Orthodox cross | Bronze | 24622

Orthodox cross | Bronze | 24622.

This is a bronze/brass/yellow metal cross, featuring the following elements:

God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and two angels adorn the top.

The crucified figure takes center stage, flanked by the sun and moon, symbolizing the cosmos. The Holy Lance that wounded Jesus appears on the left of the crucified figure. On the right, a hyssop sponge atop a pole represents the offer of vinegar.

The icon depicts Jerusalem’s city walls, Golgotha, and Adam’s skull beneath the crucifixion scene.

The cross’s back features a floral design and medallions praising the cross’s significance. They bear inscriptions like: “Cross, all creation’s protection, the Church’s beauty, rulers’ rule, believers’ confidence, angels’ glory, demons’ marvel.”

The “Orthodox Cross” or “Byzantine Cross,” also known as the Russian cross, is a unique form with two horizontal and one inclined arm.

The short top arm represents the titulus board, displaying the INRI inscription during Jesus’ crucifixion.

The middle arm, designed to hold the crucified person’s arms, extends longer. The lower inclined arm stands for the suppedaneum. This is a footboard where the crucified person’s feet rested.

Source: Orthodox cross | 24622 © 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