The familiar three-bar Orthodox cross is especially common in Slavic Orthodox tradition. It shows the Cross of Christ with three horizontal elements, each carrying traditional meaning.
What is the top bar?
The short upper bar represents the title board placed above Christ at the Crucifixion, identifying Jesus of Nazareth as King of the Jews.
What is the middle bar?
The long central crossbeam represents the beam to which Christ's hands were nailed. It is the principal horizontal beam of the Cross.
What is the lower slanted bar?
The lower bar represents a footrest. In traditional interpretation, its upward and downward direction also recalls the two thieves crucified beside Christ: one turned toward Him in repentance while the other rejected Him.
Do all Orthodox crosses have three bars?
No. Orthodox Christians use several historic cross forms. Greek crosses, simple crosses, crucifixes, and other designs are also found throughout Orthodox tradition.
See also Why Do Orthodox Christians Make the Sign of the Cross?
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Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
