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.
What is the Orthodox Cross called?
The Russian Orthodox cross has three horizontal crossbeams, with the lowest one slanted downwards. Nowadays it is a symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church and a distinctive feature of the cultural landscape of Russia. Other names for the symbol include the Russian cross, and Slavonic or Suppedaneum cross .
Can a Catholic wear an 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. ...
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.
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.
How do Orthodox cross yourself?
Gently touch the index, middle, and thumb to the center of your forehead. Bring your hand down, maintaining the shape to right between your ribcage and belly button. Raise your hand to the right shoulder. Cross over to the left shoulder .
Do Orthodox wear crucifixes?
Usage. In the early Church, many Christians hung a cross on the eastern wall of their house in order to indicate the eastward direction of prayer. ... Catholic (both Eastern and Western), Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Moravian, Anglican and Lutheran Christians generally use the crucifix in public religious services .
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.
Is Orthodox bible different?
The Bible of the Orthodox Church is the same as that of most Western Churches , except that its Old Testament is based not on the Hebrew, but on the ancient Jewish translation into Greek called the Septuagint.
Is Orthodox Catholic?
| Eastern Orthodox Church | Structure Communion | Primus inter pares Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I |
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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 the Orthodox Easter different?
Why is Greek Orthodox Easter on a different date? Eastern Christianity recognises a different date for Easter because they follow the Julian calendar , as opposed to the Gregorian calendar which is widely used by most countries today.
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 INRI mean on the cross?
INRI is generally thought of to refer to “ Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum ,” meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” but apparently there’s more.
Why do Protestants not use crucifix?
The fear is that people will direct their worship to the image and not to God. Protestant churches came through a period when the fear of images, relics and idols was so severe that some denominations would not allow decoration of any sort in the church building or the homes of the faithful.
