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....
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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