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...

Twelfth Day in Lent: Reflections of the Cross

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...

Eleventh Day of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

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....

Second Sunday of Lent: Reflections on the Cross

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...