Orthodox cross "Chrisma" (blackening) 13536 Onyx

Orthodox cross "Chrisma" (blackening)

Metal: 925 silver"
Average weight:6.49 g

The cross is made in the form of rays diverging from the central circle, completed by four smaller circles. This form is one of the most common in Byzantium and Ancient Rus', symbolizing the enlightenment of the world with the teachings of Christ. In the central circle on the front side there is a chrysm. This is a monogram composed of two Greek letters X and P or I and X (the initial letters of the name of Christ), and in outline it forms a cross. Chrism symbolically depicts the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The monogram is complemented by the Greek letters alpha and omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which symbolically indicate the importance of God for the life of the entire universe. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,” says the Lord, Who is and was and is to come, the Almighty.” In the circles at the ends of the crossbars are placed the monograms of the four Evangelists, thanks to whom the teaching of Christ became known in all four corners of the earth. At the top we see the symbol of the Apostle Matthew, below - the Apostle Mark, on the left and right - the Apostles John the Theologian and Luke. The crossbars on the front and back sides are decorated with the “flourishing hearts” ornament, a favorite for Christian art. It consists of heart-shaped figures, inside of which stylized lily flowers are placed. In Christianity, the lily is a symbol of purity, holiness and humility before God. In His sermon, Christ pointed to lilies as flowers of perfect beauty. It was lilies that He gave as an example to people who, in their worries about earthly well-being, forget about God. The lilies do not care about their clothing, said the Lord, although they are better dressed than King Solomon: God dresses them in these beautiful clothes. Likewise, a person who has clothed himself in humility and acquired spiritual purity and love will receive everything from Him. In its shape, the lily resembles the Holy Trinity, apparently, which is why in ancient times there was a legend that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary with a lily in his hand to announce to Her the birth of Her Divine Son. The lily is also a symbol of purification through Baptism, and many researchers of Christian symbolism point out that, due to its shape, it is symbolically connected with Christianity and is often depicted next to it in ancient ornaments.