Many of us take crucifix almost like a part of your body.However, we do not always understand how and why people wear a cross on his chest.It is not a pectoral cross jewelry or a tribute to tradition.
Orthodox crucifix.What is it?
To cross should be regarded as the greatest Christian holy sites, see evidence of our redemption.
in the Temple on the feast of the Exaltation of the service, showered praise on the tree of the Cross of the Lord, he and beauty of the Church, and the keeper of the whole universe, and the glory of the angels and demons of plague.
crucifix Orthodox awarded to the person who christened, and he became a Christian.Constant wearing seat - from the heart as a symbol of the image of the Holy Cross, a sign that he is - an Orthodox Christian.It also recalls that the crucifix of Christ - a powerful defense against fallen spirits, he has the power to heal and give him a Christian life, so he called the life-giving.
considered a sin to wear a dagger fashion.Conscious as he is wearing a silent prayer, allowing the carrier to protect the dagger at any time, even if he does not ask for help or can not cross himself.
Making infant baptism, the priest puts on his cross, which will from now inseparable companion Christian.It does not need to shoot at dressing or bathing.
shape of a cross and the material for the manufacture of
There is a canonical form - four-, six- or eight-pointed cross;a half-circle at the bottom and other forms.Each line is endowed with a deep symbolic meaning.In Russia it adopted eight-wearing crucifix on the back of which is traditionally read "Save and Protect".
There are no specific rules about the material for the manufacture of Orthodox crosses.For decorations using precious metals, because it belongs to the Christian cross as the most precious thing he has so lovingly tends to decorate.But at the same time, the simple metal or wooden crosses closest in spirit to the Cross.There is also no difference in principle, on which it rests - on a chain or band, is more important that a cross is firmly fastened.Crucifix do not need to ever shoot, even during sports activities.Orthodox laymen wear it under your clothes, not showing off specially.
little history
In the first century after the adoption of Christianity Rus crosses were "stressed" over the clothes, not the body, after the right to wear a cross on top of the clothes had to XVIII century, only bishops and then the priests.Pectoral Cross priest called the pectoral, which comes from the word "Persia", meaning "breast" in Church Slavonic.Along with the pectoral cross, priests are also crucifix.
Russian people pledged allegiance to the cross and were regarded with cross sister, exchanging crucifix.During the construction of houses, bridges, churches, the cross was laid in the foundation of the building.There was an ancient custom of the broken bell cast many small crosses, which are particularly revered in ancient Russia.Remove the cross with myself whether or not to wear it always considered apostasy.Over 2000 years of Christianity many people suffered for their faith, for their unwillingness to renounce Christ and abandon crucifix.Such a feat repeated in our days.
There are many superstitions associated with the pectoral cross: the cross has lost - to the trouble;raised someone lost - for trouble;X is not offered, you can not wear a cross on a chain, and the like.These superstitions absolutely groundless.You can buy a new cross, wearing a found or presented previously consecrated in the temple.Those crosses which are sold in the temple, consecrated in a special way.
