What are the symbols of Orthodox Christianity?

Early Christian symbols

• Cross and crucifix ✝︎
• Ichthys.
• Alpha and Omega.
• Staurogram.
• Chi Rho.
• IH monogram.
• IX monogram.

What is the symbol of the Greek Orthodox Church?

The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Mount Athos, and also the Greek Orthodox Churches in the diaspora under the Patriarchate use a black double-headed eagle in a yellow field as their flag or emblem.

What icons are and how they are used in Orthodox Christianity?

Icons can only be created with the blessing of the Church, as they are writings of Truth. The Orthodox Church uses icons to assist in worship. Icons are a ‘window to heaven’ and they help us to focus on the divine things.

What is the symbolism of the Orthodox cross?

The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven.

What is the first symbol of Christianity?

The original symbol of the early Christians was not the cross, but the monogram of Christ XP (first letters Chi and Rho of the Greek orthography ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ “Christ”). Moreover, at that time the followers of Jesus used a stylised fish as a secret sign to identify themselves as Christians.

Why does Orthodox Cross have 3 bars?

One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven. Another interesting fact is that the upper point of the slanted beam always show the way to the North.

What is the Greek Orthodox Cross called?

Also known as the Russian cross, Slavic, Slavonic cross, or Orthodox, East Orthodox, Russian Orthodox cross. A three-barred cross in which the short top bar represents the inscription over Jesus’ head, and the lowest (usually slanting) short bar, placed near the foot, represents his footrest (in Latin, suppedaneum).

Why do Orthodox Cense icons?

Mostly, the act of censing is symbolic and is poised to remind us of God’s presence. As you can see, incense is an important part of the Orthodox Christian service.