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....
by Greg | Feb 26, 2013 | Blog Posts
Celtic Cross The Celtic Cross is a favorite for many, but there is no one, definitive image of the Celtic Cross. Instead there are many variations of the same theme. Its basic structure is a Latin Cross with a circle surrounding the intersection. Often the Celtic Cross is decorated with interlace and symbols pointing to the Trinity. Tradition holds that Saint Patrick introduced this cross in Ireland by combining the traditional cross with the sun cross in order to show the pagans Christ dominance over the “pagan sun.” “The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.” (Psalm 50:1) Prayer: Lord of heaven and earth, be Lord of my life. From the rising of the sun to its setting, be Lord of my life today and all my days that when my day on earth comes to an end I may begin anew in Your eternal day....
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