Or is it better to wear them together (both the cross and the icon)?
Michael
Michael, a pectoral cross must be worn. It should not be a painted, but a full-fledged Orthodox cross, and always with a crucifix. And on the same chain with a cross, you can wear an icon.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Peace to you, father! Please tell me, this is a healthy curiosity - to find out why one way or another is done in the Church? For example, why do I need to be baptized before entering the Church and many such questions, the resolution of these questions helps me to more consciously approach what I learn, because if someone said something, but I didn’t understand why and why necessary to do, this is forgotten, and also if it is done without understanding the meaning, it can develop into Orthodox faith not to live, but to the fulfillment of some laws. Please help if this is correct or not. ask. tell.
Elena
Elena, your desire to meaningfully approach your churching is commendable. By making the sign of the cross, a Christian marks the beginning of his prayer - temple and home. This symbolizes the crucifixion with our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorification of His Sacrifice for us, gratitude to God, worship of Him.
Archpriest Maxim Khyzhiy
Hello, father. My child has a cross, but there is no Jesus Christ on it. I don't know how it happened. He was baptized with him. What do i do? New to buy? Should I continue to wear this one? I am very ashamed of my ignorance.
Tanya
Tanya, a cross without a crucifix can also be worn, but still, according to the rules, the Cross must be with a crucifix. If this bothers you, then get a new cross with a crucifix in a church shop, and let the old cross be kept at your home.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello, I have been wearing a cross all my life, there is a crucifix, but no skull. He is sanctified. This is bad? Is he not real?
Zalina
Hello Zalina! There are various canonical forms of crosses. There is nothing wrong with the fact that a skull is not depicted under the crucifix. Your cross is consecrated, this is the main thing. St. Demetrius of Rostov wrote as early as the 18th century: “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 Most Holy Blood he 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.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello! Can a cross on a rosary be without a crucifix? He is self-made.
Alexander
Ideally, an Orthodox cross should always be with a crucifix. Even in various small objects with the image of a cross there should be a crucifix. It often happens that even without the Crucifixion, and although there is nothing particularly terrible in this, it is still not correct.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Is it possible to make a small wooden cross on your own (without the image of the Savior), 30 centimeters in height, and if possible, when is it better to consecrate it? Thank you for answering questions!
Dmitry
Dmitry, an Orthodox cross must necessarily be with a crucifix. Such work should be started only with the blessing of the priest. And if you are blessed, then the cross must be made in compliance with the rules, that is, you must fast on the days when you make the cross, and before that take communion.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello! They were in the church, and out of ignorance, placing a candle next to the Crucifixion, they asked the Lord for health for the living, although candles are placed there for the repose. Please tell me how serious this error is and what needs to be done to fix it?
alla
God, you don't have to do anything. With God, everyone is alive. God knows your intentions, and knows that you wish good to those for whom you prayed, and therefore calm down - your prayer is accepted as about health. Now, if you intentionally prayed for the repose of the living, then it would be a serious mistake, but otherwise, it's okay.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
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