by Greg | Mar 25, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Serbian Cross The Serbian Cross is a national symbol of Serbia, part of the Coat of Arms of Serbia, and the flag of Serbia. It is composed of a cross symbol with four stylized letters beta (Β) on each of its corners. The actual origin of the beta (Β) symbols goes back to the Byzantine Empire, most often attributed to the motto of the Palaiologoi Dynasty: King of Kings, Ruling Over Kings (Greek: βασιλεύς βασιλέων, βασιλεύων βασιλευόντων). “…for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14) Prayer: You are Lord, and we need no other. You are King, and there is no other. You have called and now we have answered. Lord and King, find us faithful as we serve You on earth, just as we pray that it be so in heaven....
by Greg | Mar 23, 2013 | Blog Posts
Trinity Cross This is a simple Latin Cross combined with an equilateral triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. It has been attributed that the meaning of this cross is that salvation is the work of Jesus Christ, prompted by the love of the Father, and received by men and women through the work of the Holy Spirit. While Trinitarian symbols are often used with the cross in its many images, the term Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a theological affirmation embraced as orthodox by the fourth century. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” (John 10:28-30) Prayer: Remind us that we belong to You. Nothing can separate us. Nothing can stand between us. There is no power greater than your love and there is no fear that can conquer Your peace. Remind us Lord as we live in this divided world what God has given, no one and no thing can take away....
by Greg | Mar 22, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross The Mar Thoma Sliva Cross, also known as the St. Thomas Cross, is the symbol of the Nasrani people, an ancient Christian community in India. It is believed Christianity was introduced there in the first century by Thomas the Apostle. There are six branches of the cross representing the appearance of God in the burning bush, while the central branch holds the cross, and the dove at the tip of the cross represents the Holy Spirit. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:5-6) Prayer: Show us the Way Lord, we want to see. Show us the Way Lord, we want to know. Show us the Way Lord, and be merciful in guiding us back when we find ourselves lost. Show us and walk with us all the Way....
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....
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