Orthodox extended cross | 25034

This extended bronze/brass/yellow metal cross adorned with multicolored enamel showcases several significant elements:

At the top of the cross, there is the depiction of the Mandylion, a cloth bearing the imprint of Jesus’ face, flanked by two angels.

In the center, the crucified figure of Jesus is portrayed, accompanied by symbols representing the entire cosmic system, namely the sun and moon. To the left of the Crucified, the Holy Lance is depicted, which inflicted the side wound on Jesus, while on the right, a pole topped with a hyssop sponge, used to offer vinegar to Jesus, is depicted.

Below the central image, the city walls of Jerusalem, the site of the crucifixion, are illustrated, along with Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified, and the skull of Adam, symbolizing the redemption brought by Christ’s sacrifice.

The back of the cross features a floral motif, adding decorative beauty.

Known as the Russian cross, Orthodox Cross, or Byzantine Cross, this cross design is distinctive. It consists of two horizontal arms and one inclined arm. The shorter top arm represents the titulus board, which displayed the inscription INRI during Jesus’ crucifixion. The longer middle arm served as the attachment point for the arms of a crucified person. The lower inclined arm represents the suppedaneum, the footboard or footstool on which the crucified individual’s feet were placed.

On the longer arm of the cross, an inscription is present: “We venerate your cross, Lord, and we praise your Holy Resurrection.” This inscription reflects the reverence and gratitude for the cross of Jesus and the transformative power of His Resurrection.

The combination of intricate details, vibrant enamel, and symbolic elements on this cross conveys both the religious significance and artistic beauty of the Russian Orthodox tradition.

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