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...