On which chain is it better to wear a cross. Why wear a pectoral cross

The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. From our article you will find out whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and why it cannot be worn over clothes.

The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on a believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions, which a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.

Cannot be worn on a chain

There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more important. If a person wants to wear a pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, such actions are not forbidden by the church. The most important principle to follow in this case is that the cross does not get lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. Superstitious people, however, assure that, according to all signs, the cross is not lost just like that.

Cannot be worn over clothing

This is an absolutely true statement. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. By not wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith, without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest gives to the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.

Can't give

You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of it, as one of the christening gifts. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also such a tradition when two people exchange pectoral crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually this is done by close people.

Cannot be picked up if found

A superstition that has absolutely no basis. We also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by raising the found cross, one can take on the problems of the person who lost or left it. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in a red corner in the house.

You can not wear someone else's cross

If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Especially if you don't have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner and it can be transferred to a new owner. They may also argue that by giving away a cross, a person gives away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and belong to the occult worldview.

You can not wear a cross with a crucifix

Another superstition that you should not pay attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring a hard life on a person. This is not true at all, just people's speculation. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But you need to wear it correctly: the crucifix should not be turned towards you, but outward.

You can not wear an unconsecrated cross

The cross is best to consecrate. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that evil spirits bypass even two crossed sticks. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.

You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry bought in a jewelry store as a cross. It must be understood that the church Orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith in God, differs from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and are not related to faith.

There are also many signs and beliefs associated with the cross. To believe in them or not is up to you. All the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and

22.07.2016 06:16

Our dreams are a reflection of our consciousness. They can tell us a lot about our future, past...

The cross for believers is a great power that delivers from all evils, especially from the villainy of hated enemies. The pectoral cross helps to endure illness and adversity, strengthens the spirit, protects from evil people and in difficult circumstances.

The cross is placed on a person at Baptism, in Russia it is also called a "vest". During the Sacrament of Baptism, a cross is laid as a fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Whoever wants to follow Me, turn away from yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8, 34).

The pectoral cross is consecrated by the priest, who reads two special prayers in which he asks the Lord God to pour heavenly power into the cross and that this cross saves not only the soul, but also the body from all enemies, sorcerers, sorcerers, from all evil forces. That is why on many pectoral crosses there is an inscription "Save and save!".

How to choose a pectoral cross?

The pectoral cross is primarily a symbol of the Christian faith, and not a beautiful piece of jewelry. Pectoral crosses have always been distinguished by a variety of shapes and materials from which they are made - gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, bone, amber. When choosing a cross, one should pay attention not to metal, but to the form, which should correspond to Orthodox traditions. The traditional Orthodox pectoral cross has an eight-pointed shape.

Can crosses be worn with a Catholic crucifix?

The main condition in Orthodox iconography is that the figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and majesty. It is, as it were, placed on the cross, and the Lord opens His arms to all who turn to Him. The artist performs the task of depicting Christ in the Human and Divine hypostases, showing both the death and victory of the Savior. Catholics in the Middle Ages abandoned the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus. They focus on torment and death, thereby hiding the triumph of the Lord, who has conquered death and reveals eternal life. The features of naturalism of human suffering and the agony of the execution of the Cross predominate: The heaviness of the body sagging on outstretched arms. Head crowned with a crown of thorns. The crossed feet are nailed with one nail. Anatomical details that convey the veracity of the execution. Orthodoxy requires the wearing of an Orthodox cross, not a Catholic one. This is due to different views on the foundations and dogmas of the Christian faith.

How to consecrate a pectoral cross?

To consecrate the pectoral cross, you need to come to the church at the beginning of the service and ask the clergyman about it. If the service is already taking place, you can ask for help from a church worker who will help pass the cross to the priest at the altar. If you wish, you can ask to consecrate the cross in your presence in order to participate in prayer.

What to do with the found pectoral cross?

The found pectoral cross can be kept at home, you can give it to the temple or to someone who needs it. These are superstitions that one cannot take up a cross that someone has lost, because by doing so we take on other people's sorrows and temptations. The Lord gives everyone his own path and his trials. If you want to wear the found cross, it must be consecrated. All the same applies to any "vest" that you for some reason were not able to wear.

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?

You can donate crosses. A person dear to you will be doubly pleased if, when handing over the cross, you say that you went to church and have already consecrated the cross.

The main differences between Orthodox and Catholic crucifixion

1. On the Orthodox Crucifixion, Christ is nailed to the Cross with four nails, on the Catholic one - with three;

2. The most important thing. The Catholic Crucifixion is very naturalistic and sensual, the Orthodox Crucifixion reveals the spiritual essence of the event. On Catholic Crucifixes, Christ is depicted with a body sagging in his arms, with a suffering face, with a crown of thorns on his head, with blood and wounds. The classic Orthodox icon of the Crucifixion (Dionysius, 1500) depicts Christ the Conqueror, His appearance expresses Divine peace and majesty. He does not hang helplessly on his hands, but, as it were, soars in the air, inviting the entire Universe into His arms (which is indicated by both His hands and open palms). The Mother of God courageously empathizes with the suffering of Her Son.

The iconography of the Orthodox Crucifixion received its final dogmatic justification in 692 - in the 82nd rule of the Trullo Cathedral. The main condition is the combination of historical realism with the realism of Divine Revelation. The figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and greatness. It is, as it were, superimposed on a cross, arms outstretched and straight. The Lord opens his arms to all who turn to him. This iconography solves the difficult task of depicting two hypostases of Christ - Human and Divine, showing both death and the victory of the Savior over it.

The rules of the Tula Cathedral, the Catholics, who abandoned their early views, did not accept. Accordingly, they did not accept the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus Christ.

Thus, in the Middle Ages, the Catholic type of crucifixion arises, in which the naturalistic features of purely human torment become predominant: the heaviness of the body on sagging rather than straight arms. Head of Jesus crowned with thorns. Crossed feet nailed with a single nail is an innovation of the 13th century. The anatomical details of the Catholic image, conveying the veracity of the execution itself, nevertheless hide the main thing - the triumph of Jesus, who conquered death and reveals eternal life to us, focusing on the agony of death.

(catholic crucifix) (orthodox crucifix)

Some components

In an Orthodox crucifixion, the outstretched hands of the Savior should be straight, and not sagging under the weight of a dying body.

A distinctive feature of the Catholic Crucifixion is both feet of Christ crossed and pierced with one nail. In the Orthodox tradition, Christ is depicted crucified on four nails: both hands and feet are nailed each with its own nail. (“From ancient times, crucifixion crosses, both in the East and in the West, had a crossbar to support the feet of the Crucified, and His legs were depicted nailed each separately with their own nail. The image of Christ with crossed feet, nailed with one nail, first appeared as an innovation on West in the second half of the thirteenth century.)

Also on the Orthodox Crucifixion, the palms of Christ are necessarily open. The issue of the inadmissibility of the image of the bent fingers of Christ under Catholic influence was raised in 1553 by the clerk Viskovaty and, although the clerk was convicted for reasoning about icon painting, the arguments about the need to depict open palms were recognized as correct, and the controversial icons were rewritten.

In the Orthodox cross, unlike the Catholic one, there are no naturalistic traces of the sufferings of Christ.

The crown of thorns is an attribute of the Catholic crucifix. In the Orthodox tradition, it is rare (for example, on Easter artos).

(Catholic cross) (Orthodox cross)

Common features

The Monk Theodore the Studite taught as early as the 9th century that "a cross of every form is a true cross." “Not according to the number of trees, not according to the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but according to Christ himself, with whose holy blood it was stained. Manifesting miraculous power, any Cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and the invocation of His most holy name,” said St. Dmitry of Rostov.

Obviously, in Catholicism there are no clear rules on the leash of the crucifix. On the most ancient crucifixes, Christ is depicted alive, in clothes and crowned with a crown. The crown of thorns, wounds and blood collected in a bowl appear in the late Middle Ages, along with other details that have a mystical or symbolic meaning.

That is, in the Romanesque era, or in the east, where the Greek tradition was preserved, there were no significant differences between the Orthodox and Catholic crucifixions. Actually, naturalism and realism appeared in the West in the Gothic era and received special development in the Baroque era. The features of this naturalism also passed into the Russian religious painting of the Synodal period, although, of course, they are not considered examples of the canon.

Of course, Orthodox and Catholic crucifixes depict two sides of the same event. And on Catholic images, where suffering, death and hopelessness are depicted, the further resurrection and victory of the Savior is implied. And, looking at the Orthodox crucifixes, which depict the triumphant Lord - the Conqueror, we understand that He suffered for the sins of the whole world.

On one of the types of Catholic Crucifixes, which is called the Crucifixion of the Franciscan Order, the Lord is depicted crucified with four nails (such a Crucifix hangs over the stage in the Church of St. Nicholas (House of Organ and Chamber Music) on B. Vasilkovskaya Street in Kyiv). And in the Sinai Monastery, the icons of the Lord crucified with three nails are in the temple and are revered on a par with Orthodox crucifixes.

How to choose a gold chain for a cross?

Let's take a look at the women's jewelry collection, hidden in an exquisite jewelry box. Most likely, there will be one or even several gold chains. But the point is not in quantity, but in the fact that the decoration looks perfect on you. How to choose the right chain of gold?

The color and weight of the metal from which the chain is made are very important, as well as pay attention to weaving and length. In addition, the shape of the neck, the condition of the skin and the age of the future owner of the jewelry are important.

How to choose the right gold chain?

In the event that a woman is large, has a full feminine neck, a gold chain with large weaving is perfect for her. On a thin girl, such a product will look much worse, if not ridiculous.

If wrinkles are visible on the neck, then wearing short chains is contraindicated. They will emphasize your age.

Often the chain is selected to wear a pendant, pendant or pectoral cross. With regard to pendants and pendants, it must be remembered that some weaves simply will not work from a functional point of view.

As for the pectoral cross, its color should be matched to the chain, which, in turn, should be elegant, not too prominent with complex weaves.

The moment with the choice of weaving must be taken into account when buying a product for a child. After all, it is not always possible to hope for a careful or careful attitude of your child to an expensive thing. In addition, very complex weaves are not taken to be repaired in every workshop.

Remember about the castle. It must be as reliable as possible. Here you can be guided by a simple observation: the more expensive the chain, the better and stronger its lock.

But, most importantly, the quality of the decoration should come to the fore. In this case, you do not need to chase cheapness. Many imported goods tempt the buyer with their massiveness, inside which there is often a void. They break quickly and are difficult to repair, as too thin metal simply burns out.

For example, Russian gold jewelry manufacturers offer heavier, albeit expensive jewelry. However, they will serve you much longer.

Nika Kravchuk

Why wear a pectoral cross?

Why should I go to church if I have faith in my soul? Why wear a cross if I'm already a Christian? Is it written in the Gospel that everyone should walk with crosses? So to wear or not to wear? Approximately such questions are often asked by the unchurched. Let's try to answer.

Where did this tradition come from?

Wearing a cross without a real Christian life will look like some kind of fake. Treating the cross as a beautiful decoration will also serve a person as a condemnation. So what happens: you can’t wear it, otherwise you’ll hurt yourself?

Wearing a pectoral cross is not only possible, but necessary. Many believers can confirm: this is the most powerful protection for a person. Why? Because the cross is the instrument of Christ's death. The crucified Jesus washed away the sins of every person with His Blood.

Therefore, this reminds every Christian of what sacrifices God makes for the sake of man, for which Christ suffered. If Jesus had not suffered, there would have been no hope for people to be saved. The cross is rightly called the instrument of our salvation. But many people refuse to wear this item on their body.

The most popular arguments are:

1. this does not confirm that I am a Christian;
2. there is no indication in the Gospels of wearing a cross, the first Christians did not know this either ...

Yes, indeed, wearing a pectoral cross without practicing the Christian life is reminiscent of a person who is trying to sail in a storm on a shipwreck.

Indeed, the gospel and the lives of the early Christians do not indicate that people supported modern practices.

But on the other hand, in the life of the early church it was customary to wear medallions with the image of the slain Lamb or the Crucifixion. Sources of the 2nd century indicate that some Christians already had crosses or drew them on their foreheads in order to “give themselves out” to the persecutors and suffer for the faith. When the "hunt" for believers subsided, the pious example of the early Christians spread widely.

An interesting historical fact is cited by Archpriest Igor Fomin.

There was one rather humiliating custom in the Roman Empire. As we now wear a collar for dogs, so their slaves wore the same straps around their necks with the name of their owner.

The first Christians, opposing themselves to such a society, wore pectoral crosses, as if to say: we do not belong to you. We have another Master who paid for us with his own life.

spiritual protection

Today it is customary to put a cross on a person after performing the Sacrament of Baptism. This is like a confirmation of belonging to the Church and understanding that the Son of God suffered for me.

- Yes, all this is nonsense! Why wear a cross? the skeptic will say. - Just think: two wooden sticks or a metal figurine. Can they protect a person?

The answer is very succinct: they can. There are many testimonies to be found.

For example, in difficult Soviet times, it was forbidden to wear “metal figurines”. If a girl is going to marry a non-Christian, usually she is required to take off ... a cross. It sounds something like this: renounce your faith, turn away from Christ.

And how many stories there are about how people were deprived of spiritual protection without a pectoral cross! Many became possessed by evil spirits. And when they were approached with a cross, they began to cowardly, shout, slander, beat their heads against the wall ...

Symbol of victory over the devil

A familiar priest told a story from his own practice. He served in a village where everyone knew each other. There lived one man who had little contact with people, had no family. He never went to church.

One day the priest passed by this man. For some reason I decided to stop and talk. Then it turns:

— Alexey, I want to give you a little gift.

The man was as happy as a child. The priest put a pectoral cross around his neck.

Some time has passed. The rector met Alexei again. The man, almost in tears, said:

- Father, I could not accept your gift.

And he told a story. After they hung a cross around his neck, he did not understand what was happening to him. When I came to my senses, I realized that he was already far from home, on the local Bald Mountain. There was no longer a pectoral cross around the neck.

No matter how skeptical we are about this, he knows inexactly what power this symbol of Christianity has. Therefore, the evil one tries in various ways to hinder a person.

Why wear a pectoral cross? To save yourself. The devil is afraid of losing access to a person, he is worried that he can take the path of piety and be saved. After all, the cross is a symbol of victory over the forces of darkness, a constant reminder of who we are, why we were created and how to be saved.

Take it, tell your friends!

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The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. From this article you will learn whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, and why it cannot be worn over clothes.

The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on a believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions, which a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, the darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.

1:8

Myths and superstitions about the cross

Cannot be worn on a chain

There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more important. If a person wants to wear a pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, such actions are not forbidden by the church. The most important principle to follow in this case is that the cross does not get lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. Superstitious people, however, assure that, according to all signs, the cross is not lost just like that.

Cannot be worn over clothing

This is an absolutely true statement. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. By not wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith, without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest gives to the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.

2:8

Can't give

You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of it, as one of the christening gifts. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also such a tradition when two people exchange pectoral crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually this is done by close people.

Cannot be picked up if found

A superstition that has absolutely no basis. We also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by raising the found cross, one can take on the problems of the person who lost or left it. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in a red corner in the house.

2:8

You can not wear someone else's cross

If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Especially if you don't have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner, and it can be transferred to a new owner. They may also argue that by giving away a cross, a person gives away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and belong to the occult worldview.

You can not wear a cross with a crucifix

Another superstition that you should not pay attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring a hard life on a person. This is not true at all, just people's speculation. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But you need to wear it correctly: the crucifix should not be turned towards you, but outward.

You can not wear an unconsecrated cross

The cross is best to consecrate. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that evil spirits bypass even two crossed sticks. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.
You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry bought in a jewelry store as a cross. It must be understood that the church Orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith in God, differs from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and are not related to faith.

Why wear a pectoral cross?

3:8

Why should I go to church if I have faith in my soul? Why wear a cross if I'm already a Christian? Is it written in the Gospel that everyone should walk with crosses? So to wear or not to wear? Approximately such questions are often asked by the unchurched.

Let's try to answer.

Where did this tradition come from?

Wearing a cross without a real Christian life will look like some kind of fake. Treating the cross as a beautiful decoration will also serve a person as a condemnation. So what happens: you can’t wear it, otherwise you’ll hurt yourself?

Wearing a pectoral cross is not only possible, but necessary. Many believers can confirm: this is the most powerful protection for a person. Why? Because the cross is the instrument of Christ's death. The crucified Jesus washed away the sins of every person with His Blood.

Therefore, this reminds every Christian of what sacrifices God makes for the sake of man, for which Christ suffered. If Jesus had not suffered, there would have been no hope for people to be saved. The cross is rightly called the instrument of our salvation. But many people refuse to wear this item on their body.

The most popular arguments are:

1. this does not confirm that I am a Christian;
2. there is no indication in the Gospels of wearing a cross, the first Christians did not know this either ...

Yes, indeed, wearing a pectoral cross without practicing the Christian life is reminiscent of a person who is trying to sail in a storm on a shipwreck.

Indeed, the gospel and the lives of the early Christians do not indicate that people supported modern practices.

But on the other hand, in the life of the early church it was customary to wear medallions with the image of the slain Lamb or the Crucifixion. Sources of the 2nd century indicate that some Christians already had crosses or drew them on their foreheads in order to “give themselves out” to the persecutors and suffer for the faith. When the "hunt" for believers subsided, the pious example of the early Christians spread widely.

An interesting historical fact is cited by Archpriest Igor Fomin.

There was one rather humiliating custom in the Roman Empire. As we now wear a collar for dogs, so their slaves wore the same straps around their necks with the name of their owner.

The first Christians, opposing themselves to such a society, wore pectoral crosses, as if to say: we do not belong to you. We have another Master who paid for us with his own life.

spiritual protection

Today it is customary to put a cross on a person after performing the Sacrament of Baptism. This is like a confirmation of belonging to the Church and understanding that the Son of God suffered for me.

- Yes, all this is nonsense! Why wear a cross? the skeptic will say. - Just think: two wooden sticks or a metal figurine. Can they protect a person?

The answer is very succinct: they can. There are many testimonies to be found.

For example, in difficult Soviet times, it was forbidden to wear “metal figurines”. If a girl is going to marry a non-Christian, usually she is required to take off ... a cross. It sounds something like this: renounce your faith, turn away from Christ.

And how many stories there are about how people were deprived of spiritual protection without a pectoral cross! Many became possessed by evil spirits. And when they were approached with a cross, they began to cowardly, shout, slander, beat their heads against the wall ...

Symbol of victory over the devil

5:8

A familiar priest told a story from his own practice. He served in a village where everyone knew each other. There lived one man who had little contact with people, had no family. He never went to church.

One day the priest passed by this man. For some reason I decided to stop and talk. Then it turns:

— Alexey, I want to give you a little gift.

The man was as happy as a child. The priest put a pectoral cross around his neck.

Some time has passed. The rector met Alexei again. The man, almost in tears, said:

- Father, I could not accept your gift.

And he told a story. After they hung a cross around his neck, he did not understand what was happening to him. When I came to my senses, I realized that he was already far from home, on the local Bald Mountain. There was no longer a pectoral cross around the neck.

5:8

No matter how skeptical we are about this, he knows inexactly what power this symbol of Christianity has. Therefore, the evil one tries in various ways to hinder a person.

Why wear a pectoral cross? To save yourself. The devil is afraid of losing access to a person, he is worried that he can take the path of piety and be saved. After all, the cross is a symbol of victory over the forces of darkness, a constant reminder of who we are, why we were created and how to be saved.

How to choose a chain for a cross and other interesting facts

“The soul is by nature a Christian,” Tertullian once said, to which, after many centuries, V.V. Rozanov said: “Nothing like that. The soul is by nature a heathen." And so the pagan struggles with the Christian in our man, and this struggle sometimes gives rise to numerous dilemmas. So, many are wondering whether it is possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross. Does not pass along with someone else's cross and someone else's fate or someone else's sins?

Is it possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross

Archpriest Alexander Lebedev believes that being afraid of a found pectoral cross due to the fact that the sins of a person who has lost the creed will be passed on to another is nonsense, which is easier to invent than to comment on.

To the question: “Is it possible to wear another person’s cross?”, It’s also enough to ask yourself: “How can one’s own passions, which belong exclusively to a specific person and give only her the exclusive right to fight her sins, can pass to an innocent person , which, of course, has enough of its own mistakes.

Orthodox crosses

In addition, everyone receives their own life hardships, which must be carried with patience and gratitude, because the Lord sends trials to heal the soul. Everyone asks in prayers: "Lord, have mercy," which in Greek sounds like "Kyrie elaison." Elayson is translated as "oil", and olive oil is the first human medicine in the world.

It is impossible that the pectoral cross, which was found and put on, influenced by itself on the character of a person, on the addition of sins or on getting rid of them, and also in some magical way draws a line of life's path.

Important. Orthodoxy is, first of all, sanity, and no actions that are not related to personal, conscious actions of a person, good or evil, can change a person or affect life events that happen to a person.

You should not be afraid of the found cross, since the cross is a shrine, and not a pagan amulet. Ever since Christ was crucified for our salvation, the pectoral cross protects a person from evil spirits in the same way as the sign of the cross. Another person who wore it and lost it is unable to change its purpose as a protective force against evil.

Therefore, all signs associated with it are superstition.

About superstitions:

Which cross is considered to be Orthodox

For a Christian, the main key aspects are important. The cross must be:

• four-, six-, eight-pointed form;
• with the inscription "Save and save" on both sides, and not with decorative stones (preferably, as a recommendation from the priests), children are recommended simple, not encrusted with precious stones;
• purchased in a church, then it is already consecrated, if bought in a jewelry store or found, it must be consecrated by any Orthodox priest;
• the material of manufacture does not matter. And also, the size is not important, except that it is better for kids to wear small crosses without sharp corners.

What to do with the found cross. Priests Answers

If a person himself found an Orthodox cross on the street, the priests recommend that it be consecrated without fail, since it is not known whether it was previously consecrated.

Read about the pectoral cross:

If, nevertheless, there are doubts about the found cross, the priests advise, first of all, to consecrate it, and then:

• to give to a godson or a poor Christian who does not have the material opportunity to buy it;
• wear yourself;
• donate to the temple.

Thus, Orthodoxy is unambiguous in the question of a found or lost cross, as well as in the question “where to read the Gospel”, “which hand to put a candle in the temple.”

Archpriest Alexander Lebedev proposes to reduce to absurdity the superstitions associated with the found crosses. If sins can be transmitted through things, then why shouldn't virtues be transmitted in the same way? Then it would only be worth acquiring a thing belonging to a righteous person, as a person would involuntarily have a halo above his head. Then it would be possible to deliberately lose crosses, so that one's own sins could be thrown off, like an unnecessary burden, onto others.

Important! The fear of other people's crosses is a completely absurd thing, contrary to common sense and having nothing to do with the Orthodox faith.

Watch the video about the found cross