Orthodox Pectoral cross | 24877

A pektoral cross made of bronze, brass, yellow metal, or copper is depicted.

The cross features a spear and a hyssop stem.

At the top of the cross, the inscriptions “King of Glory” and “Jesus Christ” are displayed.

The Russian cross, also known as the Orthodox cross, Byzantine cross, or Slavic cross, is a distinct variation of the Latin cross in heraldry. It comprises two horizontal arms and one inclined arm: The short top arm represents the titulus board, upon which the inscription INRI was displayed during Jesus’ crucifixion. INRI stands for the Latin phrase “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum,” which translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The longer middle arm was designed to accommodate the arms of a crucified person. The lower inclined arm represents the suppedaneum, which served as a supporting footplate, footstep, or footstool for the crucified individual.

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