Iconography & Sacred Art
The Cross (Symbol & Object)
The primary symbol of Orthodox Christianity. Several forms: Byzantine cross (with slanted footrest), Russian cross (three-bar), Greek cross (equal arms), and processional cross. Present in every Orthodox church, home, and worn by the faithful. The sign of the cross (right to left, three fingers joined for Trinity, two folded for Christ's two natures) is made constantly in prayer and worship.
Sources
- Seventh Ecumenical Council (on veneration of the Cross) the Acts, NPNF
- St. John of Damascus, Exact Exposition IV.11 NPNF