A pectoral cross is a sacred symbol, not a piece of jewelry. Don't buy a diamond-studded crucifix just to show off your wealth. God is in your soul and does not require 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 the type of Crucifixion depicted. It can be Orthodox or Catholic.
Orthodox crosses have very ancient history. Most often they are eight-pointed. The canon of the image of the Crucifixion was approved in 692 by the Council of Trula. Since then, his appearance has remained unchanged. The figure of Jesus Christ on the cross expresses peace, harmony and dignity. He embodies his most important hypostases - Divine and Human. The body of Christ is placed on the cross and opens its arms to all who suffer, trying to protect his novices from evil.
The Orthodox cross has the inscription “Save and Preserve.” 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 person’s guard against any burdens and adversities.
The Catholic Church did not accept this concept; there the Crucifixion is depicted differently. The torment of Christ is expressed on the cross, his head is in a crown of thorns, his feet are put together and pierced with a nail, his arms sag 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 your shirt, without showing it off. Especially if you go to gambling or drinking establishments. Remember that this is not a decoration, but one of the symbols of the Faith.
The Divine does not accept superstitions, so all the tales are about the fact that the body cross you cannot pick it up and take it for yourself, or that the Crucifix cannot be given as a gift, are fictions. If you find a 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 please your loved one and express your love for him.
Should I wear a cross?
Gone are the days when any sign of belonging Christian Church, including wearing pectoral cross, could lead to serious consequences, in best case scenario- ridicule. Today no one is prohibited from wearing a cross. Another question arises: is it necessary to do this?
The main condition for wearing a Christian cross is to understand its meaning. It is neither an ornament nor a talisman capable of protecting against all misfortunes. This attitude towards a sacred object is characteristic of paganism, and not of Christianity.
A pectoral cross is a material expression of the “cross” that God gives to a person who wants to serve Him. By putting on a cross, a Christian thereby promises to live according to the commandments of God, no matter the cost, and to endure all trials with steadfastness. Anyone who has realized this undoubtedly needs to wear a cross.
How not to wear a pectoral cross
A pectoral cross is a sign of belonging to the Church. Anyone who has not yet joined it, i.e. was not baptized and should not wear a cross.
You should not wear a cross over your clothes. According to church tradition, only priests wear crosses over their cassocks. If a layman does this, it looks like a desire to show off his faith, to boast about it. Such a display of pride is not appropriate for a Christian.
The pectoral cross, as its name suggests, should be on the body, more precisely, on the chest, closer to the heart. You cannot wear a cross in your ear as an earring or on a bracelet. You shouldn’t imitate those people who carry a cross in their bag or pocket and say: “It’s still with me.” This attitude towards the pectoral cross borders on blasphemy. You can only put a cross in your bag temporarily if the chain breaks.
What should an Orthodox pectoral cross look like?
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 extreme realism (the sagging body and other details of the sufferings of the cross). This is truly characteristic of Catholicism.
The material from which the cross is made can be any. You just need to take into account the characteristics of a particular person - for example, there are people whose silver on their bodies darkens, such a person does not need a silver cross.
No one is forbidden to wear a cross big size or inlaid precious stones, but one must wonder: is such a display of luxury compatible with the Christian faith?
The cross must be consecrated. If you bought it in a church shop, you don’t need to worry about it; they sell crosses already consecrated. A cross purchased at a jewelry store must be consecrated in the temple; this will take a few minutes. The cross is consecrated once, but if it is not known for sure whether it is consecrated or not, this must be done.
There is nothing wrong with wearing a cross that belonged to a deceased person. A grandson may well receive the cross of his deceased grandfather at baptism, and there is no need to be afraid that he will “inherit” the fate of his relative. The idea of an inevitable fate is generally incompatible with the Christian faith.
The pectoral cross is not only a symbol of commitment to the Christian faith, but also personal amulet its owner. There are many rules and taboos associated with this attribute. Many prohibitions are simply superstitions that have arisen among the people, and the church categorically does not approve of them. But there are also many very important points that every sincere believer should know.
So which prohibitions are real and which are just superstitions – the priest’s answers.
Let us say right away that the pectoral cross that is given to a person during the Sacrament of Baptism and ordinary decorative crosses are two different things. Decorative decorations do not carry any spiritual load and are not protection for the one who wears it. For a cross to become a talisman, it must be consecrated in the church.
Is it possible to wear a pectoral cross on a chain rather than on a cord?
Yes, of course you can! The amulet is the cross itself, and the church does not make any requirements in what way it will be attached to the neck. This is a personal matter for everyone. The most important thing is that he does not get lost. At the same time, the danger of the chain breaking is higher than that of a strong silk cord.
Is it possible to wear a pectoral cross over clothes?
No you can not. That is why it is called wearable. This personal item, a symbol of faith, and showing it off is inappropriate.
Is it possible to give or exchange a cross?
Yes, a cross can be given not only by godparents, relatives, but also by other people. The main thing is to consecrate it correctly. It is also permissible to exchange pectoral crosses - there is even such an ancient custom: those people who do this become brothers and sisters in Christ (similar to God-parents godchildren).
Is it possible to pick up and take a found cross?
This is a real superstition. In principle, someone else’s pectoral cross cannot cause any problems or threats - it is a shrine. But you don't need to put it on. It is better to take it to the temple or place it near the icon for safekeeping.
Is it possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross?
It is possible if it is a gift from a loved one - and it is consecrated in the church. Superstitions about other people's energy and problems have no basis and are considered heresy.
Taboo on a cross with a crucifix
There is no such church prohibition. The crucifix is the main symbol of Christianity - the sacrifice of Christ, which guarantees salvation. Such a cross must necessarily be a crucifix outward, and not towards the body.
Is it possible to wear an unconsecrated cross?
It is possible, but only as a decorative attribute. But from the point of view of faith, this is wrong - this is not entertainment, but a very serious thing. Regardless of what the cross is made of - wood, metal, gold, whether it was given as a gift or bought in a jewelry store, it is better to consecrate it and wear it correctly.
Before answering this sensitive question, let’s first try to figure out why you need to wear it and what it gives? Indeed, during the sacrament of baptism, a person must wear this symbol, which he must wear throughout his life. However, here it is very important to understand for yourself that the cross is the greatest shrine and a symbol of commitment to Christian Orthodoxy. It was he who became the instrument of the painful execution of Christ the Savior for the feat of redemption from sin and death of all mankind brought by Adam and Eve. Therefore, the one who wears a cross with the crucifix of Christ shows his involvement in the sufferings and exploits of his Lord, who gave all people hope for salvation, and therefore for resurrection after death for eternal life in his Kingdom.
Symbolism of the cross
For some reason, people very often wonder whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross. And all because they themselves are not able to answer it. Psychics and fortune tellers filled their heads with all sorts of superstitions and heresies.
But first of all, you need to understand that a pectoral cross - silver, gold or wooden - is not an ornament, a talisman or a beautiful jewelry trinket. It is primarily a symbol of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Ancient pectoral crosses come in a wide variety of appearances, but the iconography of the Crucifixion received final dogmatic validity in 692 by the Council of Trullo in Constantinople, approved in the 82nd rule. The figure of the Savior was superimposed on the cross. Christ opens His arms to all who turn to Him. This iconography has two hypostases - Divine and Human, showing his death and victory. The most common form has become the eight-pointed cross, on back side which the prayer “Save and Preserve” is most often written.
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?
People who constantly wear a cross on their body thus offer their wordless prayer to God, and therefore it serves them as protection from all troubles and demonic misfortunes.
Understanding in more detail the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross, let us dwell on one more point. Its presence on a person’s chest cannot have any meaning if he does not realize and profess faith in Christ. The cross protects us from everyday troubles and difficulties, but above all, it protects us from sin, which is the main tool in the hands of the evil one, always eager to gain power over our soul. A person will never be able to cope on his own, but with God’s help he will definitely succeed. As the holy fathers say: “The enemy is strong, but the Lord is omnipotent!”
Is it possible to wear someone else’s cross: the priest’s answer
The history of its occurrence is, at least a little, already quite clear. And now we come to the main question: “Is it possible to wear someone else’s cross?” This is very frequently asked question for priests who do not approve of superstition. After all, all kinds of psychics prohibit doing this, then the question arises: “Why?” They believe that the cross remembers the energy of its owner and absorbs his sins. But why sins and not virtues? But now let’s go the opposite way, let’s put on a person the things of the righteous, and more. And that means he is almost a saint and has become closer to heaven. As professor of theology A.I. Osipov would say: “That’s it, I’m already a saint, quickly canonize me!”
Sins
And again, if crosses absorb sins, then let's change them more often. In this way we will cleanse ourselves and get rid of sins. Maybe someone will find and pick up our cross? We will immediately get rid of our sins. A wonderful way of salvation, isn't it? It creates a feeling of complete absurdity. Sensible people should already understand everything.
Life cross
During the sacrament of baptism, church crosses are worn according to the words of the Lord: “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” What is the meaning of these words? This means that we must bear the life cross placed on us by the Lord, and the cross on our body reminds us of this, and it will not allow a true believer to stray from his path, he will save and preserve.
Therefore, you can wear other people’s crosses. If it was once consecrated, there is no need to consecrate it twice. If you are not sure, then you should definitely do it. The main thing that is required of a person is a correct spiritual life and fulfillment of the commandments of God: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” Such a spiritual life will give that saving grace of God, which will heal from passions and sins.
Feat
Wearing a cross is a great honor and responsibility. Over 2000 years, many Christians have suffered for their faith. All that was required of them was to renounce Christ and remove the pectoral cross from their chest.
Not everyone may know the feat of 19-year-old Evgeniy Rodionov, a simple Russian soldier. He ended up in Chechnya and served as a grenade launcher. On February 13, 1996, together with his comrades, he was captured, in which they spent 3.5 months. The militants brutally mocked them. Then Evgeniy was offered to remove his pectoral cross, convert to Islam, and promised that they would not torture him anymore. But he did not submit to their will, and therefore on May 23, in the village of Bamut, Rodionov and his friends were brutally executed. They cut off Evgeniy’s head, but they didn’t dare remove the cross even from his dead body.
Conclusion
Rodionov’s great feat should serve as a shining example for those people who wear a cross (silver or gold) as a decoration or exchange it for various amulets or zodiac signs. But people went to certain death for him, and we must always remember this. After all, Christ left on him the gracious light and love that constantly emanate from him.
The great Russian elders said that a Christian without a cross is like a warrior without weapons, and therefore the enemy can easily defeat him at any moment.
Christianity is considered one of the three major world religions, and its adherents are a huge number of people. As a rule, many people associate the symbol of the cross with the religious aspect, since without it Christianity simply cannot exist. To answer the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross, it is worth first of all considering the meaning of this symbol in modern Christianity.
The meaning of the cross
If we consider what the cross can symbolize, then first of all it is a religious aspect. From the history of religion, we can recall that the cross is a symbol of the suffering, bullying and humiliation that Jesus had to endure in the name of the continuation of the human race. As a rule, a person of Christian faith begins to put on a cross after undergoing baptism. It is worth noting that this symbol appeared somewhat later than the religion itself. During the secret rite of baptism, a person is dedicated and given those cherished secrets and confessions that the Christian religion provides.
As a rule, people wear either a regular cross or a cross with a crucifix. Such forms first appeared back in 640. Then one of the church ministers proposed just such an option, so that every person would remember what kind of torment Jesus went through. You can wear a cross made of any material. Most often it is wood, gold or silver.
Based on religious considerations, the cross gives a person strength, and its use means unity with God and silent prayer. Such an item protects a person from the influence of demonic forces and temptations to commit sin. Therefore, the main meaning of the cross is unity with God, as well as a kind of weapon against the devilish forces that every day strive to capture human souls.
However, there are other points of view in which the cross is a symbol of obstacles written on the fate of each person. Therefore, if we consider the cross with mystical point sight, then after the rite of baptism it contains human holiness, as well as the most important weapon against sins. It is worth noting that such devotion to this symbol really shows how important has this item for many people.
History knows such cases when soldiers Russian army during the war with Chechnya, they preferred to give their own lives than to renounce religion and remove the cross in exchange for a long existence. After the protest, all the soldiers had their heads cut off. Such an act serves as an example for many people, because this is exactly how one should treat such an important symbol as a cross, which protects people from the evil one.
There is no secret or deep meaning in another meaning of the cross. This is primarily an ordinary decoration, which can be complemented with rhinestones and even real precious stones. Such decoration can serve as the final attribute in creating a certain style. Therefore, the cross in this case is an ordinary decoration element that does not carry any semantic load.
So is it possible to wear someone else’s cross?
There are several points of view that, based on some logical considerations, give their answer to the question posed. First of all, such reasoning is of a religious, mystical or everyday nature. What will happen closer to man Of the proposed theories, he must certainly decide for himself.
This question was first asked to the priest who serves in the church. His answer surprised many people, since it is radically different from everyday unjustified and inexplicable rumors.
The cross in Christianity first of all means the protection and holiness of good deeds, therefore it is possible to wear someone else’s pectoral cross, and this action does not pose any threat. The holy scriptures do not spell out the rule when one’s own cross should not leave its owner. Therefore, contrary to the widespread myth that everyone must carry their own cross, religion does not prohibit passing it on to another person. On the contrary, such a cross will only accompany and help the person who became its owner.
As for mystical and superstitious beliefs, many people believe that the cross is primarily a symbol of the suffering that Christ had to endure in order to ensure the continuation of life on Earth. In addition, at the birth of a person, programming of his own life occurs, which is indirectly connected with the cross. Since everyone in life must bear their own cross, its transfer also means the transfer of their own sins and the burden that is contained in this Christian symbol. It is also believed that losing a cross is a bad omen.
If the cross is used as an ordinary decoration and does not carry any semantic meaning, then in this case there are no obstacles to giving such decoration to another person. Therefore, the choice between whether or not to wear someone else’s cross must be made by the person himself, since there is no single public answer in this case.
Pectoral cross- a small cross, symbolically representing the cross on which the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified (sometimes with the image of the Crucified One, sometimes without such an image), intended for constant wear Orthodox Christian as a sign of his loyalty 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, true statement, 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 pectoral cross acquires magical properties. protective properties. But it 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 invoke 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... ().