Orthodox cross "Crucifixion. Martyr. Demetrius of Thessaloniki" p00785 Onyx

A small cross with icons of the Crucifixion and the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki is made in the tradition of ancient Russian pectoral crosses. Its artistic image reflects the main purpose of the pectoral cross - to be a personal sacred sign of the Sacrament of Baptism.  

On Orthodox crosses, the Crucified Lord is always depicted raised high above the earth with arms outstretched freely, as if embracing the entire Universe and looking with love at His children. This is the image of a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, trampling death underfoot and calling to Himself “all the ends of the earth.” “NIKA” is written next to His image, which means “conquered.” The Lord spoke this word after the resurrection, addressing his disciples: “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

Above the Crucifixion in the heavenly segment is depicted the blessing Divine Right Hand. This is an image of the invisible presence of the entire Holy Trinity on Calvary, a touch on the mystery of the Divine Trinity. On the Cross, God appeared as the sacrificer, the sacrificed one and at the same time blessing and accepting it. 

Martyrs are like the purity and holiness of their sacrifice to the Lord. Therefore, it is their relics that are placed in Orthodox churches at the foundation of the Throne for the consecration of the bloodless Liturgical sacrifice. One of the most revered martyrs of the Christian Church, Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, is depicted on the back of the cross. He was proconsul of the Greek city of Thessaloniki. In 306, he refused to carry out the emperor's order to identify and destroy Christians, openly confessed Christ and was imprisoned. While in captivity, an angel appeared to him and predicted his martyrdom. Soon the saint was stabbed to death.

On the icons the great martyr is depicted in armor with a shield and spear. This is the image of a warrior of Christ, fully armed against the “wiles of the devil.” Truth is the belt of Christ's warrior, righteousness is his armor, and readiness to preach peace is his shoe. “And above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the fiery arrows of the evil one; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” On the cross on both sides of the great martyr his holy name “Demetrius of Thessalonica” is written in script.