The Orthodox Crosses Types
The cross is the most well-known symbol in all of Christianity — and one of the most recognized religious symbols in the world. In the Orthodox Christian faith, which has a long and meaningful history, the cross takes on even more depth through a variety of unique designs. While all Christians use the cross to represent their faith, the Eastern Orthodox Church has developed its own distinct styles over time. Each one carries special meaning, reflecting the Church’s beliefs, worship practices, and the cultures of the regions where it has taken root.
Below are some of the most recognized types of Orthodox crosses:
Below are some of the most recognized types of Orthodox crosses:
The Russian (Slavic) Orthodox Cross
Also known as the Three-Bar Cross, the Russian Orthodox Cross is an eight-pointed design and is perhaps the most iconic cross in the Orthodox tradition. It is especially common in Russia and strongly associated with the Russian Orthodox Church.
This cross symbolizes the Holy Trinity and closely resembles the shape of the cross on which Christ was crucified.
The design includes three horizontal bars:
- The top bar is a short, straight line representing the plaque placed above Christ’s head. This is often inscribed with the abbreviation INRI (Latin) or INЦI (Church Slavonic), meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”, as ordered by Pontius Pilate.
- The middle bar is the longest and serves as the main crossbeam, where Christ’s hands were nailed.
- The bottom bar is slanted and represents the footrest (suppedaneum). This bar was not meant to provide relief, but rather to increase suffering. It gave the crucified a false sense of support, causing them to push up instinctively in an attempt to ease the pain — only to prolong the agony.
The Greek Orthodox Cross
The Greek Cross is one of the simplest and earliest forms of the Christian cross. It has a symmetrical design made up of two equal-length bars that intersect at right angles, creating four equal arms. Because of its shape, it is also known as the square cross or the Cross of St. George.
This type of cross is often seen in church architecture, mosaics, and religious iconography. Its clean, balanced form symbolizes harmony and highlights the universal meaning of Christ’s sacrifice.
Today, the Greek Cross appears on the national flags of several countries, including Greece, Malta, and Switzerland.
This type of cross is often seen in church architecture, mosaics, and religious iconography. Its clean, balanced form symbolizes harmony and highlights the universal meaning of Christ’s sacrifice.
Today, the Greek Cross appears on the national flags of several countries, including Greece, Malta, and Switzerland.
The Byzantine Cross
The Byzantine Cross refers to several styles of Christian crosses that trace their origins back to the Byzantine Empire.
Closely related to the Greek Cross, the Byzantine version is often more decorative, featuring intricate details and embellishments. It sometimes includes the abbreviation IC XC NIKA, meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers”, reflecting both the spiritual and imperial heritage of Byzantine Christianity.
Closely related to the Greek Cross, the Byzantine version is often more decorative, featuring intricate details and embellishments. It sometimes includes the abbreviation IC XC NIKA, meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers”, reflecting both the spiritual and imperial heritage of Byzantine Christianity.
The Budded Cross (Trefoil Cross)
Each end of the Budded Cross is adorned with three rounded shapes, known as buds, which symbolize the Holy Trinity— God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
This cross is commonly used in processions and liturgical decorations, serving as a visual reminder of the triune nature of God. The trefoil (three-lobed) design is especially popular in Russian church architecture, often seen atop domes and bell towers, where it has long been favored by skilled craftsmen.
The Patriarchal Cross
The Patriarchal Cross is a distinctive six-pointed design, featuring two horizontal bars. The upper bar, shorter than the main one, represents the inscription placed above Jesus' head during the crucifixion.
This style of cross began to appear around the middle of the last millennium and has since become a common symbol in heraldry. It is especially associated with ecclesiastical authority and is often used to represent patriarchs and other high-ranking clergy within the Church.
This style of cross began to appear around the middle of the last millennium and has since become a common symbol in heraldry. It is especially associated with ecclesiastical authority and is often used to represent patriarchs and other high-ranking clergy within the Church.
The St. Andrew’s Cross
The image of this cross can be traced back to the Old Testament. According to the Bible, the Prophet Moses, guided by God, made a bronze image in the shape of a cross and told the people: “If you look at this image and believe, you will be saved through it”.
The cross shaped like the Greek letter X — which also hints at the name of Christ — is known as St. Andrew’s Cross, named after the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who was believed to have been crucified on such a cross.
The cross shaped like the Greek letter X — which also hints at the name of Christ — is known as St. Andrew’s Cross, named after the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who was believed to have been crucified on such a cross.
This cross holds special significance in countries like Russia and Scotland, where St. Andrew is honored as a patron saint.
The Serbian Cross
This is a Greek-style (equilateral) cross that features four firesteels — or the Cyrillic letter “С” — in each corner. These symbols stand for the phrase “Samo sloga Srbina spasava”, which means “Only unity saves the Serbs”.
The design originally comes from the Byzantine Empire. In the Byzantine version, the cross had four letters “B” (Greek: β), representing the imperial motto “Βασιλεὺς Βασιλέων, Βασιλεύων Βασιλευόντων” — translated as “King of kings (Christ) ruling over those who rule”.
This cross blends national pride with deep religious meaning, symbolizing Serbia’s long and often difficult journey to preserve its faith and identity.
The design originally comes from the Byzantine Empire. In the Byzantine version, the cross had four letters “B” (Greek: β), representing the imperial motto “Βασιλεὺς Βασιλέων, Βασιλεύων Βασιλευόντων” — translated as “King of kings (Christ) ruling over those who rule”.
This cross blends national pride with deep religious meaning, symbolizing Serbia’s long and often difficult journey to preserve its faith and identity.
Conclusion
Each type of Orthodox cross offers a unique window into the theology, history, and cultural expression of Eastern Christianity. Whether simple or elaborate, these crosses serve as powerful reminders of Christ’s Passion, the victory of resurrection, and the enduring presence of the Orthodox faith across nations and centuries.
Our online store Sozéa Jewelry features a wide selection of both traditional and decorative Orthodox crosses — available with or without the crucifixion. Crafted from high-quality 925 sterling silver, our pieces include options in gold-plated and blackened finishes, combining deep spiritual meaning with elegant design.
Our online store Sozéa Jewelry features a wide selection of both traditional and decorative Orthodox crosses — available with or without the crucifixion. Crafted from high-quality 925 sterling silver, our pieces include options in gold-plated and blackened finishes, combining deep spiritual meaning with elegant design.
Date: 2025-05-30
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