Extended Orthodox cross | 24666

Extended Orthodox cross | 24666.

This is an extended cross made of a combination of bronze, brass and yellow metal.

At the top of the cross, there are depictions of God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and two angels.

In the middle section, Jesus is portrayed on the cross, accompanied by symbolic representations of the sun and moon, signifying cosmic order. On the left side is the Holy Lance, the spear that wounded Jesus’ side, while on the right side is a pole topped with a hyssop sponge, used to offer vinegar to Jesus.

The lower part of the cross depicts the city wall of Jerusalem, Golgotha (the place of crucifixion), and the skull of Adam, symbolizing humanity’s redemption through Christ’s sacrifice.

On the left side of the cross is Saint Mary Magdalene, a devoted disciple who remained steadfast during Jesus’ crucifixion and death, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew 27:55-56.

In the center is the depiction of the Mother of God.

On the right side of the cross is Saint Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. He stood beneath the cross as Jesus’ beloved disciple, according to the Gospel of John 19:26.

Beside him is Saint Longinus the Centurion (celebrated on October 16), a Roman centurion. He witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. After His death, proclaimed His divine sonship, as mentioned in apocryphal texts and the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

The back of the cross is adorned with intricate floral motifs.

Source: Extended Orthodox cross | 24666 © 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