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Coptic Cross (Original) It is thought that the original Coptic Cross was an adaptation from the Ankh Cross. It was adopted early on by Christian Gnostics, particularly those from North Africa where Coptic Christianity began. Tradition has it that Christianity was...

The Anchor Cross The Anchor Cross is called so because it depicts an anchor. It is also known as the Cross of St. Clement because Clement was martyred by having an anchor tied to his neck and casting him into the sea. In scripture and in tradition the anchor is linked...

St. Peters Cross The Petrine cross is depicted as an inverted cross (upside down) and is the symbol for the cross of Peter. According to tradition Peter was crucified upside down, because it said he was not worthy to die in the same way as the Lord. Today it can be...

The Russian Cross Also known as the Orthodox Cross, the Russian Cross is commonly found in the Eastern Orthodox churches in Russia. In the larger Orthodox families, including the Greek Orthodox Church as well as in much of Eastern Europe the footrest is horizontal;...

Jesus Christ the Victor Cross The cross combines Greek abbreviations for Jesus Christ (IC for Jesus and XC for Christ) and Victor or Conqueror (NIKA). This cross is a reminder that while it recalls the death of Jesus, death held no lasting effect. Rather even in...

Celtic Cross The Celtic Cross is a favorite for many, but there is no one, definitive image of the Celtic Cross. Instead there are many variations of the same theme. Its basic structure is a Latin Cross with a circle surrounding the intersection. Often the Celtic...

Cross Flamant One of the more exotic of cross designs, the Cross Flamant gives the impression of its arms in flames. This symbolizes religious zeal and ardor. Such a cross can be associated with the veneration of saints and martyrs in various Christian traditions....

The Latin Cross By far the most common and widely used of Christian crosses, the Latin Cross is intended to be a simple symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus. Unadorned, it can serve as a stark reminder of sacrifice and death. This depiction invites us to bring our...

Triparted Fleuree Cross Triparted describes the three horizontal and three vertical arms of the cross, and Fleuree describes the endings of the arms which resemble the fleur-de-lis. The focus on three and the use of the fleur-de-lis emphasizes the Trinity and is most...

St. Andrew's Cross This cross is shaped as a simple “X” and is often seen on state flags, shields, and coats of arms. It is named after Andrew who introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. According to tradition Andrew was martyred in Greece by crucifixion on an...

I miscalculated the days, erroneously counting Sunday. Sunday of Lent is a Feast Day and therefore not counted as part of the 40 Lenten Days. The Jerusalem Cross Today all over the Holy Land the Jerusalem Cross has come to symbolize Christianity for pilgrims and...

The Cross Pattee This cross is easily recognized today and was a decorative cross widely used throughout Continental Europe. The Cross Pattee is not an “ancient” cross, first appearing during the medieval period. The cross comes in various forms, and I could not find...

The Passion Cross The Passion Cross is distinguished by the pointed ends on the arms. It is also known as the Cross of Suffering, Cross Urdee, or the Cross Champain. It is often used as a symbol for Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Coupled with a chalice, the Passion...

Cross and Orb Frequently adopted by Christian groups and mission societies, the Cross and Orb points to the sufficiency of Christ as Savior. The orb symbolizes the world, surmounted by the cross, symbolizing the triumph of the Savior over the sin of the world. It was...

Ankh Cross One of the most popular and well known crosses through the ages is the Ankh Cross and it is known by many names. Sometimes it is referred to as the Ansate Cross or Looped Cross, and is Egyptian in origin. As with many ancient symbols, it was taken over into...

Chi Rho Cross This cross is one of the earliest symbols of Christian use. Using the Greek letters “X” or chi and “P” or rho, the Chi Rho Cross is a stylized monogram. It is the abbreviation of XPICTOC or “Christos”, the Greek word for Christ. Its shape also resembles...

Cross Crosslet This cross is composed of four Latin crosses arranged in such a manner that their bases overlap. The Cross Crosslet is often associated with the liturgical season of Epiphany, which affirms that Jesus is revealed as the Son of God. The four crosses...

Each day of Lent it is my intention to share with you a different image and reflection of the cross, followed by a prayer. Today let us refelct on the Tau Cross. Tau Cross The name comes from the cross’s resemblance of the Greek letter T. Tradition has it as the form...

Today we begin the forty day journey of Lent. It is a journey that will lead us – followers and stragglers of Jesus – to the cross. The cross was at one time a symbol of terror and domination. Its purpose was to strike fear and imperial suppression against anyone who...

How do you picture forgiveness? Are you in need of forgiveness? Do you struggle to forgiven another? Why do we need to forgive? For Lent (and two weeks prior to Lent) I am focusing for my Wednesday evening Bible Study as series on "Faces of Forgiveness." Below are my...