by Greg | Mar 21, 2013 | Blog Posts
Moline Cross The term Moline (Millrine or Millrind) comes from the Latin molere ‘to grind’ and molinum ‘mill’. This is because the shape of this cross is similar to the iron bar that supports or secures a millstone. Occasionally the cross is called a Millstone Cross or Miller’s Cross. The Moline Cross is largely found in heraldry or ornamentation. Still, the four double-tipped arms create eight points which remind us of the eight beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Because of the curved tips, some have compared it to the Anchor Cross and the Fisherman’s Cross. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Prayer: You Lord, You are the Compassionate One; You are the Shepherd Who Guides; You are the Friend who knows. You Lord, You are the One who bears our shame; who binds our wounds; who takes away our sin. You Lord, You are the One known as gentle and merciful. You Lord, You are Blessed, and have called us to be so too....
by Greg | Mar 20, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Cross Potent The Cross Potent is also known as the Crutch Cross and the Teutonic Cross. This particular image, like many of the crosses pictured before, is pre-Christian and has been found in Neolithic petroglyphs, dating back to 2500 BC. Potent comes from the French potencee meaning ‘strong.’ Today it is used by Christian and secular organizations in logos and insignia. The Cross Potent was used as a national symbol of the Austrian First Republic, minted on the backside of the Groschen coins. It is currently used in the coats of arms of the Santa Cruz Department in Bolivia, and of the Wingolf Christian student fraternities in Germany, Austria and Estonia. “…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.” (Ephesians 6:10) Prayer: Your cross Lord is our strength. May it forevermore remind us that through Your sacrifice, Your giving, Your love, we have all the strength we need to face this day. Therefore we take courage, Savior and Friend, that we may be strong, even when we are weak, because You bear us up, day by day, moment by moment, step by step: Lord, our Strength and our Power....
by Greg | Mar 19, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Macedonian Cross This cross is also known as Veljusa Cross because it was first displayed in the Veljusa monastery near Strumica around 1085. The Macedonian Cross is mainly connected with the Christianity in Macedonia and is a symbol of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. In addition to being found on many churches in Macedonia, it is displayed on the coat of arms of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. The arms of the cross are budded and interlocking, representing the everlasting love of God and the center square can be understood as the four corners of the world. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you:” (Jeremiah 31:3) Prayer: How long O Lord, how long will you love us? How long will you put up with our waywardness, our distractions, our failures? This we remember and for this we have hope: through the cross You have shown us an everlasting love. Though we falter and stumble, Your love for us does not....
by Greg | Mar 18, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Patriarchal Cross The Patriarchal Cross is a variation of the Russian Cross and the Papal Cross. This cross symbol was seen in wide numbers throughout the Byzantine Empire by the tenth century. It was thought to have been given to St. Stephen by the pope as a symbol of the apostolic Kingdom in Hungary. The two barred cross is one of the main elements in the coats of arms of Kingdom of Hungary since 1190. “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Prayer: Give of life, and Creator God who bestows on all Your Holy Image, We are born seekers, not always sure what we are searching for but endlessly in pursuit just the same. In our ambitions and pursuits, sharpen our quests that we may strive first for Your Kingdom, Your will, Your face, so that all other strivings may find their proper balance....
by Greg | Mar 16, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Cross of Salem This cross is associated with the papacy but not to be confused with the Papal Cross. More commonly it is connected with freemasonry and the Knights Templar. There is no clear significance of the three bars other than to suggest head, crossbeam and footrest. The number three, of course, alludes to the Trinity, but can also reflect the three crosses on Calvary. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Prayer: You call us to bear the cross Lord and we are confused and overwhelmed because it means so much. Guide us that we may walk mercifully so that even when we are overwhelmed we may rest and act in your mercy. In the name of the One who first showed mercy to us, Jesus the Christ....
by Greg | Mar 15, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Huguenot Cross Today the Huguenot Cross is commonly seen on jewelry, but historically it is a Christian religious symbol whose origins are in France. It is the distinctive identification of the Reformed Church of France said to have first appeared during the Huguenot wars (1562-1598). The cross combines the Maltese Cross with its eight points, symbolizing the eight Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew. Between each of the arms of the cross is the fleur-de-lys; and descending from the cross is the dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Today this cross is the mark of descendents of Huguenots, including the DeLoach family! “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Prayer: Today and everyday we are confronted with claims for us and against us. Open our eyes, most Holy God, that we may see Your claim in our life; that we may know whose we are....
by Greg | Mar 14, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Maltese Cross The Maltese cross, also known as the Amalfi cross is the cross symbol associated with the of Malta and by extension with the island of Malta. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. It is also the modern symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century. Many cross symbols, like the Maltese Cross, are adapted to represent political causes or domains, inadvertently distancing from religious origins. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith…” (Romans 1:16) “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day.” (Isaac Watts) Prayer: At Your cross, may we find what we are looking for, that our lives may be marked here on earth and also in heaven....
by Greg | Mar 13, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Budded Cross The Budded Cross is also known at the Apostles Cross, the Treflee, or the Cathedral Cross. While there are many variations of this cross, the most common has three circles at the end of each arm representing the trinity. It is thought this design was taken from earlier Celtic Druidry, where the circles symbolize the three dominions of earth, sky and sea. “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27) Prayer: The sun and moon; The morning mist and afternoon breeze and nighttime sky; The earth and all that is in it are Your gifts Creator God. When we see may we say thanks for these and all Your many gifts....
by Greg | Mar 12, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Staurogram Cross In the early centuries of Christianity monograms were used to refer to Jesus including the Chi-Rho Cross and the Christ the Victor Cross. The Staurogram Cross is one such monogram. Staurogram literally means “cross monogram.” This cross is also called the Tau-Rho Cross because it is shaped like the Greek letters tau symbolizing the cross and rho recalling Jesus as Messiah. It has also come to symbolize the cross saves, and by the fifth and sixth century the symbol could be found all over Western Europe. “…but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24) Prayer: In the beginning God You named us and claimed us in Your image. May we who bear Your name reflect Your holy image in our words, actions and relationships, that all others see Your name and Your claim. It is our hope and now we make it our prayer....
by Greg | Mar 11, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Grapevine Cross This unusual cross with its dropping arms is also known as the Georgian Cross and the Cross of St. Nino. St. Nino was the Cappadocian woman who preached Christianity in what is now the Republic of Georgia in the 4th century. She was said to have been given a cross of grapevines by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Today the relic of the cross is kept in Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Grapevine Cross is recognized as the symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church. “…Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus was his mother…” (John 19:25) Prayer: O Lord, where will you take us today? …Today with our burdensome schedules and appointments? …Today full of the expectations of others? …Today with the anxieties and fears? Wherever you take us, keep us close to the cross that we may stay in Your protective care....
by Greg | Mar 10, 2013 | Blog Posts
(I apolgize that for the last two days there has not been a posting. I have been out of town and did not have an internet connection) The Greek Cross The Greek Cross is thought to be one of the earliest and most common forms of Christianity. It was in widespread use by the fourth century. The four simple and equal lines recall the Greek understanding of the four elements of the world. Also the Greek Cross is a reflection of the divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Prayer: Yours is the earth, and everything in it. When we despise what You have created, we despise you. Guide us to love the world as You love it, for You first loved us....
by Greg | Mar 7, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of Calvary The image of the Cross of Calvary is simple enough: a Latin Cross on three steps. It is most often used today placed on top of communion tables and altar arrangements. It is also known as the Stepped Cross and Graded Cross. The cross gives the image of ascending to or climbing towards Calvary, which is Latin for Golgotha, the Place of a Skull. “Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.” (John 19:16-17) Prayer: All of life we seem to be climbing Lord. Climbing in our careers; climbing in our ambitions; climbing for recognition or for affirmation. Yet you climb Calvary and lay aside all striving. Teach us this day to trust enough to follow; hope enough to submit; and cease all our worldly strivings that we may be at peace....
by Greg | Mar 6, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Baptismal Cross This cross, like many of the other symbols already noted, has pre-Christian origins. In Egypt the eight spokes symbolized the eight emanations of creation. Gnostics borrowed this image seeing representing the eight aeons. In Christianity the number eight came to symbolize the days of creation with the eighth day being the day of resurrection. Baptismal fonts as well as ancient churches are often marked with eight sides to carry forward the reminder of resurrection. “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) Prayer: Each day we are given the gift of life and yet… …any yet we die. We die to old ways that enslave us; old habits that entangle us; old lies that distract us. Through baptism we enter into death that we may walk in the new life you have waiting for us. Each day may we walk into the new life that You and You alone have to offer....
by Greg | Mar 5, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Papal Cross Since Roman Catholics will soon be electing a new Pope it seems timely to introduce to the blog the Papal Cross. This cross is the official emblem of the papal office and for Catholics is to be used only by the Pope. It is the same as a standard cross shape but with three horizontal arms, which decrease in length the higher up the cross they are. The three bars represent the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Three Divine Persons of the One God. “… whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44) Prayer: May we strive not for greatness, Lord, but to serve. For it is in serving our friend and enemy; our neighbor and the stranger, that we truly enter into the sacred journey to pick up the cross and follow you....
by Greg | Mar 4, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Modern Coptic Cross The modern Coptic Cross is a progression from the original design. Today it is the cross used by the Coptic Church around the world but especially in Ethiopia. It is made up of two intersecting bold lines and at the end of each arm are three points, symbolizing the Trinity. Added together there are 12 points, symbolizing the Apostles and their mission to the world. Some Copts have the cross tattooed on the inside of their arms and is worn as a symbol of pride and identity. “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave.” (Song of Solomon 8:6) Prayer: Today we arise marked as Your children. Today we work, marked as Your holy ones. Today we love and are loved, marked by Your care. And as we enter our rest, remind us Lord that not only are we marked, but You have set us as a seal upon Your heart, through Jesus the Christ, Your Son and our Savior....
by Greg | Mar 3, 2013 | Blog Posts
Coptic Cross (Original) It is thought that the original Coptic Cross was an adaptation from the Ankh Cross. It was adopted early on by Christian Gnostics, particularly those from North Africa where Coptic Christianity began. Tradition has it that Christianity was established in Egypt by Mark. Through the centuries the Coptic Cross has taken on many different forms. In art the halo of Christ is often depicted as cross-based, especially in Eastern Orthodox traditions. “They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” (Mark 15:21) Prayer: We see the cross in its beauty; enshrouded with tradition. We see the cross as it speaks to the nations and as it touches individual hearts. We see the cross as burdensome and terrifying. However we see the cross O Lord, when it is our time to bear it, may we be found faithful in every step....
by Greg | Mar 2, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Anchor Cross The Anchor Cross is called so because it depicts an anchor. It is also known as the Cross of St. Clement because Clement was martyred by having an anchor tied to his neck and casting him into the sea. In scripture and in tradition the anchor is linked with hope. “We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…” (Hebrews 6:19) Prayer: In darkest doubt and deep abyss, fix our storm-tossed hearts in Your steadfast grasp. Hold us; Keep us; Abide with us, now and forever....
by Greg | Mar 1, 2013 | Blog Posts
St. Peters Cross The Petrine cross is depicted as an inverted cross (upside down) and is the symbol for the cross of Peter. According to tradition Peter was crucified upside down, because it said he was not worthy to die in the same way as the Lord. Today it can be confused as a satanic symbol, but that connection is only a recent development. “But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18) Prayer: Lord, we tremble at the prayer “teach us to depend on you.” Yet there will come a day, a time, an hour in which we will have nothing left. When our hands are open, and all is gone, may we find in our hands Your hand to guide us safely home....
by Greg | Feb 28, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Russian Cross Also known as the Orthodox Cross, the Russian Cross is commonly found in the Eastern Orthodox churches in Russia. In the larger Orthodox families, including the Greek Orthodox Church as well as in much of Eastern Europe the footrest is horizontal; not slanting downward. The top crossbeam symbolizes the sign affixed by Pilate which read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19) It is a cross, not a crucifix because there is not image of the body of Christ. Nevertheless it is a reminder of the contrast of both the death of Jesus and the kingship of Jesus. “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world.’” (John 18:36) Prayer: Today Lord we work, live and play within the principalities of this world where greed, violence, and pride abide. Give to us, we prayer, the gifts to live in this world, but not of it, that Your Kingdom may soon abide on earth as it is in heaven....
by Greg | Feb 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
Jesus Christ the Victor Cross The cross combines Greek abbreviations for Jesus Christ (IC for Jesus and XC for Christ) and Victor or Conqueror (NIKA). This cross is a reminder that while it recalls the death of Jesus, death held no lasting effect. Rather even in death, Jesus Christ has conquered and because Christ has conquered we need not fear death either. “When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) Prayer: When all else fails us – our fragile bodies, our faltering minds, and the disappointments of others – grant to us we pray a holy recalling that even in the grave You are victorious. You are Conqueror; You are Victorious; You are Life....
Recent Comments