Why Is The Orthodox Church Cross Different?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. ... Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven . Another interesting fact is that the upper point of the slanted beam always show the way to the North. Thus a church cross can serve as a compass.

Why is the Orthodox cross important?

The cross is the ultimate symbol of our Christian faith . Since Christ died on the cross to redeem us of our sins, Christians started wearing the cross as a reminder of that. When Orthodox Christians are baptized, the cross itself is an integral part of the ceremony.

What makes the Orthodox church different?

The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship , and in certain aspects of theology. The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.

Do Greek Orthodox crosses have Jesus on them?

Along with the Greek cross, it is the most common form . ... The upper one is shorter, representing the plaque nailed to Jesus’ cross. Similar to the Cross of Lorraine, though in the original version of the latter, the bottom arm is lower. The Eastern Orthodox cross adds a slanted bar near the foot.

Can Catholic wear Orthodox cross?

There is no rule that demands that a person of one or another denomination only wear a certain type of cross. The crucifix is favored among Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Cross is favored among the Orthodox, but this is not cast in stone. ...

Do Orthodox Christians have to wear a cross?

Communicants of the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches are expected to wear their baptismal cross necklaces at all times . Some Christians believe that the wearing of a cross offers protection from evil, while others, Christian and non-Christian, wear cross necklaces as a fashion accessory.

What does the Orthodox cross symbolize?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. The cross usually has three crossbeams, two horizontal and the third one is a bit slanted. ... Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven .

Which religion is Orthodox?

Orthodox means adhering to accepted norms and creeds – especially in religion. In Christianity, the term means “ conforming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early Church.” The Orthodox Church is one of the three main Christian groups – the others are the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.

Which is older Catholic or Orthodox?

Therefore the Catholic Church is the oldest of all . The Orthodox represents the original Christian Church because they trace their bishops back to the five early patriarchates of Rome, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Constantinople and Antioch.

Who is the leader of the Orthodox Church?

The church has no central doctrinal or governmental authority analogous to the bishop of Rome (Pope), but the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople is recognised by all bishops as primus inter pares (“first among equals”) and regarded as the representative and spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians.

What the difference between Orthodox and Catholic?

The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too , as human and thus subject to error. In this way, they are similar to Protestants, who also reject any notion of papal primacy.

What do Orthodox Christians believe?

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in a single God who is both three and one (triune); the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit , “one in essence and undivided”. The Holy Trinity is three “unconfused” and distinct divine persons (hypostases), who share one divine essence (ousia); uncreated, immaterial and eternal.

What is the Greek Orthodox symbol?

The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Mount Athos, and also the Greek Orthodox Churches in the diaspora under the Patriarchate use a black double-headed eagle in a yellow field as their flag or emblem. The eagle is depicted as clutching a sword and an orb with a crown above and between its two heads.

Why is it called Greek Orthodox?

The Greek word “orthodox” simply means “correct belief” and at the same time, “correct worship.” It became the name applied to the Christian Church that grew and flourished in the eastern, predominantly Greek speaking regions of the late Roman Empire.

What does the Maronite cross mean?

The Maronite Cross is a cruciform device, a three barred cross which is the symbol of the Maronite Patriarchal Synod, the regular assembly of Maronite Patriarchs, Eparchs, and other high Maronite ecclesiastical figures . ... The Eparchy of Saint Thérese of the Child Jesus is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma USA.

Is Ethiopian Orthodox Catholic?