In the Christian tradition, the cross plays the central role as an object of worship, an indispensable element of church rituals and sacraments. The altar cross with the image of Jesus' crucifixion is traditionally placed on the altar stone (a table in the center of the altar) next to the Gospel. This cross is used by priests to bless parishioners during services and consecrate water.

The museum’s exposition includes an eight-pointed cross of a classical form for the Russian Orthodox Church. The eight-pointed cross traditionally shows more details of the Savior’s death than other crosses.

He is standing on a symbolic image of Golgotha with Russian letters Г.Г. (denoting Mount Golgotha) and М.Л.Р.Б. often shown on the left and right sides of it, respectively. The second inscription can be interpreted as The Place of the Skull where Jesus was Crucified or, according to another version, The Place of the Skull Became Paradise. The legend has it that the place of Jesus' crucifixion had once been Paradise and the place where the forefather of mankind, Adam, was buried

According to the Christian doctrine, during the crucifixion, the blood of Christ leaked under the cross and washed the remains of Adam thus washing away the ancestral sin from humanity. Therefore, Adam’s death head (a skull and crossbones) is often depicted under the cross.

The lower crossbar is called the foot of the cross. It is fixed aslant and symbolizes the measure of righteousness weighing sins and virtues. The crossbar is raised on the right-hand side indicating the side of Christ on which one of the robbers was crucified who repented and was justified. Another robber, who was crucified on the left-hand side of Jesus, condemned Christ. Christians believe that at the Last Judgment, sinners will stand to the left of the Savior, and the righteous to the right.

The upper crossbar, which makes the eight-pointed cross different from other crosses, symbolizes the plate nailed to the cross of Christ after crucifixion by the order of Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Roman province of Judaea. Partly in mockery, partly to indicate the guilt of the executed, the plates read in three languages: Jesus of Nazareth, King of Judea (I.N.R.I.)

It was the eight-pointed cross that lay at the root of most award crosses. In Tsarist Russia, there was a long-standing tradition of conferring them to outstanding members of the clergy. For example, during the reign of Paul I, the Pavlovsky Pectoral Cross was affirmed that was awarded by the Holy Synod. It was an eight-pointed cross made of gilded silver on a chain with a crucifix on its front side. The award’s motto read: To the presbyter setting an example with the right word and life.