Orthodox icon | Extended Russian Cross | 25023

In the middle: the crucified Jesus Christ.

Above the cross God Sebaoth, blessing with both hands. Below is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. On the shield above Jesus’ head: I.N.R.I.: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. To the left of the Crucified is the Holy Lance, with which Jesus was wounded at his side, and to the right, the pole topped by a hyssop sponge, which he used to obtain vinegar.

Above the horizontal crossbar is written: “Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Below it: “We bow before your cross, O Lord, and praise your holy resurrection”.

Left: Our Lady and Saint Mary Magdalene (third Sunday of Easter and July 22nd). Right: Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (8 May) and Holy Centurion Longinus (16 October).

Above: Apostle Peter, Archangel Michael and Apostle Paul with Archangel Gabriel.

Below: the city walls of Jerusalem, Calvary and the skull of Adam.

The cross was also augmented with five feast days, from left to right: Presentation in the Temple, Entry into Jerusalem, the Descent into Hell, the Ascension of Christ, and the Old Testament Trinity.

Back: Hymn of praise to the cross. The entire cross is crowned by 10 seraphs.

The Russian cross (also “Orthodox cross” or “Byzantine cross”) is a special form of the cross with two horizontal and one oblique cross arm: The uppermost, short cross arm represents the Titulus board (on which the inscription INRI was to read). The middle, longer cross arm was intended to attach the arms of a crucified man. The lower, sloping arm of the cross represents the soupdaneum (supporting footboard, step, footstool) on which the crucified were placed.

To be seen in: Opdebeeck, Jos – Metalen Ikonen – Blauwdruk van een verzameling, Campinia Media vzw, 1997, ISBN: 90.356.1088, Page: 165