Sinusitis

When did the crucifixion appear on the Orthodox cross? What is the difference between a Catholic cross and an Orthodox one?

CROSS. CRUCIFIXION. THE MEANING OF CHRIST'S DEATH ON THE CROSS. THE DIFFERENCE OF THE ORTHODOX CROSS FROM THE CATHOLIC CROSS.

Among all Christians, only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. They decorate the domes of churches, their houses, and wear them around their necks with crosses. As for Protestants, they do not recognize such a symbol as the cross and do not wear it. The cross for Protestants is a symbol of shameful execution, a weapon through which the Savior was not only inflicted with great pain, but also killed.

The reason why a person wears is different for everyone. Some pay tribute to fashion in this way, for some the cross is a beautiful piece of jewelry, for others it brings good luck and is used as a talisman. But there are also those for whom the pectoral cross worn at baptism is truly a symbol of their endless faith.

THE MEANING OF THE SAVIOR'S DEATH ON THE CROSS

As is known, emergence christian cross associated with the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, which he accepted on the cross by forced verdict of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - descendants of Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifix was first used in Phenicia). Thieves were usually sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this way.

Before the suffering of Christ, the cross was an instrument of shame and terrible punishment. After His suffering, it became a symbol of the victory of good over evil, life over death, a reminder of God’s endless love, and an object of joy. The incarnate Son of God sanctified the cross with His blood and made it a conductor of His grace, a source of sanctification for believers.

From Orthodox dogma The Cross (or Atonement) undoubtedly implies that the death of the Lord is a ransom for all , the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched hands calling “all the ends of the earth”(Isa. 45:22).

Reading the Gospels, we are convinced that The feat of the cross of the God-man is the central event in His earthly life. With His suffering on the cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, “redeemed” (ransomed) us. The incomprehensible secret of the infinite truth and love of God is hidden in Calvary.

The Son of God voluntarily took upon himself the guilt of all people and suffered for it a shameful and painful death on the cross; then on the third day he rose again as the conqueror of hell and death.

Why was such a terrible Sacrifice needed to cleanse the sins of mankind, and was it possible to save people in another, less painful way?

Christian teaching about death on the cross The God-man is often a “stumbling block” for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both to many Jews and to the people of the Greek culture of the apostolic times it seemed contradictory to say that the almighty and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily endured beatings, spitting and shameful death that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to humanity. "This is impossible!"- some objected; "This is not necessary!"- others argued.

St. Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says: “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in the wisdom of the word, so as not to make the cross of Christ abolish. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the understanding I will reject. Where is the wise man? where is the scribe? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. and the Greeks seek wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God."(1 Cor. 1:17-24).

In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness is, in fact, a matter of the greatest Divine wisdom and omnipotence. The truth of the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior is the foundation for many other Christian truths, for example, about the sanctification of believers, about the sacraments, about the meaning of suffering, about virtues, about feat, about the purpose of life, about the upcoming judgment and resurrection of the dead and others.

At the same time, the atoning death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even "tempting to those who are perishing," possesses a regenerating power, which the believing heart feels and strives for. Renewed and warmed by this spiritual power, both the last slaves and the most powerful kings bowed in awe before Calvary; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles personal experience They were convinced of the great spiritual benefits that the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, and they shared this experience with their disciples.

(The mystery of the redemption of mankind is closely connected with a number of important religious and psychological factors. Therefore, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:

a) understand what actually constitutes the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;

b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

c) we need to understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. Moreover, if love reveals itself most of all in sacrificial service to one’s neighbor, then there is no doubt that giving one’s life for him is highest manifestation love;

d) from understanding the power of human love, one must rise to an understanding of the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of a believer and transforms his inner world;

e) in addition, in the atoning death of the Savior there is a side that goes beyond the human world, namely: On the cross there was a battle between God and the proud Dennitsa, in which God, hiding under the guise of weak flesh, emerged victorious. The details of this spiritual battle and Divine victory remain a mystery to us. Even Angels, according to St. Peter, do not fully understand the mystery of redemption (1 Peter 1:12). She is a sealed book that only the Lamb of God could open (Rev. 5:1-7)).

In Orthodox asceticism there is such a concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called the “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: “Whoever does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. Cross the beauty of the Church, Cross of the kings power, Cross true statement"The Cross is an angel's glory, The Cross is a demon's plague"— affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

The motives for the outrageous desecration and blasphemy of the Holy Cross by conscious cross-haters and crusaders are quite understandable. But when we see Christians drawn into this vile business, it is all the more impossible to remain silent, for - in the words of St. Basil the Great - “God is betrayed by silence”!

CROSS FORM

Four-pointed cross

Today shops and churches offer great variety crosses various shapes. However, very often not only parents who are planning to baptize a child, but also sales consultants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is, in fact, very simple to distinguish them.In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross with three nails. In Orthodoxy there are four-pointed, six- and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for the hands and feet.

So, in the West the most common is four-pointed cross . Since the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East and to this day uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

For Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross is not particularly important; much more attention is paid to what is depicted on it, however, eight-pointed and six-pointed crosses have gained the most popularity.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified.The Orthodox cross, which is most often used by the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, contains, in addition to a large horizontal crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the "righteous standard" weighing the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted in left side, symbolizing that the repentant thief crucified according to right side from Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the thief, crucified on the left side, with his blasphemy of Christ, further aggravated his posthumous fate and ended up in hell. The letters IC XC are a christogram symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov writes that “When Christ the Lord carried the cross on His shoulders, the cross was still four-pointed; because there was no title or foot on it yet. There was no footstool, because Christ had not yet been raised on the cross and the soldiers, not knowing where Christ’s feet would reach, did not attach a footstool, having finished this already on Calvary.”. Also, there was no title on the cross before the crucifixion of Christ, because, as the Gospel reports, first “they crucified Him” (John 19:18), and then only “Pilate wrote the inscription and put it on the cross” (John 19:19 ). It was first that the soldiers who “crucified Him” divided “His clothes” by lot (Matthew 27:35), and only then “They placed an inscription over His head, signifying His guilt: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”(Matt. 27:37).

Since ancient times, the eight-pointed cross has been considered the most powerful protective tool against various kinds of evil spirits, as well as visible and invisible evil.

Six-pointed cross

Widespread among Orthodox believers, especially in times Ancient Rus', also had six-pointed cross . It also contains inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation through repentance.

However It is not in the shape of the cross or the number of ends that all its strength lies. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and this is all its symbolism and miraculousness.

The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. In the words of St. Theodore the Studite - “The cross of every form is the true cross” Andhas unearthly beauty and life-giving power.

"No significant difference between Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, as well as between any other crosses used in Christian services. In essence, all crosses are the same, the only differences are in shape.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.

CRUCIFIXION

In Catholic and Orthodox Churches special meaning is given not to the shape of the cross, but to the image of Jesus Christ on it.

Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant, and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.

Yes, we know that Christ died on the cross. But we also know that He later resurrected, and that He suffered voluntarily out of love for people: to teach us to take care of the immortal soul; so that we too can be resurrected and live forever. In the Orthodox Crucifixion this Paschal joy is always present. That's why on the Orthodox cross, Christ does not die, but freely stretches out his arms, the palms of Jesus are open, as if he wants to hug all humanity, giving them his love and opening the way to eternal life. He is not a dead body, but God, and his whole image speaks of this.

The Orthodox cross has another, smaller one above the main horizontal crossbar, which symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words appeared on the tablet "Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews" in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic. In Latin in Catholicism this inscription looks like INRI, and in Orthodoxy - IHCI(or INHI, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes footrest. It also symbolizes two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them, before his death, repented of his sins, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.

The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS" - the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" — Winner.

Greek letters were necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo of the Savior UN, meaning - "truly existent" , because “God said to Moses: I am who I am.”(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the originality, eternity and immutability of the being of God.

In addition, the nails with which the Lord was nailed to the cross were kept in Orthodox Byzantium. And it was known for sure that there were four of them, not three. That's why On Orthodox crosses, Christ's feet are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

IN Catholic Crucifixion the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). Everything is revealed in it human suffering, the torment that Jesus had to experience. His arms sag under the weight of his body. The image of Christ on the Catholic cross is plausible, but it is image of a dead person man, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the Savior's feet are nailed with one nail.

Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross

Thus, there are the following differences Catholic cross from Orthodox:

most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.
Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written on different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).
Another fundamental position is position of the feet on the Crucifix and number of nails . The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.
What is different is image of the Savior on the cross . The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the path to eternal life, while the Catholic cross depicts a man experiencing torment.

Material prepared by Sergey Shulyak

for the Temple Life-Giving Trinity on Vorobyovy Gory

It often happens that the child’s parents or godparents come to the store to buy a gold cross a child for Christening, but the huge selection that awaits them in the store leaves them confused. And here in front of you are crosses of various shapes, with different inscriptions and different appearance, and sales consultants often cannot say where exactly is the Orthodox cross? Let's talk about how the Orthodox cross differs from the Catholic cross.

There are many in the world different religions: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc. And only Orthodox and Catholics venerate crosses and icons. In general, in Orthodoxy, as in Catholicism, the cross is main symbol Christianity, it reflects the whole essence of faith. The pinnacle of everything is the coming of Jesus Christ into our world, he atoned for all our sins on the Cross and gave us hope for Salvation and eternal life. Therefore, every Orthodox Christian, like a Catholic, receives a pectoral cross at Baptism, which he must always carry with him. By wearing a cross around his neck, a person first of all determines his attitude towards religion, and also seeks to share with Christ the burden of bearing the cross. It’s not for nothing that the Russian people have a saying: “The Lord gives a cross to everyone according to their ability.”

But there are significant differences between the image of the cross in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. And they concern, first of all, the shape of the cross. This is how Catholics depict a cross of only one shape - four-pointed with an elongated vertical crossbar.

In Orthodoxy, the shape of the cross, in principle, has no meaning, but six-pointed and eight-pointed crosses have become more widespread. In ancient Rus', a six-pointed cross was very common, which was, as it were, divided in half by a crossbar. Bottom part the cross testified that a person has unrepentant sins, and upper part said that the human soul strives for Heaven and repentance for its sins.

The main difference between Orthodox and Catholic crosses is the image of Jesus Christ, and for Orthodoxy the Catholic image is unacceptable.

Among Catholics, Jesus Christ, depicted on the cross, has very naturalistic features, and moreover, he is depicted dead on it. Here we see hands that bend under the weight of the body, many wounds from which blood oozes, his face expresses inhuman suffering, pain, severe torment that befell the Savior. There is no triumph of life over death here. In Orthodoxy, the cross itself is a symbol of this celebration. The cross contains humility and joy because now every person is given Eternal Life, if only he himself wants to be with Christ. The image of Christ in Orthodoxy is solemn, his palms are open, as if he calls everyone to come and be next to him in the Kingdom of God. Here he is depicted not as a dead body, but as God, who voluntarily and lovingly went through this suffering in order to give hope to all humanity. The image of Jesus Christ in Orthodoxy is the image of the God of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.

In addition, there are significant differences in the number of nails that are depicted on the cross. It is known that in Byzantium the nails with which Jesus Christ was nailed to the Cross were preserved, and there are four of them, i.e. each leg and arm were nailed separately. And in the Orthodox cross we see that each leg is nailed separately. In the Catholic image of the Cross, the legs of Jesus Christ are nailed together with one nail.

In addition, there are slight differences in the inscriptions on the tablet above the Lord's head. A sign was necessarily nailed to the Cross above the head of the criminal, which described the offense for which the person was executed. Pontius Pilate did not know what to write on the tablet intended for Jesus Christ, and the following was written there: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Thus on the Catholic cross in Latin letters written: INRI. And on the Orthodox cross the letters are written in Church Slavonic: IHHI.

In addition, on the reverse side of the Orthodox cross there must be the inscription “Save and Preserve” in Russian or Church Slavonic. These are the main differences between the Orthodox cross and the Catholic one.

Most believers in Ukraine belong to Christian denominations: the East is famous a huge amount Orthodox parishes and temples; Catholic churches and basilicas are common in the West. Representatives of both of these branches of Christianity wear crosses and venerate them no less, if not more, than many other shrines.

Buying a gold pectoral cross is not a problem today. Many of the most different models presented in - from very modest and small to massive, decorated precious stones. But often, when planning to baptize a child or choosing a cross for themselves, buyers make the same mistake. An Orthodox Christian unknowingly chooses a Catholic cross or vice versa - and no one, including a sales consultant, can tell you how to make the right choice.

We will teach you to distinguish between an Orthodox and a Catholic cross at first sight. There are only four fundamental differences; remember just one of them and you will never go wrong.

1. Cross shape.

Orthodox priests favor crosses of any shape, but the most common are six- and eight-pointed crosses. The latter, by the way, has been considered since ancient times the most powerful amulet from evil forces and all kinds of evil spirits. Pay attention to the small upper crossbar - it symbolizes the plate listing the crimes that used to be nailed above the head of the convicted person.

The oblique crossbar, in addition to the practical significance of the foot, had another, much more important one. It symbolizes the path to the Kingdom of Heaven from the darkness of the sinful world. In a six-pointed cross, the lower crossbar has a slightly different meaning. The lower end is unrepentant sin, the upper end is liberation from sin through repentance.

However, like the decoration catholic church, simple and artless. The familiar four-pointed shape with an elongated bottom- and no more unnecessary details.

2. Engraving on the surface of the cross.

A tablet with an inscription fixed above the head of Christ is present on both crosses. And even the inscription on it, which, in theory, should describe Jesus’ offense, is the same. Pontius Pilate, condemning the Son of God, never found his real guilt, and the tablet reads: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

These words, abbreviated to a few letters, are still engraved on pectoral crosses. In Orthodox in Slavic I.Н.Ц.I., in Catholic in Latin INRI. And yet, on Orthodox crosses With reverse side The expression “Save and Preserve” may be engraved; there is nothing like that on Catholic ones.

3. The disposition of Christ.

It is this point that serves as the main disagreement between two such related religions. In Catholicism, Christ, nailed to the cross, experiences inhuman suffering. And all his torments are very naturalistically captured in the images: his lowered head, sagging arms, flowing blood. It is impressive, but does not show the main thing - victory over death, the happiness of transition to another world, more just and bright.

Look at the Orthodox crucifix. You will see the triumph and joy of resurrection - open palms, ready to embrace and protect humanity, an image that speaks of love and the possibility of eternal life.

4. Number of nails.

Look at how the Savior's feet are positioned on the crucifix. If they are nailed to a pole with two nails, it is an Orthodox cross. By the way, among the shrines of the Orthodox Church there are four nails with which Christ is supposed to have been nailed.

The Catholic Church has a fundamentally different opinion and has its own shrine - three nails kept in the Vatican. Accordingly, in the images, Jesus’ feet are superimposed on one another and nailed with only one nail.

Now you can immediately tell whether the cross presented on the display is Orthodox or Catholic. And be sure to make an informed choice based on your personal faith.

One little advice. Even if you accidentally bought the wrong cross or, conversely, specifically purchased a cross of a different denomination, for example, in memory of a trip or pilgrimage, do not hide it in a box. Approach the priest and ask for a blessing to bless the vest and wear it. Perhaps the church will meet you halfway, and the one you like, despite its non-canonical nature, will accompany you all your life.

Today, shops and church shops offer a wide variety of crosses of various shapes. However, very often not only parents who are planning to baptize a child, but also sales consultants cannot explain where the Orthodox cross is and where the Catholic one is, although it is, in fact, very simple to distinguish them. In the Catholic tradition - a quadrangular cross with three nails. In Orthodoxy there are four-pointed, six- and eight-pointed crosses, with four nails for the hands and feet.

Cross shape

Four-pointed cross

So, in the West the most common is four-pointed cross . Starting from the 3rd century, when similar crosses first appeared in the Roman catacombs, the entire Orthodox East still uses this form of the cross as equal to all others.

Eight-pointed Orthodox cross most corresponds to the historically accurate form of the cross on which Christ was already crucified. The Orthodox cross, which is most often used by the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches, contains, in addition to the large horizontal crossbar, two more. The top one symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ with the inscription "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"(INCI, or INRI in Latin). The lower oblique crossbar - a support for the feet of Jesus Christ symbolizes the “righteous standard” that weighs the sins and virtues of all people. It is believed that it is tilted to the left, symbolizing that the repentant thief, crucified on the right side of Christ, (first) went to heaven, and the thief crucified on the left side, by his blasphemy of Christ, further aggravated his posthumous fate and ended up to hell The letters IC XC are a christogram symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ.

Since ancient times, the eight-pointed cross has been considered the most powerful protective tool against various kinds of evil spirits, as well as visible and invisible evil.

Six-pointed cross

Widespread among Orthodox believers, especially during the times of Ancient Rus', was also six-pointed cross . It also has an inclined crossbar: the lower end symbolizes unrepentant sin, and the upper end symbolizes liberation through repentance.

However, all its strength does not lie in the shape of the cross or the number of ends. The cross is famous for the power of Christ crucified on it, and this is all its symbolism and miraculousness.

The variety of forms of the cross has always been recognized by the Church as quite natural. According to the expression of the Monk Theodore the Studite - “The cross of every form is the true cross” and has unearthly beauty and life-giving power.

“There is no significant difference between the Latin, Catholic, Byzantine, and Orthodox crosses, or between any other crosses used in Christian services. In essence, all crosses are the same, the only differences are in shape.”, says Serbian Patriarch Irinej.

Crucifixion

In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, special importance is attached not to the shape of the cross, but to the image of Jesus Christ on it.

Until the 9th century inclusive, Christ was depicted on the cross not only alive, resurrected, but also triumphant, and only in the 10th century did images of the dead Christ appear.

Yes, we know that Christ died on the cross. But we also know that He later resurrected, and that He suffered voluntarily out of love for people: to teach us to take care of the immortal soul; so that we too can be resurrected and live forever. In the Orthodox Crucifixion this Paschal joy is always present. Therefore, on the Orthodox cross, Christ does not die, but freely stretches out his arms, Jesus’ palms are open, as if he wants to hug all humanity, giving them his love and opening the way to eternal life. He is not a dead body, but God, and his whole image speaks of this.

The Orthodox cross has another, smaller one above the main horizontal crossbar, which symbolizes the sign on the cross of Christ indicating the offense. Because Pontius Pilate did not find how to describe the guilt of Christ, the words appeared on the tablet "Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews" in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic. In Latin in Catholicism this inscription looks like INRI, and in Orthodoxy - IHCI(or INHI, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”). The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes a support for the legs. It also symbolizes the two thieves crucified to the left and right of Christ. One of them, before his death, repented of his sins, for which he was awarded the Kingdom of Heaven. The other, before his death, blasphemed and reviled his executioners and Christ.

The following inscriptions are placed above the middle crossbar: "IC" "HS" - the name of Jesus Christ; and below it: "NIKA" - Winner.

Greek letters were necessarily written on the cross-shaped halo of the Savior UN, meaning “truly existent”, because “God said to Moses: I am who I am.”(Ex. 3:14), thereby revealing His name, expressing the originality, eternity and immutability of the being of God.

In addition, the nails with which the Lord was nailed to the cross were kept in Orthodox Byzantium. And it was known for sure that there were four of them, not three. Therefore, on Orthodox crosses, Christ’s feet are nailed with two nails, each separately. The image of Christ with crossed feet nailed to a single nail first appeared as an innovation in the West in the second half of the 13th century.

In the Catholic Crucifixion, the image of Christ has naturalistic features. Catholics depict Christ as dead, sometimes with streams of blood on his face, from wounds on his arms, legs and ribs ( stigmata). It reveals all human suffering, the torment that Jesus had to experience. His arms sag under the weight of his body. The image of Christ on the Catholic cross is plausible, but this image dead person, while there is no hint of the triumph of victory over death. The crucifixion in Orthodoxy symbolizes this triumph. In addition, the Savior's feet are nailed with one nail.

The meaning of the Savior's death on the cross

The emergence of the Christian cross is associated with the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, which he accepted on the cross under the forced sentence of Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a common method of execution in Ancient Rome, borrowed from the Carthaginians - descendants of Phoenician colonists (it is believed that the crucifixion was first used in Phenicia). Thieves were usually sentenced to death on the cross; many early Christians, persecuted since the time of Nero, were also executed in this way.

From the Orthodox dogma of the Cross (or Atonement) undoubtedly follows the idea that the death of the Lord is a ransom for all , the calling of all peoples. Only the cross, unlike other executions, made it possible for Jesus Christ to die with outstretched hands calling “to all the ends of the earth” (Isa. 45:22).

Reading the Gospels, we are convinced that the feat of the cross of the God-man is the central event in His earthly life. With His suffering on the cross, He washed away our sins, covered our debt to God, or, in the language of Scripture, “redeemed” (ransomed) us. The incomprehensible secret of the infinite truth and love of God is hidden in Calvary.

Why was such a terrible Sacrifice needed to cleanse the sins of mankind, and was it possible to save people in another, less painful way?

The Christian teaching about the death of the God-man on the cross is often a “stumbling block” for people with already established religious and philosophical concepts. Both to many Jews and people of Greek culture of apostolic times, it seemed contradictory to assert that the omnipotent and eternal God descended to earth in the form of a mortal man, voluntarily endured beatings, spitting and shameful death, that this feat could bring spiritual benefit to humanity. "This is impossible!"- some objected; “This is not necessary!”- others argued.

St. Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says: “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. For the word about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and destroy the understanding of the prudent. Where is the sage? where is the scribe? where is the questioner of this century? Has not God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness? For when the world through its wisdom did not know God in the wisdom of God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For both the Jews demand miracles, and the Greeks seek wisdom; But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.”(1 Cor. 1:17-24).

In other words, the apostle explained that what in Christianity was perceived by some as temptation and madness, is in fact a matter of the greatest Divine wisdom and omnipotence. The truth of the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior is the foundation for many other Christian truths, for example, about the sanctification of believers, about the sacraments, about the meaning of suffering, about virtues, about feat, about the purpose of life, about the upcoming judgment and resurrection of the dead and others.

At the same time, the atoning death of Christ, being an event inexplicable in terms of earthly logic and even “tempting for those who are perishing,” has a regenerating power that the believing heart feels and strives for. Renewed and warmed by this spiritual power, both the last slaves and the most powerful kings bowed in awe before Calvary; both dark ignoramuses and the greatest scientists. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were convinced by personal experience of what great spiritual benefits the atoning death and resurrection of the Savior brought them, and they shared this experience with their disciples.

(The mystery of the redemption of mankind is closely connected with a number of important religious and psychological factors. Therefore, to understand the mystery of redemption it is necessary:

a) understand what actually constitutes the sinful damage of a person and the weakening of his will to resist evil;

b) we must understand how the devil’s will, thanks to sin, gained the opportunity to influence and even captivate the human will;

c) we need to understand the mysterious power of love, its ability to positively influence a person and ennoble him. At the same time, if love most of all reveals itself in sacrificial service to one’s neighbor, then there is no doubt that giving one’s life for him is the highest manifestation of love;

d) from understanding the power of human love, one must rise to an understanding of the power of Divine love and how it penetrates the soul of a believer and transforms his inner world;

In Orthodox asceticism there is such a concept as bearing one’s cross, that is, patiently fulfilling Christian commandments throughout the life of a Christian. All difficulties, both external and internal, are called “cross.” Everyone carries their own cross in life. The Lord said this about the need for personal achievement: “He who does not take up his cross (deviates from the feat) and follows Me (calls himself a Christian), is unworthy of Me.”(Matt. 10:38).

“The cross is the guardian of the entire universe. The Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross of kings is the power, the Cross is the affirmation of the faithful, the Cross is the glory of an angel, the Cross is a plague of demons,”- affirms the absolute Truth of the luminaries of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross.

Differences between the Catholic and Orthodox cross

Thus, there are the following differences between the Catholic cross and the Orthodox one:

most often has an eight-pointed or six-pointed shape. - four-pointed.
Words on a sign on the crosses are the same, only written in different languages: Latin INRI(in the case of the Catholic cross) and Slavic-Russian IHCI(on the Orthodox cross).
Another fundamental position is position of the feet on the Crucifix and number of nails . The feet of Jesus Christ are placed together on a Catholic Crucifix, and each is nailed separately on an Orthodox cross.
What is different is image of the Savior on the cross . The Orthodox cross depicts God, who opened the path to eternal life, while the Catholic cross depicts a man experiencing torment.

All Christians are united by a single faith in the Savior. Moreover, each direction inside Christian religion offers his interpretation of one or another aspect of the doctrine. Not every follower knows the difference between an Orthodox cross and a Catholic one. There really are differences between them, and it is impossible not to notice them.

When did the differences appear?

Split christian church to the western and eastern occurred in 1054. However, the prerequisites for it appeared much earlier. Despite the fact that representatives of Western and Eastern Christianity had the same faith, their approach to it was different. Disagreements arose even in ideas about what a clergyman should look like. "Latins" shaved their beards. For the Eastern clergy, such behavior was unacceptable. Differences became noticeable in the conduct of rituals, decoration of temples, etc. Christians did not strive to eliminate the difference. They made it even more visible by opposing themselves to those who, in their opinion, worshiped God incorrectly.

The cross remains the main symbol of faith for both Orthodox and Catholics. With its help, you can also determine which direction the representative is in front of us.

Having looked closely at both versions of the crucifix, you can easily understand how the Orthodox cross differs from the Catholic one. True faith is not determined by belonging to the Western or Eastern