www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Crossing of Arms

Slava Isusu Christu!

Dear Ghazar,

Greetings. I was taught that having the arms folded across the chest gives honor to St. Andrew, the founder of the Church of Constantinople, through his missionary efforts. It also provides easy access for the Presbyter to give communion from the chalice.

Whether correct or not, I like it. What an honor!

Michael (a sinner)

Dear Michael,

We actually don't know what kind of cross St Andrew was crucified on and the tradition that he was crucified on an X cross probably had more to do with the prevalence of this type of Cross among the early Christians, based as it was on Christ's Name in Greek.

Interestingly enough, Robert the Bruce in the Declaration of Ardbroath makes mention of the patronage of St Andrew in "Scottia" since this name was a play on "Scythia" the original homeland of the Scots.

Alex