Is it obligatory for an Orthodox person to wear a cross? Should a believer wear a cross

The pectoral cross is a symbol of faith, as well as visible evidence that a person who has undergone the Sacrament of the Baptismal ceremony belongs to Orthodox Church... Many believers are interested in whether it is necessary to wear a cross. If you are a believer, then a cross must be worn. It should be worn under clothes to hide it from prying eyes. Not worth wearing pectoral cross over clothes. This body-worn creed indicates that a person professes Christian faith... Many believe that he protects from evil and demons, is able to bring good luck. When a believer needs help, he can always turn to his body symbol faith.

Many are interested in the question, and what can you wear a cross on. You can put it on a chain or string. If you decide to put it on a chain, then it is worth considering that it must correspond to the material from which the cross is made. The metal from which the pectoral cross is made does not matter. These can be precious, semi-precious and non-precious metals. If the budget is limited, then you can. Sometimes such jewelry is very difficult to visually distinguish from those that are completely made of gold. But at the same time they look very nice and are cheap.

Is it obligatory for a believer to wear a cross?

The pectoral cross is awarded to a person after the Baptism ceremony. After the sacrament, the believer becomes a Christian, and also accepts the fact that he agrees to constantly wear a pectoral cross in the most important place (on the chest near the heart). If you don't know whether to wear a cross or not, then the answer is yes. The cross indicates that a person is a Christian. For this reason, it is believed that if a person wears the creed only because it is fashionable or to complement the image, then this is a sin. If a believer understands the purpose of the symbol of faith, wears it consciously, then this is a wordless prayer.

The cross, which is consciously worn, is endowed with a certain power that can ward off misfortune, misfortune and illness. He is able to protect his owner from evil. Even if the believer thinks that everything is fine with him and does not turn to the pectoral cross for help, the symbol of faith still has tremendous power... Today, in jewelry stores and in the Temple, you can find the following canonical forms of crosses - four-, six-, eight-pointed. In addition, crosses can be decorated with stones (precious, semi-precious, non-precious) or be without stones at all. They can be with or without a semicircle at the bottom. Each line carries its own deep symbolic meaning.

Many questions arise about the indispensable attribute of every Orthodox person - a pectoral cross: is it always necessary to wear it, can it be given or accepted as a gift to someone, there is even a superstition that a person who has lost a pectoral cross can expect misfortune, and if you pick someone cross, then all the troubles of the former owner will certainly go to the finder. To understand these and other issues, we turned for help to the governor of Kirillo-Belozersky male monastery Abbot Ignatius.

- Is it obligatory for an Orthodox Christian to wear a pectoral cross?

The 19th century historian E.E. Golubinsky wrote that pectoral crosses in Russia appeared during the reign of Prince Vladimir, who baptized our ancestors. By the presence of the pectoral cross, it was immediately clear whether a person was baptized or not. But the tradition of wearing the cross refers to much more early period- by about the 3rd century. The cross is the glory of Christians, a weapon against the enemy. The main meaning of the sign of the cross lies in the protective power from invisible enemies, evil spirits... The cross is the banner of Christians, and not only in figuratively... For example, Constantine the Great inscribed the image of a cross on his banners and soldiers' clothes and won. He had a vision and a voice from heaven: "By this you will conquer," meaning that he will conquer by the power of the godmother. And he won.

- Should the pectoral cross be consecrated in the temple?

In ancient times there was no rite of consecration of the cross, tradition church consecration cross appeared in the 17th century. However now church tradition prescribes the consecration of crosses in the Church. You should know that the cross has the power to drive away demons and the image of the cross already has power in itself. We overshadow ourselves with the banner of the cross, which sanctifies us and protects us from evil spirits.

- Should there be an image of the crucified Savior on the cross?

Not necessary. Some researchers even argue that any image is an icon, and only priests can wear icons on themselves. However, it is known that the Savior was depicted on pectoral crosses already in the XI-XIII centuries, and this was not a crucifixion, but Christ, sitting on the throne or blessing. The crucifixion appeared later. The shape of the cross may vary.

- Is it possible to wear a pectoral cross not on the neck, but in a purse (for example, if a lady put on an open dress and the pectoral cross does not harmonize with her decoration)?

How the cross can get in the way an Orthodox person? It needs to be worn. Maybe it's better to think about the dress code?

- Is it possible to replace wearing a pectoral cross with wearing a medallion with a picture Mother of God or Nicholas the Wonderworker?

You can wear everything together, but it is undesirable to replace the cross with an icon, it will be wrong.

- Is it obligatory to remove the cross under the clothes?

The cross is not an ornament, it has the spiritual power of protecting and sanctifying a person - this is the main thing, and from this point of view, it does not matter where a person wears it under or over clothes. Traditionally, however, crosses are worn under clothing. It should be noted that in ancient times there were also special crosses, which were a reliquary for storing holy relics, they were called "encolpions" and were worn over clothing.

- There is a belief that when you find someone else's cross or take it from someone as a gift, wearing it, you take on the “cross” of the previous owner. It's right?

This is a misunderstanding of the words of the Gospel "bearing your cross." By the cross in the Gospel, in the words “bearing his cross,” we mean a person's acceptance of everything that the Lord will send him in this life: both good and bad, which a person bears through his sins. God is just, and nothing is sent by Him to man in vain. The Lord sends everyone his joys and his trials, and they should not be associated with a specific pectoral cross that a person wears on his chest.

There was an ancient Christian tradition of the exchange of crosses, when people, exchanging body crosses, became sworn brothers, named brothers. Crosses are given, passed on by inheritance. God is just, and He will not punish one person for the sins of another.

- Often the materials from which crosses and icons are made, eventually deteriorate, wear out, burn out, what to do with them, because they cannot be thrown away?

With decrepit shrines, you can do the following: either betray them to the fire element, or bury them in an unsupported place, or immerse them in clean running water. If an Orthodox person does not raise his hand to burn the icon or bury it, then it is better to put it at home in a secluded place. It is worth noting that the very material from which the cross or icon is made is not revered by the Orthodox Church, the prototype is revered. Therefore, the material in the case when the symbolic image is no longer distinguishable on it (for example, the entire image on the icon is lost), can be destroyed, but this must be done with reverence.

Orthodox people wear a pectoral cross all their lives, without deviating from the most ancient Christian tradition... It is unlikely that a person who does not want to be faithful in little things, who has taken off the cross out of pride or out of shame, will be able to become faithful in many ways, and it is unlikely that he will be able to bear his life's cross and follow Christ.
Prejudices and superstitions have existed at all times, the main thing is to detect and correct them in time, which is what this publication is aimed at.

Maria Golubeva.

Records found: 102

I was baptized a year ago. I bought a cross in a jewelry store. Recently, a friend saw him and said that he was not Orthodox, because there is no image of Jesus on it, but it is written: "Save and preserve." Father, tell me if this is so and should I wear it or buy a new one in the Church?

Galina

Galina, of course, is more common among Orthodox Christians in Russia eight-pointed cross with the image of the Crucifixion on one side and the words "Save and preserve" on the other, but in fact it is, rather, a tribute to tradition. If your cross is blessed, wear it without embarrassment.

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Hello, father! I have such a question, is it possible to put my mother's cross on my mathematics exam, although I myself am not baptized, and if not, can you tell me some prayer for a successful exam? Thanks.

Victoria

Hello Victoria! The pectoral cross is not a talisman or amulet, but a testimony of the faith of an Orthodox Christian, a sign of his belonging to the Orthodox Church. You will have legal basis wear it when you accept Holy Baptism... I can say the same about prayer: you cannot treat it as a set of words or a spell that will help by itself. If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, then pray to Him in your own words from the whole believing heart and ask your mother to pray. "A mother's prayer will reach from the bottom of hell," says folk wisdom... And try to be baptized as soon as possible.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov

Hello! My question is: my mother died at home, I took off her chain with a cross (that's what the ambulance doctors said). Father used to perform the funeral service in the morgue. Mother was buried with a cross from the church set. Mom's cross with a chain remained with me. Can I wear it, or at least a chain, although I have my own cross, but for some reason I want to wear my mother’s cross or chain. Thank you in advance for your reply.

Yuliya

Julia, you can safely wear your mother's cross and a chain if you want. Two crosses should not be worn together, you need to choose one.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

Hello! A year ago I found a gold cross on a chain. Judging by its size, it belonged to a child. The search for the owner was unsuccessful. What should I do with this find?

Helena

Elena, the fact that you picked up a cross on the road and did not leave it trampled is good. If you want, you can leave the cross at home, but first you need to consecrate it in the church, and you can wear it. And if there is embarrassment, then take this cross to the church, and they know what to do with it.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

Hello, my name is Victor, I'm 16. I would like to ask if it is possible to wear a homemade pectoral cross, consecrated in the temple, and if not, please explain why?

Viktor Lysenko

Victor, if you made the cross correctly, it has a canonical look, and the priest consecrated it in the church, then, of course, you can wear it, why not?

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Hello, can a wife wear a deceased husband's cross?

Catherine

Hello Ekaterina! Most often, a Christian is buried without removing his pectoral cross, and such a situation simply does not arise. If the cross of the deceased remained at home, do not be afraid of it. There is no need to put any mystical meaning into this at all. The cross remains a cross. It can and should be used for its intended purpose: to be worn. And if there is no one to wear, let him lie in the "holy corner" near the icons, and when someone loses or breaks his pectoral cross, he doesn't have to buy a new one. Or you can give the cross to the temple. In general, there is no magic in the Church. The cross is not a talisman, but a sign that a person is baptized and is a member of the church, and it is also a symbol of Christ's victory over death.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov

Good day! I wear a consecrated golden cross, I want to buy a golden icon of the Mother of God. Please tell me if they can be worn at the same time, and if so, what is the best way - on the same chain or on different ones?

Yuliya

Hello Julia! Wearing a cross on the chest is the duty of every Christian. And the icon can be worn together with the cross at will and in the way that suits you: it can be on one chain, it is possible on different ones.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov

Hello! Please tell me what should be written in back side icons of the Mother of God? (This is a pendant on a chain). As far as I know, if you wear a cross or an icon without an inscription on the back, then this is just a decoration, but not a talisman, is it true? Thank you very much in advance for your reply.

Anna

Anna, amulets are a pagan affair, in Christianity there are no amulets. It is enough for you to wear a consecrated pectoral cross around your neck, and if you wish, you can also wear a medallion with the image of the icon of the Mother of God. But in no case do not treat it as a talisman, you wear it exclusively for the veneration of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Christ is Risen! Tell me please. I worry. In the morning my pectoral cross fell to the floor, the chain remained torn on my neck. What should I do in this situation? This is the third time the chain breaks. I don’t want to believe in omens, and it’s wrong. Maybe read a special prayer? Point me to correct action... Thank you!

Margarita

Margarita, I personally wear a pectoral cross on a nylon rope, and long years the rope does not break. If you don't want to wear it on a string, then buy a higher quality, sturdier chain. What the chain breaks- it only means that the chain is bad, fragile, and nothing more.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

Good afternoon. I bought a cross for my daughter in an Orthodox store. It is in the store, and not in the shop, which are in every church. To my question, they answered that all the crosses were consecrated. Do I need to consecrate him personally? And the daughter also asks why the cross should be worn with the crucifix outward, and not vice versa.

Anna

Anna, if we have already said that the cross is consecrated, let us believe, then it is consecrated. And it is customary to carry it out with a crucifix because the crucifix is ​​a symbol of the main sacrament in Christianity, and we, without hiding it, thereby give it due respect.

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Hello, father. Is it possible to store icons of relatives and a cross? Or is it better to take it to the church? Thanks for the answer.

Veronica

Veronica, you can keep icons and a cross of relatives at home. But the icons should not just be stored somewhere, but hung on the wall, they should be put on a shelf and prayed in front of these icons. The cross can also be kept at home next to the icons. The cross must be consecrated in the church, and if you want, you can then wear this cross yourself. And if you are embarrassed, then take the cross to the church, but still leave the icons at home.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

What is better to wear around the neck, a cross or an icon, if an icon, which one?

Yuliya

Julia, each orthodox christian must first of all be worn around the neck Orthodox cross... If you want, you can wear an icon with a cross. Any icon can be worn, but it is not necessary, the main thing is a cross.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

Hello, father. I apologize in advance, if my question is stupid, I don't have to publish it, but I'm sick now, I can't get to my church and ask the priest, I decided to write here, because he torments me. An opportunity happened to me: I was removing the pallet of my cat, the chain on my neck with a cross deviated, and I accidentally touched the cat’s pallet with a cross. I am tormented by a conscience that I have desecrated my cross, I am very worried. So what's now? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Helena

Elena, of course, we should also treat the pectoral cross with due respect and reverence, as a shrine. Sprinkle it with holy water and wear it, and when you are in the temple, tell your father about this situation.

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Good day! The matter seems to be a trifle, but I want to hear an authoritative opinion. I found a small amulet with an engraving in Hebrew at home (once upon a time they brought it from Israel as a souvenir, I never wore and did not attach any religious significance to it, well, a medallion and a medallion. So, I wanted to start wearing it purely for aesthetic reasons - I like how looks, but for the sake of interest, with the help of the Internet, he translated the inscription from Hebrew - it turned out that the Jewish prayer was on the road.This fact bothers me, the Lord is one for us all, and the prayer to Him, no matter what language, but still I am Orthodox, and it is this prayer that is considered Jewish ... would it be blasphemy if I wear this medallion? Thank you in advance for your answer.

Fedor

Well, this will not be blasphemy - this is a prayer addressed to God. And the fact that she is in Hebrew, so Christ and the apostles prayed in this (or approximately this) language. Another thing is that such a medallion, like a pectoral cross, will tell others about your religious affiliation, and this can mislead someone. This is no longer good.

deacon Elijah Kokin

Good day! Please tell me a few days ago under front door(on the rug) I found a pectoral cross. Nobody could drop it - it means that it was planted or planted. What should be done with it? Thank you in advance.

Natalia

Natalia, every Christian should wear a cross around his neck and never take it off. "The cross is the guardian of the entire Universe, the cross is the beauty of the Church, the cross is an ulcer for the demons, glory to the angels." The cross is a symbol of victory over evil, over the devil. And if someone deliberately threw it, then he sins very much, and we, Christians, should not allow the shrine to be trampled underfoot, and, of course, the cross must be picked up and taken to the church, they know what to do with it.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

How to teach a child (13) years old to teach how to wear a cross around his neck or an icon? Is it possible to attend workshops for the treatment of the spine, stomach, etc.? The fact is that workers in this sphere have a different faith: the church, books - their own holidays, which do not coincide with ours. They have nothing to do with us. No pressure or influence. CLAUDIA

Claudia

Claudius, you can only teach a child to wear a cross by persistence: make him wear a cross and just control it. And as for any near-spiritual communities, your question already partly contains the answer: if they have nothing to do with the Church, then there is nothing to do there.

Abbot Nikon (Golovko)

Please tell me! A friend gave me a cross, we bought it together in the store, she didn't even take it in her hands, she just paid. Can I wear it or not?

Anna

Hello Anna! Of course you can wear it. Even if a friend herself brought you this gift, there is nothing terrible or magical about it. Wear and pray with gratitude for your girlfriend. Just do not forget to consecrate the cross in the church.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov