008669 Russian cross, sterling silver and gold-plated, Old Believers

Item No. 008669

Sterling silver and gold-plated Russian-style Old Believers cross; approx. 1 1/4" h (approx. 2" h total with the bail); chain not included

Simple yet elegant this Cross is patterned after an Old Believer’s Cross. The two lobes represent the duel nature of Christ as both God and Man. The three lobes represent the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Three Barred Cross on the front is often referred to as the “Russian Cross.” In fact, it is a Byzantine Cross that the Russian Church adopted in the 14th Century as a symbol for the Russian Church which was seeking its independence from the Great See of Constantinople. The top bar in Slavonic translates as “King – Ruler.” On the side of each arm are the letters IC XC – the first letters in the name of Issus Christos – Jesus Christ. The bottom contains the word “victorious” as a reference to the Cross being “victorious” of Christ over Death. Draped over the Cross is a “wreath.” In ancient times the “wreath” was a sign of victory. In the liturgical celebration of Holy Friday after the body of Christ is taken down from the Cross a floral and green wreath is draped over the Cross as a sign of its Victory over Death!