Third Sunday of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

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...

Sixteenth Day of Lent

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...

Fifteenth Day of Lent: Shadows of the Cross

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...

Fourteenth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

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;...

Thirteenth Day of Lent: Reflections of the Cross

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...