www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Cross or Crucifix

My wife and I recently attended an event at an Eastern Orthodox Church and while we were in the Church's Gift Shop my wife made the observation that all of the necklace jewelry that was present had a cross rather than a crucifix and also that they did not have the short stipe at the base of the cross.

It seems that with most Roman Catholic necklaces they are depicted as crucifixes. I understand the Protestant concept of a cross rather than a crucifix but I thought the Eastern Orthodox shared the same concept of the crucifix as did the Roman Catholics, in that with the body of Christ on the cross it reminds us of the price that Jesus paid for our salvation.
I was wondering if there was a reason for the difference.

Would anyone have any insight on this issue?

Thanks.

The Byzantine tradition has no aversion to the Crucifix as some Protestants do. On the other hand, the Cross without Corpus is a symbol of the Resurrection. The Corpus is removed (or is supposed to be if one has a iconic Crucifix made to do this) from the Cross for the Paschal season. A Byzantine Christian's first Cross is to be given to them at their Baptism where they rise to new life in Christ and presumably it is worn for their life time. A typical Slav design is usually the Cross with the lance and sponge to either side with a skull at the base, inscribed with: The King of Glory, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Conquers, The place of the skull has become paradise, on the back the Paschal Psalm 68: Let God Arise... All showing the connection between Baptism and Christ's Resurrection.

Also the Pectoral Crucifix is worn as an award by priests in the Greek tradition and by all priets in the Slav tradition so this may have something to with the Cross being worn by the laity while the Crucifix was reserved for priests. Of course one can find many examples of Orthodox Crucifixes for wear by the faihtful these days so this is not a hard rule.

Thank you Fr. Deacon Lance, I have misplaced this info...my memory banks experience a leak once in a while...daily

james

This is a very old design, and I am surprised to see mention made of it here, as I have not run across many such neck crosses here in the states. When I have, it is usually listed as an "Old Believer" cross.

I have a gold cross that I bought in Russia that has the Corpus, with the very common "Spasi i Sokrani", "Save and Protect" engraved on the back. Either way, Deacon Lance is correct, and both types are appropriate in the East.

Alexandr

For what it might be worth.


http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/sto...;Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=1314-E


Viking

Very, very nice...

Fr. Deacon Daniel

Alexandr--

The cross/icon crucifix on the top of the iconostas in my former GC church has the words "Save and Protect" written on the back of it.

Interestingly enough, the beam of the rood screen that supports the Rood Group in my current parish has the scripture "When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself" carved on the back side, facing the altar, so it's only visible when you are in the choir or sanctuary.

Both cases of wonderful words but hidden from view. I will try to take some pictures of both at some point.

John