Should an Orthodox Christian wear pectoral cross always, explains Priest Andrei Chizhenko.

Last Sunday, the following beautiful gospel words were read in churches: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14). That is, the Savior directly compared his crucifixion, the erection of the Cross, with the copper serpent, raised thousands of years ago by the holy prophet Moses on a tree in the middle of the desert so that Jews bitten by snakes would look at this copper serpent and be healed. “And the Lord said to Moses: Make yourself a [brass] serpent and display it on a banner, and [if the serpent bites any person] the one who is bitten will look at it and live” (Num. 21:8). In the above-mentioned verse of the Holy Gospel, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ directly compares himself to the copper serpent, and the banner about which God spoke to the holy prophet Moses with the Crucifixion - the Tree of the Cross.

In fact twice a day Holy Scripture God almost directly says that the cross is the main weapon against the enemy and the main means of saving fallen man. “Looking at him” - that is, not just a physical action, but most importantly - an impulse of the soul, love for God, for His suffering, for the Crucifixion, the prayer of faith, making the sign of the cross, wearing a cross on the body is a saving act that delivers from the devil, and from troubles, and from various troubles.

After all, in essence, wearing a cross on the body is a bodily physical prayer - a confession of faith, a kind of silent Symbol of Faith. In addition, the Lord directly says that the feat of Christ on the Cross was saving for humanity, which means that the holy cross has a special power of grace. Righteous John of Kronstadt wrote that the cross “is always a great power for believers, delivering from all evils, especially from the villainy of hated enemies.”

In turn, Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) in his work “The Word on Death” wrote that around us there is an invisible world of spirits - good Angels and evil demons. Because of our inertia and gross physicality, we do not see it, but thousands, if not millions of ethereal creatures swarm around us. And in this spiritual world There is a constant struggle for the human soul. The Holy Angels wish her salvation, the demons push her to destruction.

The cross, according to the commandment of God Himself and the testimony of the saints, is the most effective weapon against ethereal enemies. Therefore, not wearing a pectoral cross by an Orthodox Christian, in my opinion, can be compared to what would happen if a beekeeper suddenly approached a bee hive without the appropriate protective suit, or if a tiger trainer entered a cage with predators without a whip and a revolver. A person who does not wear a pectoral cross dooms himself to defeat in the battle with demons and may well become their victim.

The remarkable preacher of the early twentieth century, Hieromartyr Gregory, Bishop of Shlisselburg, said in his essay “What you need to know about the devil”: “The second greatest mistake is made when the thought of the devil and the need to fight him disappears from the life of a Christian. Then the person himself gives himself to the elements of evil, giving freely and voluntarily. The following happens: a person thinks that everything around is calm, there is no enemy, and he is careless, lives without looking back, the forces of the soul are asleep, all mental movements are accepted as their own, as natural. This state of human carelessness is what the power of evil takes advantage of, because there are no obstacles for it. Souls are calm, souls are carefree, souls are open... Take a person with bare hands without resistance. Tragic picture! The man convinced himself that there was no enemy - everything was happening according to natural laws. But the enemy laughs... He comes freely when everything is open and rules. One French writer (Huysmans) said amazing words: “The greatest victory of the devil was to convince people that he does not exist.” Do you hear? Yes it greatest victory Satan. He suggested this. What devil?! Yes, he never existed, and no! This is an old stupid prejudice! And the devil stepped aside. And now he laughs evilly. He is gone, there is no enemy... Down with attention, caution! He will be in charge. Everything is open before him, come into the person and do with him what you want. It happened similar to that, as if thieves and bandits assured people that they are not there, that there is no theft. People would open their doors wide and indulge in carelessness. Oh, how thefts and crimes would flourish then! Yes, in material matters, people cleverly lock themselves with ten locks, protect the good, but they don’t think of preserving the good of the soul. The soul is a passageway. Everything is wide open. You are afraid of thieves, but you are not afraid of a spiritual bandit!”

And he also wrote: “The Holy Church believes that at the head of this world (meaning hell. - Author's note) are its ancestors, the first spirits of evil who fell away from God, permeated with lies, welded together by malice, wise by thousands of years of experience. Their task is to fight the Light. Their leadership of the entire world of evil spirits tends to lead the final struggle with the kingdom of Truth, that is, the kingdom of Christ. Hence, the whole life of the world is a struggle with good, the propagation of evil or sin, because evil and sin are identical concepts. And the world of good is saturated with invisible spirits of evil, whose entire existence pursues one goal: to extinguish the Light, destroy good, plant hell everywhere, so that there is a triumph of darkness and hell everywhere. Here are the most basic concepts about the kingdom of evil and its inhabitants. This is a completely real kingdom!”

From my priestly experience, I will say that I personally encountered the fact that demons tried to convince a dying person to take off his cross. And it was truly a difficult and terrible struggle for him.

Therefore, of course, an Orthodox Christian, if possible, should always wear a cross. Especially during communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ - this real contact with God.

Historical example: our ancestors had special wooden “bath” crosses. If a person’s pectoral cross was made of metal, then in the bath he was given a special wooden cross so that the metal would not burn the skin in the steam room. Our ancestors did not want to remain unprotected from demons anywhere.
In our time, when thousands of Christians in Africa and the Middle East die for the confession of the faith of Christ - for the Cross of God, when some of them tattoo the crucifix on their skin so that there would be no temptation to renounce God during torture and death, should we - for the Orthodox to take off their crosses in order to become a victim of an evil spirit?

Let us remember, dear brothers and sisters, the sign of the Cross in heaven, revealed to the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine, and the voice: “By this, conquer.” The cross is our nickname. The cross is our victory. Let us not deprive ourselves of salvation voluntarily...

Priest Andrey Chizhenko

Pectoral cross- a small cross, symbolically displaying the cross on which the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified (sometimes with the image of the Crucified One, sometimes without such an image), intended to be constantly worn by an Orthodox Christian as a sign of his fidelity to Christ, belonging to the Orthodox Church, serving as a means of protection.

The cross is the greatest Christian shrine, a visible evidence of our redemption. In the service for the Feast of the Exaltation, the tree of the Cross of the Lord is sung with many praises: “the guardian of the entire universe, beauty, the power of kings, the affirmation of the faithful, glory and plague.”

A pectoral cross is given to a baptized person who becomes a Christian to be constantly worn in the most important place (near the heart) as an image of the Cross of the Lord, external sign Orthodox. This is also done as a reminder that the Cross of Christ is a weapon against fallen spirits, having the power to heal and give life. That is why the Cross of the Lord is called Life-Giving!

He is evidence that a person is a Christian (a follower of Christ and a member of His Church). This is why it is a sin for those who wear a cross for fashion without being a member of the Church. Consciously wearing a cross on the body is a wordless prayer, allowing this cross to demonstrate the true power of the Archetype - the Cross of Christ, which always protects the wearer, even if he does not ask for help, or does not have the opportunity to cross himself.

The cross is consecrated only once. It needs to be reconsecrated only in exceptional conditions (if it was severely damaged and restored again, or fell into your hands, but you do not know whether it was consecrated before).

There is a superstition that when consecrated, the cross acquires magical protective properties. teaches that the sanctification of matter allows us not only spiritually, but also physically - through this sanctified matter - to join the Divine grace that we need for spiritual growth and salvation. But the grace of God does not act unconditionally. A person is required to have a correct spiritual life, and it is this that makes it possible for the grace of God to have a salutary effect on us, healing us from passions and sins.

Sometimes you hear the opinion that the consecration of crosses is a late tradition and that this has never happened before. To this we can answer that the Gospel, as a book, also once did not exist and there was no Liturgy in its current form. But this does not mean at all that the Church cannot develop forms of worship and church piety. Is it contrary to Christian doctrine to call God's grace on the creation of human hands?

Is it possible to wear two crosses?

The main question is why, for what purpose? If you were given another one, then it is quite possible to reverently keep one of them in a holy corner next to the icons, and wear one constantly. If you bought another one, then wear it...
A Christian is buried with a pectoral cross, so it is not passed on by inheritance. As for wearing a second pectoral cross somehow left behind by a deceased relative, wearing it as a sign of memory of the deceased indicates a misunderstanding of the essence of wearing a cross, which testifies to the Sacrifice of God, and not family relationships.

A pectoral cross is not an ornament or an amulet, but one of the visible evidence of belonging to the Church of Christ, a means of grace-filled protection and a reminder of the Savior’s commandment: If anyone wants to follow Me, deny yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Me... ().

“The soul by nature is Christian,” Tertullian once said, to which many centuries later V.V. Rozanov said: “Nothing of the kind. The soul is pagan by nature.” This is how the pagan in our man struggles with the Christian, and this struggle sometimes gives rise to numerous dilemmas. So, many people wonder whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross. Doesn’t someone else’s fate or someone else’s sins pass along with someone else’s cross?

Is it possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross?

Archpriest Alexander Lebedev believes that being afraid of a found pectoral cross because the sins of a person who has lost his symbol of faith will be passed on to another is nonsense, which is easier to invent than to comment on.

To the question: “Is it possible to wear another person’s cross?”, it is enough to also ask yourself: “How can one’s own passions, which belong exclusively to a specific person and give only her the exclusive right to fight her sins, pass to an innocent person? , which, of course, has enough of its own mistakes.”

Orthodox crosses

In addition, everyone receives their own burdens in life, which must be borne with patience and gratitude, because the Lord sends trials to heal the soul. Everyone asks in their prayers: “Lord, have mercy,” which in Greek sounds like “Kyrie elaison.” Elayson is translated as "butter", and olive oil- This is the first human medicine in the world.

It is impossible for a pectoral cross, which was found and put on, to influence the character of a person, to add sins or to get rid of them, and also in some magical way to draw a line of life’s path.

Important. Orthodoxy is, first of all, sanity, and no actions that are not related to a person’s personal, conscious actions, good or evil, can change a person’s personality or influence the life events that happen to a person.

You should not be afraid of the found cross, since the cross is a shrine, and not a pagan amulet. Ever since Christ was crucified for our salvation, the pectoral cross has protected a person from evil spirits just like the sign of the cross. Another person who wore it and lost it cannot change its purpose as a protective force against evil.

Therefore, all signs associated with it are superstition.

About superstitions:

Which cross is considered Orthodox?

For a Christian, the basic key aspects are important. The cross should be:

• four-, six-, eight-pointed forms;
• with the inscription “Save and Preserve” on both sides, and not on the decorative stones(preferably, as a recommendation from the priests), children are recommended simple, not inlaid precious stones;
• purchased in a church, then it is already consecrated; if purchased in a jewelry store or found, it must be consecrated by any Orthodox priest;
• The material of manufacture does not matter. And also how the size is not important, except that it is better for kids to wear small crosses without sharp corners.

What to do with a found cross. Answers from priests

If a person himself finds an Orthodox cross on the street, the priests recommend that it be consecrated, since it is not known whether it was previously consecrated.

Read about the pectoral cross:

If there are still doubts about the found cross, the priests advise, first of all, to consecrate it, and then:

• give it as a gift to a godson or a poor Christian who does not have the financial means to buy it;
• carry it yourself;
• donate to the temple.

Thus, Orthodoxy is unambiguous in the question of a found or lost cross, as well as in the question of “where to read the Gospel”, “with which hand to light a candle in the temple.”

Archpriest Alexander Lebedev proposes to reduce to absurdity the superstitions associated with the found crosses. If sins can be transmitted through things, then why not virtues be transmitted in the same way? Then, as soon as one acquired an item that belonged to a righteous person, a halo would involuntarily appear over the person’s head. Then it would be possible to deliberately lose crosses so that one’s own sins could be thrown off, like an unnecessary burden, on others.

Important! The fear of other people's crosses is a completely absurd thing, contrary to common sense and has nothing to do with the Orthodox faith.

Watch the video about the found cross

A pectoral cross is one of the most mysterious decorations for those uninitiated in the secrets of religion. The site has prepared a guide for you that will answer all important questions.

Despite the fact that the shape of the cross is extremely common as a decorative element and is often perceived as breaking with Christian traditions, its origins and symbolism should not be ignored. Religion insists: it doesn’t matter what material the cross is made of, how much it costs or weighs. First of all, it is a symbol of the Christian faith. But at the same time, the tradition of honoring the cross, which is always with you, has turned it into a decoration and a luxury item.

There is an opinion that a truly religious pectoral cross should be simple in design and should be worn under clothing, closer to the heart and away from prying eyes. But the main difference between a purely decorative decoration and a Christian cross amulet is whether it is consecrated or not. The Church cannot refuse to bless a product strewn with stones, just as it cannot demand that you hide it under your clothes in the summer heat.

What you really should pay attention to when choosing a cross is whether its shape corresponds to the Orthodox or Catholic tradition.

How to distinguish between Orthodox and Catholic crosses

Form

In the Orthodox Church, the most common are six- and eight-pointed crosses. By the way, the latter have long been considered the most powerful amulet from evil spirits. A small crossbar at the heads symbolizes the sign that was used to mark the crimes committed. But since no one called the crimes of Jesus that way, in the Orthodox tradition it may have the abbreviation I.N.C.I. or I.N.C.I, Catholics write I.N.R.I in Latin. This is an abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The slanting crossbar under your feet symbolizes the path from sins to righteousness. In turn, Catholic crosses are as simple as possible and consist of only two crossbars.

Engravings

In addition to the inscription I.N.Ts.I., on Orthodox crosses, on the side opposite the crucifix, “Save and Preserve” can be engraved. There is no such thing in the Catholic tradition.

Nails

Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was nailed with four nails, while Catholics believe that there were only three nails. That is why the feet of Christ on the Orthodox cross are located side by side, but on the Catholic cross they are thrown one on top of the other.

Crucifixion

How Jesus should be depicted on the crucifixion is the subject of heated debate among representatives of both faiths. Catholics adhere to the most naturalistic image, which reflects the insane suffering on the cross. At the same time, the Orthodox believe that such an image speaks of torment, but is silent about the main thing - Jesus conquered death. Therefore, in the Orthodox tradition, his figure rather reflects happiness from the transition to a better world.

Eight-pointed cross

This is one of the most canonical Orthodox crosses. On top there is a short horizontal crossbar (often with the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I.), and at the feet there is a short diagonal crossbar (the upper end is directed to the left, the lower end is directed to the left, if you look at the cross directly). The lower part is a symbol of support under the feet of the crucified Jesus, as well as the transition from a sinful world to a righteous one. In fact, the presence of this false support only prolonged the torment on the cross.

Six-pointed cross

One of the oldest options. In this cross, the inclined lower crossbar symbolizes the internal scales of each of us: what wins - conscience or sin. Its meaning is also interpreted as the path from sin to repentance.

Four-pointed teardrop cross

It is believed that the drops at the ends of the crossbars are the blood of the crucified Christ, who atoned for the sins of mankind. This symbol is often used to decorate religious books.

"Shamrock"

This cross is often used in heraldry (for example, on the coat of arms of Chernigov), but many people also love it as a body cross. The ends of the crossbars of such a product are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes there are also beads on them - “bumps”.

Latin four-pointed cross

The most common Christian cross in the West. The horizontal crossbar is located 2/3 of the height from the vertical one. Extended Bottom part symbolizes Christ's patience in redemption. Such crosses are a very long tradition. They appeared around the 3rd century in the catacombs of Rome.

How to choose a cross for a christening

Traditionally, the first pectoral cross, or, as it is also called, a vest, is placed at the baptismal ceremony. The debate over when it is better to baptize a child: as an infant or already at a conscious age - is still ongoing. For adults who decide to undergo this sacrament, there are no special restrictions in choosing a sacred decoration. But in order to choose the right baptismal cross for a newborn, several factors should be taken into account.

1. A child's cross should be small and light, about 2cm long.
2. Despite the fact that gold is hypoallergenic, do not rush to give your baby a gold cross. Purely for practical reasons, because children very often lose such things.
3. Give preference to a cross made of 925 sterling silver. It is lighter, cheaper and, moreover, has antiseptic properties.
4. Be sure to inspect the jewelry you like for sharp elements and edges.

Women's and men's crosses

There is no particular difference between crosses for men and women. On average, their size is about 4 cm. The main difference is in the design. Silver and gold men's crosses, as a rule, are more laconic. Their crossbars can also end with drops, petals and trefoils, but the overall composition is simpler than that of women’s ones, and the decoration itself is a little more massive.

Women's crosses are often inlaid with precious stones. If the decoration is consecrated, its decor does not affect its sacred meaning in any way. Rarely, but still, a church may refuse to consecrate a decorative cross with too curved and shaped crossbars. Although, of course, the main thing is your own feelings. Whether he warms you up or not.

It is expected that from the moment of consecration, the cross will remain with you forever. But at the same time, the church does not condemn the change of this decoration. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that wearing it on the same chain with some other pendant is bad manners. The only thing that can be worn with a cross is an amulet.

How to consecrate a cross

Crosses purchased in church shops have two advantages. Firstly, they exactly correspond to the traditions of your religion. Secondly, they are already sanctified. If you bought a cross in a jewelry store, then it must be blessed. It is better to come before the start of the service and make this request to the priest. You can also ask him to perform the ceremony in your presence and take part in prayer.

What to do if you find a cross

There is an opinion that finding a cross is a bad omen. Allegedly, along with it, the sorrows and sorrows of the previous owner may be passed on to you. At the same time, the church advises not to pay attention to such superstitions.

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?

It is possible and necessary. The Church does not prohibit this. A to a loved one such a gift will be especially important and precious.

Share in the comments whether the article on the site was interesting to you. Tell us, what shape of crosses do you prefer? And what does a cross mean to you - a decorative decoration or something more?

Where did the tradition of wearing crosses come from? Why wear it? “I believe in God in my soul, but I don’t need a cross. It is not written anywhere in the Bible that one must wear a cross, and nowhere is it written that the first Christians wore crosses.” This or something like this is what people say who consider themselves Orthodox Christians, but do not express their faith in any way. Most unchurched people do not have a Christian understanding of what a cross is and why it should be worn on the body. So what is a pectoral cross? Why does Satan hate it so much and does everything to ensure that no one wears it, or wears it simply as a meaningless decoration?

ORIGIN AND SYMBOLICS OF THE PATTERN CROSS

The custom of placing a pectoral cross on the neck of the newly baptized person along with Baptism did not appear immediately. In the first centuries of Christianity, they did not wear a cross, but rather wore medallions with the image of a slain Lamb or the Crucifixion. But the Cross, as the instrument of the salvation of the world by Jesus Christ, has been the subject of the greatest celebration among Christians from the very beginning of the Church. For example, the church thinker Tertullian (II-III centuries) in his “Apology” testifies that the veneration of the cross has existed since the first times of Christianity. Even before the presence in the 4th century of Queen Helena and Emperor Constantine life-giving cross, on which Christ was crucified, already among the first followers of Christ the custom was widespread to always have an image of the cross with them - both as a reminder of the suffering of the Lord, and to confess their faith before others.According to the story of Pontius, biographer of St. Cyprian of Carthage, in the 3rd century, some Christians depicted the figure of a cross even on their foreheads; by this sign they were recognized during persecution and handed over to torture. The first Christians are also known to wear a cross on their chest. Sources from the 2nd century also mention him.

The first documentary evidence of wearing crosses dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. Thus, the acts of the VII Ecumenical Council testify that the holy martyrs Orestes (†304) and Procopius (†303), who suffered under Diocletian, wore a cross made of gold and silver around their necks.

After the weakening and subsequent cessation of the persecution of Christians, wearing a cross became a widespread custom. At the same time, crosses began to be installed on all Christian churches.

In Rus', this custom was adopted precisely with the baptism of the Slavs in 988. Since Byzantine times, there have been two types of body crosses in Rus': the actual "vest" (worn on the body under clothing) and so-called. « encolpions" (from the Greek word “chest”), worn not on the body, but on top of clothing. Let's say two words about the last: initially, pious Christians carried with them (on themselves) a reliquary with particles of St. relics or other shrines. A cross was placed on this reliquary. Subsequently, the reliquary itself took on the shape of a cross, and bishops and emperors began to wear such a cross. The modern priestly and episcopal pectoral cross traces its history precisely to encolpions, that is, boxes with relics or other shrines.

Russian people swore allegiance on crosses, and by exchanging pectoral crosses, they became cross brothers. When building churches, houses, and bridges, a cross was laid in the foundation. There was a custom to cast many crosses from a broken church bell, which were especially revered.

The Cross of Christ is a symbol of Christianity. For modern man a symbol is just identification mark. A symbol is like an emblem indicating something with which we are dealing. But the symbol has a much broader meaning than just the meaning of the emblem. In religious culture a symbol is involved in the reality that it symbolizes. What is the reality that the Cross of Christ symbolizes for Christians?.. This reality: The Redemption of the human race accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ through the Death on the Cross.

The veneration of the Cross has always been understood by the Teachings of the Church as the worship of Jesus Christ in the light of His redemptive deed.The Cross of Christ, which Orthodox Christians always wear on their bodies, shows us and reminds us at what price our Salvation was purchased.

For Christians, the cross is not just a sign. For Christians, the cross is a symbol of victory over the devil, a banner of the triumph of God. The cross reminds the believer of Christ, of the sacrifice the Savior made for us.

MEANING OF THE CROSS

What does a pectoral cross symbolize?

The cross is the greatest Christian shrine, a visible evidence of our redemption.

The cross, as an instrument of terrible and painful execution, thanks to the sacrificial deed of Christ the Savior, became a symbol of redemption and an instrument of salvation for all mankind from sin and death. It is on the Cross, through pain and suffering, death and Resurrection, that the Son of God accomplishes the salvation or healing of human nature from mortality, passion and corruption introduced into it by the fall of Adam and Eve. Thus, a person who wears the Crucifixion of Christ testifies to his participation in the suffering and feat of his Savior, followed by hope for salvation, and therefore the resurrection of a person for eternal life with God.

ABOUT THE FORM OF THE PATTERN CROSS

A pectoral cross is not a talisman or a piece of jewelry. No matter how beautiful it may be, no matter what precious metal it is made of, it is first and foremost a visible symbol of the Christian faith.

Orthodox pectoral crosses have a very ancient tradition and therefore are very diverse in appearance, depending on the time and place of manufacture.

The iconography of the Orthodox Crucifixion received its final dogmatic justification in 692 in the 82nd rule of the Trull Cathedral , who approved canon of the iconographic image of the Crucifixion .

The main condition of the canon is the combination of historical realism with the realism of Divine Revelation. The figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and greatness. It is as if it were placed on a cross and the Lord opens His arms to everyone who turns to Him. In this iconography, the complex dogmatic task of depicting the two hypostases of Christ - Human and Divine - is artistically solved, showing both the death and the victory of the Savior.

Catholics, having abandoned their early views, did not understand and did not accept the rules of the Council of Trull and, accordingly, the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus Christ. Thus, in the Middle Ages, a new type of Crucifixion emerged, in which the predominant features of naturalism of human suffering and the agony of execution on the cross: the weight of the body sagging on outstretched arms, the head is crowned with a crown of thorns, the crossed feet are nailed with a single nail (an innovation at the end of the 13th century). The anatomical details of the Catholic depiction, while conveying the veracity of the execution itself, nevertheless hide the main thing - the triumph of the Lord, who defeated death and reveals to us eternal life, and concentrates attention on torment and death. His naturalism has only an external emotional impact, leading to the temptation of comparing our sinful sufferings with the redemptive Passion of Christ.

Images of the crucified Savior, similar to Catholic ones, are also found on Orthodox crosses, especially often in the 18th-20th centuries, however, as well as iconographic images of God the Father of Hosts, prohibited by the Stoglavy Cathedral. Naturally, Orthodox piety requires the wearing of an Orthodox cross, and not a Catholic one, which violates the dogmatic foundations of the Christian faith.

The most common form of the Orthodox cross is an eight-pointed cross; a prayer is most often written on the reverse side "Bless and save".

THE MEANING OF WEARING A CROSS AND THE INscription THAT WE READ ON ITS ARMS: “SAVE AND SAVE”

Christians who wear a pectoral cross seem to be offering a wordless prayer to God. And it always protects the wearer.

There is a widespread opinion among Christians that the cross of Christ, the image of God, the Lord Himself should protect us precisely from everyday troubles and troubles. And, of course, many of those who wear a pectoral cross are guided by precisely this pragmatic motive. But in fact, the meaning of wearing a cross and the inscription that we read on its back: "Bless and save", completely different.

In itself, the presence of a cross on the chest does not save and has no meaning for a person if he does not consciously profess what the Cross of Christ symbolizes. Although, of course, Lord, undoubtedly protects those who believe in him from many everyday misfortunes and troubles. That is, if a person wears a cross with faith and trust in the mercy of God, he, relatively speaking, is “included” in God’s special “plan” and nothing fatally irreparable will ever happen to him in eternity. The concept of “God’s plan” here means precisely the plan of our salvation, and not the management of the world on a wide, universal scale, because the whole world, of course, is contained by the right hand of God and is governed by His Divine providence. But, no matter how scary it sounds, it is precisely “necessary” and sometimes painful death that becomes for a person the door to the Kingdom of God. This does not mean that God wants such an end for us, but it does mean that those who have endured unjust torment will certainly find great consolation. If you like, this is the law of God.

So what does the Lord promise to save us from? Not from everyday troubles, misfortunes and difficulties in the first place, because all this can even be necessary for the soul, alas, prone to relaxation and forgetting the purpose of its existence. But The Lord promises to save us, first of all, from the terrible power of sin, through which the enemy of the human race destroys our souls. And this power is truly so great that not a single person can free himself from it on his own. But with God's help this is possible. Maybe! The Holy Fathers say: “The enemy is strong, but the Lord is omnipotent!”

Simple words "Bless and save" mean our tireless, from the bottom of our hearts, appeal to God with a request that He help us join a grace-filled eternity.

WHY SHOULD YOU WEAR A CROSS?

The pectoral cross is placed on us in the Sacrament of Baptism in fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Whoever wants to come after Me, turn away from you, and take up your cross and follow Me.”(Mark 8:34).

We must bear our cross in life, and the cross that is on our chest reminds us of this. Cross “there is always a great power for believers, delivering from all evils, especially from the villainy of hated enemies,”- writes the saint righteous John Kronstadt.

When the Sacrament of Baptism occurs, When consecrating the pectoral cross, the priest reads two special prayers in which he asks the Lord God to pour into the cross heavenly power and so that this cross protects not only the soul, but also the body from all enemies, sorcerers, sorcerers, from all evil forces. That is why many pectoral crosses have the inscription "Bless and save!".

By the way, the question is often asked: should crosses sold in stores already be consecrated or should the cross be taken to church for consecration? The cross must be consecrated in the temple. Sprinkling it with holy water at home will not be enough - it must be illuminated by the priest, because... In the church, crosses are consecrated with a special rite.

Exists a superstition that when consecrated, a pectoral cross acquires magical protective properties. But superstitions should be avoided. The Church teaches that the sanctification of matter allows us not only spiritually, but also physically - through this sanctified matter - to join the Divine grace that we need for spiritual growth and salvation. But God's grace does not act unconditionally. A person is required to have a correct spiritual life according to God’s commandments, and it is this spiritual life that makes it possible for God’s grace to have a salutary effect on us, healing us from passions and sins.

For Orthodox Christian Wearing a cross is a great honor and responsibility.Taking off one's cross or not wearing it has always been understood as apostasy. Over the 2000-year history of Christianity, many people have suffered for their faith, for refusing to renounce Christ and take off their pectoral cross. This feat has been repeated in our time.

If you do not wear a cross now, when you can freely profess your faith, then you will hardly dare to put it on when you have to suffer for it. Can you repeat the feat of a simple Russian guy Evgeniy Rodionov ?

...He was a grenade launcher, served in the 479th Special Purpose Border Detachment. Zhenya served at the outpost in Chechnya for exactly a month, and on February 13, 1996, he was captured. Three of his friends were with him: Sasha Zheleznov, Andrey Trusov, Igor Yakovlev. They spent 3.5 months in captivity. During this time they were bullied as much as possible. But Evgeny had a choice, every day they came up to him and said: “You can live. To do this, you need to take off your cross, accept our faith, and become our brother. And all these nightmares will end immediately for you.” But Zhenya did not succumb to these persuasion; he did not remove the cross. And on May 23, 1996, on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Evgeniy and his friends were killed in the village of Bamut. The day of Evgeniy’s death was also the day of his birth. He was only 19 years old. Zhenya was beheaded, but even from Zhenya’s dead body the enemies did not dare to remove the cross.

I think that this great feat of the warrior Eugene should serve as an example for many, for all those who, for such stupid reasons, do not wear a cross or wear it as some kind of decoration. Or they even change the holy cross for an amulet, a zodiac sign, etc.... Let's never forget about this! Remember this when wearing your cross.

ABOUT THE REVERENT REVERENCE OF THE NATURAL CROSS

The great Russian elders advised that You must always wear a pectoral cross and never take it off anywhere until your death. “A Christian without a cross,” Elder Savva wrote, he is a warrior without weapons, and the enemy can easily defeat him.” The pectoral cross is called that way because it is worn on the body, under clothing, never exposed (only priests wear the cross outside). This does not mean that the pectoral cross must be hidden and hidden under any circumstances, but still it is not customary to deliberately display it for public viewing. The church charter stipulates that you should kiss your pectoral cross at the end of the evening prayers. In a moment of danger or when your soul is anxious, it is good to kiss your cross and read the words “Save and preserve” on its back.

“Don’t wear your cross like it’s on a hanger,” Elder Savva of Pskov-Pechersk often repeated, — Christ left light and love on the Cross. Rays of blessed light and love emanate from the cross. The cross drives away evil spirits. Kiss your cross morning and evening, do not forget to kiss it, inhale these rays of grace emanating from it, they invisibly pass into your soul, heart, conscience, character. Under the influence of these beneficial rays, a wicked person becomes pious. Kissing your cross, pray for close sinners: drunkards, fornicators and others you know. Through your prayers they will improve and be good, for the heart gives the message to the heart. The Lord loves us all. He suffered for everyone for the sake of love, and we must love everyone for His sake, even our enemies. If you start the day like this, overshadowed by the grace of your cross, then you will spend the whole day holy. Let’s not forget to do this, it’s better not to eat than to forget about the cross!”

PRAYER OF ELDER SAVA WHEN KISSING THE NATIVE CROSS

Elder Savva composed prayers that should be read when kissing the cross. Here is one of them:

“Pour, O Lord, a drop of Your Holy Blood into my heart, which has dried up from passions and sins and impurities of soul and body. Amen. In the image of fate, save me and my relatives and those I know (names)».

You cannot wear a cross as an amulet or as a decoration. The pectoral cross and the sign of the cross are only an external expression of what should be in the heart of a Christian: humility, faith, trust in the Lord.

The pectoral cross is a visible evidence of belonging to Orthodox Church, confession of the Christian faith, a means of grace-filled protection.

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

The cross is real power. Many miracles have been and are being performed by him. The cross is a great Christian shrine. In the service for the Feast of the Exaltation, the Church glorifies the tree of the Holy Cross with many praises: “The cross is the guardian of the entire universe, the beauty of the Church, the power of kings, the affirmation of the faithful, the glory of angels and the plague of demons.”

The cross is a weapon against the devil. The Church can reliably speak about the miraculous, saving and healing power of the cross and the sign of the cross, citing experience from the lives of its saints, as well as numerous testimonies of ordinary believers. Resurrection of the dead, healing from illnesses, protection from evil forces - all these and other benefits to this day through the cross show the love of God to man.

But the cross becomes an invincible weapon and an all-conquering force only under the condition of faith and reverence.“The cross does not do miracles in your life. Why? — asks the holy righteous John of Kronstadt and he himself gives the answer: “Because of your lack of faith.”

By putting a cross on our chest or making the sign of the cross on ourselves, we Christians testify that we are ready to bear the cross resignedly, humbly, voluntarily, with joy, because we love Christ and want to have compassion with Him, for His sake. Without faith and reverence, one cannot make the sign of the cross over oneself or others.

The entire life of a Christian, from the day of birth to the last breath on earth, and even after death, is accompanied by a cross. A Christian makes the sign of the cross upon waking up (one must accustom himself to make it the first movement) and when going to sleep, the last movement. A Christian is baptized before and after eating food, before and after teaching, when going out into the street, before starting every task, before taking medicine, before opening a received letter, upon unexpected, joyful and sad news, when entering someone else’s house, on a train, on on a steamship, in general at the beginning of any journey, walks, travel, before swimming, visiting the sick, going to court, for interrogation, to prison, to exile, before an operation, before a battle, before a scientific or other report, before and after meetings and conferences, and etc.

The sign of the cross must be done with all attention, with fear, with trembling and with extreme reverence. (Place three large fingers on your forehead and say: "in the name of the Father" then, lowering your hand in the same position on your chest, say: "and the Son" moving your hand to your right shoulder, then to your left, say: "and the Holy Spirit." Having made this holy sign of the cross on yourself, conclude with the word "Amen". Or, when you draw a cross, you can say: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen".) Demons, as the Monk Simeon the New Theologian writes, are afraid of the image of the Cross and cannot stand to see the sign of the cross depicted even in the air, but they immediately flee from it. “If you always use the Holy Cross to help yourself, then “no evil will befall you, and no plague will come close to your dwelling” (Ps. 90:10). Instead of a shield, protect yourself with the Honest Cross, imprint it on your members and heart. And not only put the sign of the cross on yourself with your hand, but also in your thoughts, imprint with it every activity you do, and your entrance, and your departure at every time, and your sitting, and your rising, and your bed, and any service... For very This weapon is strong, and no one can ever harm you if you are protected by it.”(Reverend Ephraim of Syria).

Glory, Lord, to Your Honest Cross!

Material prepared by Sergey SHULYAK

for the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills