Orthodox cross | 25026

Material: A combination of bronze, brass, and yellow metal.

Above the titulus: Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews.

In the center: The Crucified.

Below: Four letters symbolizing the transformation of a place of shame into a paradise.

The Russian cross, also known as the Orthodox cross or Byzantine cross, is a distinctive cross design featuring two horizontal arms and one diagonal arm. The top short arm of the cross represents the Titulus board, which bore the inscription INRI during the crucifixion of Jesus.

The longer middle arm of the cross served as the attachment point for the arms of the crucified person.

The lower sloping arm of the cross represents the suppedaneum, a supporting footboard or footstool where the crucified individual’s feet were placed.

Source: © 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