What cross should be worn. Is it possible to wear someone else's cross. Symbol of the Christian faith. Do I need to wear a pectoral cross
The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. From our article you will find out whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and why it cannot be worn over clothes.
The pectoral cross is the most important attribute of any Christian, therefore it is worth choosing it wisely. If you need to choose a suitable cross, then you can find it in the Saints store. There are crosses of various shapes and materials.
The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on a believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions, which a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.
Cannot be worn on a chain
There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more important. If a person wants to wear pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, the church does not forbid such actions. The most important principle to follow in this case is that the cross does not get lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. superstitious people, however, they assure that, according to all the signs, the cross is not lost just like that.
Cannot be worn over clothing
This is an absolutely true statement. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. By not wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith, without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest gives to the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.
Can't give
You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of it, as one of the christening gifts. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also such a tradition when two people exchange pectoral crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually this is done by close people.
Cannot be picked up if found
A superstition that has absolutely no basis. We also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by raising the found cross, one can take on the problems of the person who lost or left it. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in a red corner in the house.
You can not wear someone else's cross
If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Especially if you don't have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner and it can be transferred to a new owner. They may also argue that by giving away a cross, a person gives away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and belong to the occult worldview.
You can not wear a cross with a crucifix
Another superstition that you should not pay attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring a hard life on a person. This is not true at all, just people's speculation. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But you need to wear it correctly: the crucifix should not be turned towards you, but outward.
You can not wear an unconsecrated cross
The cross is best to consecrate. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that evil spirits bypass even two crossed sticks. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.
You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry bought in a jewelry store as a cross. It must be understood that the church Orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith in God, differs from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and are not related to faith.
There are also many signs and beliefs associated with the cross. To believe in them or not is up to you. All the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and
22.07.2016 06:16
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Recently, an increasing number of various disputes have come across on the Internet about what exactly a cross should be. However, alas, in most cases, such discussions are not held on Orthodox forums, but on parental and many other forums, and what truths those discussing do not tell each other. But there is nothing unusual in this, because in the Christian religion the true symbolism of the pectoral cross is quite diverse and complex, and for example, the old pectoral crosses that were used 2000 years ago are radically different from the current ones.
The presented symbol is the most famous Christian shrine, that is, a visible proof of the redemption of a sinful people. It is considered an instrument of a truly painful and terrible execution, and thanks to the sacrificial act of the Almighty, it became the subject of salvation and redemption of all mankind from sin and death.
After all, it is on the Cross that through pain, torment, death, and ultimately the Resurrection, the Savior heals and saves human nature from the corruption, passion and mortality that Adam and Eve gave it by their fall into sin.
From all of the above, it follows that a believing person, wearing Christ's Crucifixion, speaks of his participation in the torment and the great deed of the Son of God, followed by salvation and hope, and, accordingly, the resurrection of the believer for endless life with the Almighty.
Types of pectoral crosses
There is a fairly large number various kinds crosses, many of which have the following shape:
- wedge-shaped end of the beams;
- rectilinear;
- with a rhombus or square located in the middle;
- triangular ends;
- expanded beams;
- flourishing design;
- circles at the ends of the beams.
It should be noted that the penultimate type of symbol represents the Tree of Life and is framed by a floral ornament, where a vine, lily and other plants may also be present.
The pectoral cross for men outwardly differs from the female one, so the symbol for women is made in a more rounded and smoothed shape, without sharp corners, which is quite common for the male version of the symbol.
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If we compare it with peoples who also profess the Christian religion, then for example, the Armenian pectoral cross still has some differences from the Orthodox one, mostly it looks a little elongated due to the elongated leg. Expanding wings emanate from the very core, which radiate into a kind of dovetail, and all objects
Forms of pectoral crucifixes
In addition to the differences in form, the Orthodox Crucifixion of Christ also differs in type. Here is a list of the most famous varieties of symbolism:
- Eight-pointed symbol. Today it is considered the most common, and initially it had the usual equilateral shape, but after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on it, it was changed.
- George symbol. It was approved by Catherine the Great as an award badge for officers and priests. It is a symbol of the most correct form, with four sides.
- Seven-pointed Christ's Crucifixion. Most often used for divine images created in the 15th century.
- Crown of thorns. Made in the form of a cross with a prickly crown, denoting the suffering and torment of Christ.
The correct pectoral cross, as it should be
Nothing should be present on the Christian symbol that could defile the Divine forces, and the presence of symbols of other religions is also not allowed. On a correctly executed symbol, the humanization of the Crucifixion of Christ is not permissible, that is, the Savior should, as it were, lie on top of the crucifix itself, without sagging the body and throwing back the head.
The Orthodox cross is a symbol of victory over sin, death and the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross for all people. The Cross of Christ paved the direct path for every person from Earth to Heaven. That is why it is so important for an Orthodox Christian to wear a cross. Crosses must be worn correctly and with reverence.
Sometimes you can see that instead of a cross, people wear different icons, amulets, Christian symbols on their chests. It should be noted that such wearing of Christian Orthodox symbols cannot in any way replace the cross. It should be realized that first of all we must put on and wear an Orthodox cross, and only then we can put on various icons, or Christian symbols.
Wearing a pectoral cross should take place in the spirit Orthodox tradition. The first time a Christian puts on a cross is during the Sacrament of Baptism. The symbolic putting on of the cross has a deep spiritual meaning and a mysterious mystical effect on a person.
From a theological point of view, putting on a cross means that a person renounces the devil and takes on the cross of the Lord. From now on, the baptized person is renewed by the cross of Christ and has every opportunity for spiritual growth. Also, this action means that a person during his life will not carry a light Christian cross. Various spiritual exploits are understood here, as well as the struggle with sin and temptations.
Invisibly at Baptism, a person is spiritually renewed. Putting on a cross, she completely changes. The original sin of Adam is washed away from her nature, which makes it impossible to enter God's Mansions. Original sin is a "clot of sin" that is inherited. It is this negative phenomenon that is "burnt" by the grace of God during the performance of the Sacrament. At the same time, the Holy Spirit places the seed of God's grace into the human soul. The goal of man is to develop this grace in himself. And the correct wearing of the cross shows that we are ready for spiritual development and the fight against evil.
How to wear a cross?
An Orthodox cross should be worn on the chest under clothing. When a person puts a cross around his neck, he does it either for the sake of fashion or because of a sense of vanity. The cross is worn on the chest because symbolically it means that the cross of Jesus Christ is in our soul and heart. You should also carefully look so that the cross is really Orthodox.
It happens that sometimes for various reasons a person loses a cross. For example, a cross may be lost due to a broken thread or chain. In this case, you should buy a new cross and be sure to consecrate it in the church before wearing it.
How to wear a cross for a baby
The rules for wearing a cross for an infant are the same as for adults. True, parents are responsible for reverent wearing, since the baby is not yet able to fully realize all the responsibility. It should be noted here that there are people who say that a person must reach the age of majority and decide for herself whether to wear a cross or not. This is not a correct opinion at all, because wearing a cross is not only some kind of tradition - it is primarily a spiritual reality. Wearing a cross on the chest, a person has spiritual protection from the actions of dark forces. The Orthodox cross on the chest is a powerful spiritual weapon that the devil is afraid of. As soon as a person takes off his cross, he remains without a weapon.
The pectoral cross is a sacred symbol, not jewelry. Don't buy a diamond-studded Crucifix just to show off your wealth. God is in your soul and does not require the expression of love through precious pendants.
When choosing a pectoral cross, pay attention not to the value of the metal from which it is made, but to what the Crucifix is depicted. It can be Orthodox or Catholic.
Orthodox crosses are very ancient history. Most often they are eight-pointed. The canon of the image of the Crucifixion was approved in 692 by the Trula Cathedral. Since then, its appearance has remained unchanged. The figure of Jesus Christ on the cross expresses peace, harmony and dignity. It embodies its most important incarnations - the Divine and the Human. The body of Christ is laid on the cross and opens its arms to all those who suffer, seeking to protect their novices from evil.
The Orthodox cross has the inscription "Save and save." This is due to the fact that during the consecration of the Crucifixion, the priest reads two prayers calling to protect not only the soul, but also the body from evil forces. The cross becomes a guardian of a person from any hardships and hardships.
The Catholic Church did not accept this concept; the Crucifixion is depicted differently there. The torments of Christ are expressed on the cross, his head is in a crown of thorns, his feet are put together and pierced with a nail, his arms sagged at the elbows. Catholics present human suffering, forgetting about the Divine hypostasis.
Before putting on a pectoral cross, it must be consecrated. This can be done in any church by approaching the priest before the start of the service.
It is better to wear a pectoral cross under a shirt, without showing it off. Especially if you go to gambling or drinking establishments. Remember that this is not an ornament, but one of the symbols of the Faith.
The divine does not accept superstition, so all the tales about the fact that the found wearable cross cannot be lifted and taken for oneself, or that the Crucifix cannot be given as a gift, are inventions. If you find the Crucifix, you can consecrate it and wear it calmly. Or give it to the temple, where it will be given to those in need. And, of course, you can give a pectoral cross. This will only make you happy loved one, Express your love to him.
Do I need to wear a pectoral cross?
Gone are the days when any sign of belonging to the Christian Church, including wearing a pectoral cross, could lead to serious consequences, at best, ridicule. No one is forbidden to wear a pectoral cross today. Another question arises: is it necessary to do this?
The main condition for wearing a Christian pectoral cross is an understanding of its meaning. It is neither an ornament nor a talisman that can protect against all misfortunes. Such an attitude towards a sacred object is characteristic of paganism, and not of Christianity.
The pectoral cross is a material expression of that “cross” that God gives to a person who wants to serve Him. Putting on the cross, the Christian thereby promises to live according to the commandments of God, no matter what the cost, and endure all trials steadfastly. Anyone who has realized this, of course, needs to wear a pectoral cross.
How not to wear a pectoral cross
The pectoral cross is a sign of belonging to the Church. Those who have not yet joined it, i.e. was not baptized, should not wear a pectoral cross.
Do not wear a cross over clothing. According to church tradition, only priests wear crosses over the cassock. If a layman does this, it looks like a desire to put his faith on display, to brag about it. Such display of pride is not befitting a Christian.
The pectoral cross, as its name implies, should be on the body, more precisely, on the chest, closer to the heart. You can not wear a cross in the ear in the form of an earring or on a bracelet. You should not imitate those people who carry a cross in a bag or in their pocket and say: “I still have it with me.” Such an attitude towards the pectoral cross borders on blasphemy. You can put a cross in a bag only for a while if the chain breaks.
What should be an Orthodox pectoral cross
It is sometimes said that only Catholics wear four-pointed crosses, but this is not true. Orthodox Church recognizes all types of crosses: four-pointed, eight-pointed, with or without the image of the crucified Savior. The only thing that an Orthodox Christian should avoid is the depiction of the crucifixion with the utmost realism (a sagging body and other details of suffering on the cross). This is indeed characteristic of Catholicism.
The material from which the cross is made can be any. It is only necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular person - for example, there are people whose silver on the body darkens, such a person does not need a silver cross.
No one is prohibited from wearing a large cross or inlaid precious stones, but one should consider: is such a display of luxury compatible with the Christian faith?
The cross must be consecrated. If it was bought in a church shop, you should not worry about it, there the crosses are sold already consecrated. A cross bought at a jewelry store needs to be consecrated in the temple, it will take a few minutes. They consecrate the cross once, but if it is not known for sure whether it is consecrated or not, this must be done.
There is nothing shameful in wearing a cross that belonged to a deceased person. A grandson may well receive a cross of a deceased grandfather at baptism, and there is no need to be afraid that he will “inherit” the fate of a relative. The idea of an inevitable fate is generally incompatible with the Christian faith.
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?
If someone else’s pectoral cross fell into your hands, and it doesn’t matter how it happened - whether it was given to you, inherited or found, then the question arises about the possibility of wearing it. About whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, people ask on forums and websites. There is no single answer to the question. Let us highlight the common opinions on this subject: the opinion of the Church, psychics and superstitious people.
What does the Church think?
When clergymen are asked whether it is possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross, the answer is often unequivocal - yes, you can. For Orthodox Christians, the cross around the neck is not a magical attribute or something like that. The cross around the neck of an Orthodox is a symbol of faith.
The belief that together with someone else's cross you take over the worries, troubles and fate of the former owner is based on a misinterpretation of the words of the Bible. The Bible says that Jesus called everyone to take up their cross and follow Him. The cross in this context refers to the trials that have befallen the believer. The pectoral cross worn at baptism has nothing to do with it.
The clergy urge not to pay attention to superstitions and signs, the Church denies them. As the priests say: a believer should not be superstitious and be afraid of something.
What psychics and superstitious people say
Their opinion is different from the opinion of the clergy. Many believe that by putting on someone else's cross, you adopt other people's ailments or troubles. There are stories among the people about how a person, having put on someone else's cross, repeated the fate of the previous owner. There are cases when, with the help of a cross, they caused damage. To believe or not is a personal matter for each person.
Psychics recommend not picking up other people's crosses on the road, and especially at intersections, damage can be reduced to them. They advise not to accept crosses as a gift from people who are hostile and do not wish you well.
If you raised the found cross or accepted the thing as a gift, then there are two options for solving the problem: take the cross to the church and give it away, or not give it away, but consecrate it. You can’t throw out a cross, especially if you are a baptized person.
If the cross was inherited
In some families, valuable items or jewelry are passed down from generations. An inherited pectoral cross can be worn after being consecrated in a church. If you do not go to church, then hold the cross under running water to wash away other people's energy.
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross or not, everyone has already found for himself. If doubts or fear gnaw at you, consecrate the object in the church or donate it and nothing bad will happen, because the pectoral cross is a symbol of faith in God and a sign that you accept His protection.
