With the advent of Christianity in Rus in the 10th century, the eight-pointed cross became one of the main symbols of the new religion. Since ancient times, crosses have differed in their purpose: some were made for wearing on one’s body, others — for church services and rituals.
The eight-pointed cross from the collection of the Museum Complex of Kuybyshev was intended for church rituals. This is an altar cross; it is placed on the special altar table. Parishioners kiss the cross after the service when they receive a blessing. The displayed eight-pointed cross “Crucifixion of Christ” was cast from a copper alloy by an unknown master in the 19th century.
At the very top of the vertical bar is the Lord of Hosts, or God the Father. Below, in the center, is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove between two flying angels. This composition symbolizes the return of Jesus Christ, who died for human sins, back to heaven.
The center depicts the “Crucifixion of Christ”, made according to the canons of the Orthodox tradition. The head of Christ is inclined to the right. The “Pilate’s plaque” above the head of Jesus features the monogram “IНЦИ”, which stands for “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews”. The Savior’s body is slightly curved. The palms and feet are nailed to the boards. To the right of the Savior is a spear, to the left — a cane with a sponge — the tools of the executioners. Above them are the inscriptions “NI”, “KA” (“Nika”), which mean “The Winner”, since Christ conquered death.
Inscriptions of the name of the cross and the text of the prayer are indented along the perimeter of the middle crossbar on top and bottom. At the top is the three-dimensional inscription “Son of God”.
The crossbar to which the feet of Jesus Christ are nailed is slanted: one side is higher than the other. The right, raised up edge is a symbol of salvation of the soul of a repentant person; the lowered down edge is a symbol of the severity of the sin of an unrepentant.
Below, under the feet of Jesus, there is an image of Adam’s skull. It is generally believed that Adam and Eve, the first people, were buried at the foot of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The sacrificial blood of Christ doused the bones of the progenitors, washing away the original sin from them and from their descendants.
An ornament in the form of a stylized harness is featured on the perimeter of the cross. The background is covered with blue enamel. All the details of the cross are meticulously worked out. The reverse side of the cross is completely covered with liturgical texts.
The eight-pointed cross from the collection of the Museum Complex of Kuybyshev was intended for church rituals. This is an altar cross; it is placed on the special altar table. Parishioners kiss the cross after the service when they receive a blessing. The displayed eight-pointed cross “Crucifixion of Christ” was cast from a copper alloy by an unknown master in the 19th century.
At the very top of the vertical bar is the Lord of Hosts, or God the Father. Below, in the center, is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove between two flying angels. This composition symbolizes the return of Jesus Christ, who died for human sins, back to heaven.
The center depicts the “Crucifixion of Christ”, made according to the canons of the Orthodox tradition. The head of Christ is inclined to the right. The “Pilate’s plaque” above the head of Jesus features the monogram “IНЦИ”, which stands for “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews”. The Savior’s body is slightly curved. The palms and feet are nailed to the boards. To the right of the Savior is a spear, to the left — a cane with a sponge — the tools of the executioners. Above them are the inscriptions “NI”, “KA” (“Nika”), which mean “The Winner”, since Christ conquered death.
Inscriptions of the name of the cross and the text of the prayer are indented along the perimeter of the middle crossbar on top and bottom. At the top is the three-dimensional inscription “Son of God”.
The crossbar to which the feet of Jesus Christ are nailed is slanted: one side is higher than the other. The right, raised up edge is a symbol of salvation of the soul of a repentant person; the lowered down edge is a symbol of the severity of the sin of an unrepentant.
Below, under the feet of Jesus, there is an image of Adam’s skull. It is generally believed that Adam and Eve, the first people, were buried at the foot of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The sacrificial blood of Christ doused the bones of the progenitors, washing away the original sin from them and from their descendants.
An ornament in the form of a stylized harness is featured on the perimeter of the cross. The background is covered with blue enamel. All the details of the cross are meticulously worked out. The reverse side of the cross is completely covered with liturgical texts.
