Orthodox bronze cross | 25003

This vibrant orthodox bronze cross actively showcases a striking array of enamel colors in its meticulous craft.

The cross’s topmost section features the Mandylion’s portrayal.

Centered on the cross, the depiction of Christ crucified emerges, accompanied by symbols of the sun and moon, representing the cosmos in its entirety.

The Holy Lance, responsible for wounding Jesus’s side, is actively displayed to the left of the crucified figure. On the right, you can see a pole with a hyssop sponge on top. This sponge was used to give vinegar to Jesus when he was on the cross.

Beneath the crucifixion scene, there are depictions of Jerusalem’s city walls, Golgotha, and Adam’s skull.

This Russian cross, also known as the Orthodox Cross or Byzantine Cross, stands out due to its unique design featuring two horizontal and one slanted arm.

Significantly, the short cross arm at the top represents the titulus board, which bore the inscription INRI during Jesus’s crucifixion.

Furthermore, the longer middle arm was specifically designed to hold the arms of the person being crucified.

Lastly, the slanted lower arm symbolizes the suppedaneum – a supportive footboard or stool used during crucifixion.

This cross is a keepsake associated with the Protopope Avvakum.

Source: Orthodox cross | 25003 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de