Can I wear someone else's crosses. The meaning of the cross for believers

Pectoral cross - it is not only a symbol of adherence to the Christian faith, but also a personal amulet of its owner. There are many rules and taboos associated with this attribute. Many prohibitions are just superstitions that have arisen among the people, and the church strongly does not approve of them. But there are also many and very crucial points that every sincere believer should know.

So which prohibitions are real, and which are just superstitions - the answers of the priest.

Let's say right away that the pectoral cross, which is given to a person during the Sacrament of Baptism, and ordinary decorative crosses are two different things. Decorative ornaments do not carry any spiritual load and are not protection for the wearer. In order for the cross to become a talisman, it must be consecrated in the church.

Is it possible to wear a pectoral cross on a chain and not on a lace

Yes, of course you can! The amulet is the cross itself, and in what way it will be attached to the neck - the church does not put any requirements. This is everyone's personal business. The most important thing is that he does not get lost. At the same time, the risk of chain breaking is higher than that of a strong silk cord.

Is it possible to wear a pectoral cross over clothing

No you can not. That is why it is called underwear. This is a personal thing, a symbol of faith, and flaunting it is useless.

Is it possible to give a cross or change it

Yes, the cross can be donated not only by godparents, relatives, but also by other people. The main thing is to sanctify it correctly. It is also permissible to change pectoral crosses - even there is such an old custom: those people who do this become brothers and sisters in Christ (similarly, as god-parents godchildren).

Is it possible to pick up and take the found cross

This is the most real superstition. In principle, someone else's pectoral cross cannot bear any problems and threats - this is a shrine. But you don't need to put it on. It is better to take it to the temple or place it at the icon for storage.

Is it possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross

You can, if it's a gift loved one - and he is consecrated in the church. Superstitions about someone else's energy and problems have no basis and are considered heresy.

Taboo on a cross with a crucifix

There is no such church prohibition. Crucifixion is the main symbol of Christianity - the sacrifice of Christ, which guarantees salvation. Such a cross must necessarily be a crucifix outward, and not towards the body.

Is it possible to wear an unconsecrated cross

It is possible, but only as a decorative attribute. But from the point of view of faith, this is wrong - this is not entertainment, but a very serious thing. Regardless of what the cross is made of - wood, metal, gold, donated or bought in a jewelry store, it is better to consecrate and wear it correctly.

There are different situations in life, falling into the hands of other people's things is no exception. If you accidentally get someone else's cross, do not rush to put it on right away, first figure out if you can wear someone else's cross, chain and other jewelry. For years on various sites and forums there have been conversations regarding this issue. Unfortunately, there is still no exact and unambiguous answer, since each person has his own opinion and life principles. Therefore, we have prepared an article in which everyone can find out the opinion of the church, superstitious people and psychics, about wearing someone else's cross.

What does the Church think about this?

The clergy all unanimously insist that wearing someone else's cross is okay, they insist that there is nothing wrong with that. The cross on the neck of an Orthodox person primarily indicates that this is a believer. Many people think that the cross is a magical attribute, and this opinion is wrong. The priests say that a believer must be strong, and there is no need to believe in various superstitions. The church never pays attention to signs and superstitions.

The opinion of psychics and superstitious people

As for this category of people, they have a different opinion about wearing other people's crosses. The first thing they pay attention to is the factor that the cross accepts the energy of its owner, therefore it can convey troubles and illnesses. Old people often said that with the help of a cross it was possible to damage it, also that a person who wore someone else's cross lived the life of its first owner. Believe in these stories or not, it is definitely up to you.

Psychics say that you cannot wear someone else's cross, if you were given it or it was inherited, then before putting it on gently, visit the Church and consecrate the cross. Psychics also warn that in no case should you pick up a cross, and if you could not pass by, then it is better to take it to the Church. If you are a baptized person, do not discard the cross in any case, this is one of the most important rules.

If you have not found the answer to this question for yourself, then you need to rely on personal opinion and premonition. Therefore, if you are afraid to wear a cross received as a gift or inheritance, you can donate it to the Church, or consecrate it. Remember that a pectoral cross is a symbol that a person believes in God and is ready to accept His protection in this form.

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According to Orthodox canons, a pectoral cross on a chain has special power. He not only accumulates the positive energy of a person, but also repels negative influence.

On the difficult questions get the priest's answer. Read if you can wear someone else's cross.

Everyone should have their own creed. The Church believes that it is necessary to wear a dressing gown every day and not enter the temple without an attribute on a chain.

Many myths and signs have been collected around personal jewelry, but the church denies all pagan trends.

Important! It is popularly believed that if the cross darkened or became covered with a black coating, then several strong energy attacks were inflicted on the person's personality.

Perhaps with malicious intent in relation to the person, rituals, love spells, damage and other rituals were carried out.

By folk signs, you cannot wear a pectoral cross to anyone other than the owner of the jewelry.

The small pointed decoration stores not only information about the past and present, but also the foretold future.

In ancient times, it was believed that if you wear someone else's underwear, then you can take away the fate of the former owner.

However, the church has a different opinion on this matter: you can wear body jewelry, give to another and temporarily hang on the neck of a loved one.

Even the clergy themselves donate their own clothes to ordinary parishioners or unbelievers to give a piece of their own faith.

There are some special cases:

Wear the cross worn by your mother or close relative during your illness. Thus, a soul mate wants to give a piece of positive energy for a speedy recovery.
A priest's gift may indicate that the holy father wants to strengthen a person's faith and support him in difficult times.

In this case, gifts are not only allowed, but must be accepted. You should be wary of such generous gifts from a stranger with a negative aura.

Due to the peculiarity of absorbing any energy, the precious metal can be harmful to health.

What to do if you find someone else's cross at home: the priest's answer

Sometimes when moving or just cleaning the apartment, you can find a piece of jewelry lying around on a shelf or on the floor.

The church has one opinion on this matter: a relic that does not belong to your family should be taken to the temple:

Go to the holy father, tell us about the find.
Consecrate the product with holy water, read a prayer for cleansing with the clergy.
Decide for yourself: keep the jewelry for yourself or donate to charity in the temple.

Important! In everyday life there is a saying "to take on someone else's cross." This phrase came with paganism, when people adopted Christianity, but remained under the influence of the old faith.

In those days, it was believed that putting on someone else's wearable was to accept the fate of the person who wore it earlier.

If you are not going to wear the cross, but you don’t want to donate the precious metal to charity, then there are several options:

Consecrate the cross, free it from the old energy of the owner and present it to the goddaughter or godson.
You can give the cleaned underwear to the person who needs faith.
Give it to someone who needs money or lacks health.

Popular signs say that if someone else's cross is found at home, then someone who comes wants to damage the family and destroy happiness in the house.

The more you believe in such speculations, the more they tend to come true. By getting rid of someone else's cross, you will purify your thoughts.

Important! Ask family and friends. Maybe someone just dropped the jewelry.

Why you can't wear the cross of a deceased person

There are various rumors about decorating the body of a deceased person. According to popular beliefs, one should not wear a dressing gown, so as not to take away the fate of the owner.

The Church answers this question in two ways:

If the person was a believer and with positive energy, consecrate the cross and the chain with holy water on your own or in a church. Such a piece of jewelry can be worn without fear.
Cross bad person carries evil in itself. This decoration absorbed all his thoughts and anger throughout the life of the deceased. It is better to consecrate such a decoration and donate it to the church.

You can leave the cross in the house, but not wear the product, but put it in beautiful box and pass it on to the next generation as a family heirloom.

According to Orthodox canons, a person is buried along with his personal cross.

Why do crosses dream: dream book

Dreams are the embodiment of the past, present and even the future of a person. Seeing the sign of the cross in a dream is not a simple sign, but a warning.

Acquainted with detailed description the values \u200b\u200bof the dream book can be found in the table:

What dreamed	Value
Found a cross	You are in danger or something wishes evil, but you will succeed in avoiding harmful effects
Image of decoration from four, six or eight corners	Higher powers protect from ill-wishers. Perhaps in life you will have a real defender
Find your own underwear	Do not despair, do not face many obstacles, but keep going towards your goal
Find a married lady	Family troubles and illnesses of children
Find a chain	Evil does not sleep and will try to lead you astray
Gold underwear	Wait for joyful events
From other material	Expect trials that will bring relief
Find someone else's cross	Someone around wants harm to your family

Important! The church does not support the interpretation of the dream book. These meanings come from astrology.

How to clear a cross on a chain from someone else's energy

Most effective method - seek help from the church. At the request of the parishioner, the priest will conduct a cleansing ritual, read a prayer and return the jewelry to the owner.

You can carry out the ritual yourself:

Take holy water from the church.
Read a prayer and immerse the cross in water for a few days.
Leave the dishes at the icon.

On the seventh day, the product will be cleared of foreign energy.

Useful video

The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. In this article, you will find out if someone else's cross can be worn, and why it cannot be worn over clothing.

The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on the believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions that a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, the darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.

Myths and superstitions about the cross

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Can't be worn on a chain

There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more fundamental. If a person wants to wear a pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, the church does not prohibit such actions. Most important principle, which must be followed in this case - so that the cross does not get lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. Superstitious people, however, assure that, by all accounts, the cross is not lost just like that.

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Cannot be worn over clothing

This is absolutely true. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. Without wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest bestows on the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.

Can't give

You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of this as one of the gifts for christening. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also a tradition where two people exchange body crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually close people do this.

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Cannot be lifted if found

A superstition that has absolutely no foundation. Let us also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by lifting a found cross, you can take on the problems of the person who lost or left him. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in the red corner of the house.

You can't wear someone else's cross

If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Moreover, if you do not have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner, and it can be transferred to a new owner. It can also be argued that by giving up the cross, a person is giving away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and relate to the occult worldview.

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You can't wear a cross with a crucifix

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Another superstition not worth paying attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring on a person hard life... This is not at all true, only speculation of people. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But it must be worn correctly: the crucifix must be turned not towards you, but outward.

You can not wear a non-consecrated cross

The cross is best sanctified. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that even two crossed sticks are avoided by the evil spirits. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.
You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry purchased in a jewelry store as a cross. It is necessary to understand that the Orthodox church cross, which symbolizes faith in God, is different from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and have nothing to do with faith.

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Why wear a cross pendant?

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Why should I go to church if I have faith in my soul? Why wear a cross if I'm already a Christian? Does the Gospel say that everyone should walk with crosses? So to wear or not to wear? Approximately such questions are often asked by non-churches.

Let's try to answer.

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Where did this tradition come from?

Wearing a cross without a real Christian life will feel like some kind of fake. Treating the cross as beautiful decoration will also serve a person in condemnation. So what happens: you can't wear it, otherwise you will harm yourself?

Wearing a cross is not only possible, but also necessary. Many believers can confirm: this is the most powerful protection of man. Why? Because the cross is the instrument of Christ's death. The crucified Jesus washed away the sins of every person with His Blood.

Therefore, this reminds every Christian of what sacrifices God makes for the sake of man, for which Christ suffered. If Jesus did not suffer, people would have no hope of being saved. The cross is rightly called the instrument of our salvation. But many people refuse to wear this item on their body.

Among the arguments, the most popular are:

this does not in any way confirm that I am a Christian;
in the Gospel there are no indications of wearing a cross, the first Christians did not know this either ...

Yes, indeed, wearing a pectoral cross without practicing the Christian life resembles a person who is trying to sail in a storm on a wreck of a ship.

Indeed, the gospel and life of the early Christians do not indicate that people supported modern practices.

But on the other hand, in the life of the early church there was a custom to wear medallions with the image of the slain Lamb or the Crucifixion. Sources of the 2nd century indicate that some Christians already had crosses or painted them on their foreheads in order to “give out” themselves to the persecutors and suffer for their faith. When the "hunt" for believers subsided, the pious example of the early Christians became widespread.

Interesting historical fact cited by Archpriest Igor Fomin.

There was one rather humiliating custom in the Roman Empire. As we now wear a collar to dogs, their slaves wore the same straps around their necks, indicating the name of their owner.

The first Christians, opposing themselves to such a society, wore pectoral crosses, as if to say: we do not belong to you. We have another Master who paid for us with his own life.

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Spiritual protection

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Today, it is customary to put on a cross after the sacrament of baptism. It's like a confirmation of my involvement in the Church and the understanding that the Son of God suffered for my sake.

All this is nonsense! Why wear a cross? - the skeptic will say. - Just think: two wooden sticks or a figurine made of metal. How can they protect a person?

The answer is very laconic: they can. There is a lot of evidence.

For example, in difficult soviet times it was forbidden to wear "figurines of metal". If a girl is going to marry a non-believer, usually she is required to remove ... a cross. It sounds something like this: renounce your faith, turn away from Christ.

And how many stories there are about how people were deprived of spiritual protection without a pectoral cross! Many became possessed - they were possessed evil spirits... And when they were approached with a cross, they began to coward, shout, curse, beat their heads against the wall ...

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The symbol of victory over the devil

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A priest I knew told a story from his own practice. He served in a village where everyone knew each other. There lived one man who had little contact with people, had no family. He never went to church.

One day a priest passed this man. For some reason I decided to stop and talk. Then he turns:

Alexey, I want to make you a little gift.

The man was as delighted as a child. The priest put a pectoral cross around his neck.

Some time has passed. The abbot met Alexei again. The man, almost with tears, said:

Father, I could not accept your gift.

And he told the story. After they hung a cross around his neck, he did not understand what was happening to him. When I came to, I realized: he was already far from home, on the local Bald Mountain. There was no longer a pectoral cross on his neck.

No matter how skeptical we are about this, the devil knows exactly what power this symbol of Christianity has. Therefore the crafty one different ways trying to hinder the person.

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Why wear a cross pendant? To keep yourself safe. The devil is afraid of losing access to a person, worries that he can take the path of piety and be saved. After all, the cross is a symbol of victory over the forces of darkness, a constant reminder of who we are, why we were created and how to be saved.

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How to choose a chain for a cross and other interesting facts

What to do with the found pectoral cross

The found pectoral cross must be lifted. You can keep it at home, you can give it to the temple or to someone who needs it.

Superstitions regarding the fact that if we find somewhere a cross lost by someone, then we cannot take it, since by doing so we take other people's sorrows and temptations, are not only unfounded, but also contrary to Truth, since the Lord is a person, and not a soulless mechanism ...

The image of the Cross of Christ is not only its eight-pointed likeness, but also a simple cross of sticks. St. John Chrysostom writes: "If you are walking along the road and suddenly you see two sticks folded in the form of a cross, then do not be lazy and shift it so that someone does not accidentally step on and trample on the symbol of God's love for people."

Neck cross - the visible consent of a person to the crucifixion with Christ, evidence of belonging to the Orthodox Church, confession of the Christian faith, a means of grace-filled protection.

There is a superstition that when consecrated, the pectoral cross acquires magical protective properties. The Church teaches that the sanctification of matter allows us not only spiritually, but also physically - through this sanctified matter - to partake of the Divine Grace that we need for spiritual growth and salvation.

Why wearpectoral cross

- The meaning of wearing a cross is revealed in the words of the Apostle Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ"(Gal. 2:19). The consecrated pectoral cross is a symbol of faith and a sign of belonging to the Church of Christ. The cross protects from evil spirits. Anyone who does not want to wear the cross himself rejects the help of God.

The pectoral cross is awarded to a baptized person who becomes a Christian for constant wearing in the most important place (near the heart) as an image of the Cross of the Lord, an external sign orthodox Christian... This is also done as a reminder that the Cross of Christ is a weapon against fallen spirits, with the power to heal and give life. That is why the Cross of the Lord is called Life-giving!

He is a testimony that a person is a Christian (a follower of Christ and a member of His Church) and a sin for those who wear a cross for fashion, being or not being a Christian; knowingly wearing the cross is a wordless prayer.

When performing the sacrament of Baptism, the priest puts a cross on the baby, which from that moment becomes an inseparable companion of a new member of the Church. It is not customary to take off the cross when bathing or changing clothes (in the old days, there were even wooden crosses in the baths, which they put on in the steam room instead of their own). Unfortunately, there are also “knowledgeable” advisers: nurses, neighbors, girlfriends, who authoritatively persuade the mother to remove the cross from the child: they say it is still small, it will get entangled in the string, rub the skin, etc.

Name, at least one such case ?!

There are canonical forms of crosses - four-, six-, eight-pointed; with a semicircle below and others. Each line has a deep symbolic meaning. In Russia, eight-pointed pectoral crosses are more accepted, on the back of which, according to tradition, the inscription "Save and save" is made.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov wrote in the 18th century: “Not according to the number of trees, not according to the number of ends, the Cross of Christ is revered by us, but according to Christ Himself, whose Holy Blood was stained. By manifesting miraculous power, any Cross does not act by itself, but by the power of Christ crucified on it and the invocation of His Most Holy Name ".

There are no special rules about the material for the crosses, but making clay crosses is not blessed. Precious metals are also acceptable here, because for a Christian there can be nothing more precious than a cross - hence the desire to decorate it.

Of course, simple wooden or metal crosses are closer in spirit to the Cross of the Lord.

There is also no fundamental difference between the chain and the braid: it is important that the cross stays firmly. The cross must not be removed, incl. during washing and sports activities. Lay people wear underwear ( on the body) a cross under the clothes, without deliberately showing it off.

In the first centuries of the adoption of Christianity by Russia, crosses were worn not on the body, but over clothing "as clear indicators of Christian baptism." Later, until the 18th century, only bishops had the right to wear a cross over clothes, and even later, even priests. The priestly pectoral cross is called a pectoral cross (“persi” in Church Slavonic means “chest”). Along with the pectoral cross, priests also wear a pectoral cross.

Russian people on the crosses swore allegiance, and exchanging body crosses, they became brothers of the cross.

During the construction of churches, houses, bridges, the cross was laid in the foundation.

There was a custom to cast many crosses from a broken church bell, which enjoyed special veneration.

Taking off the cross or not wearing it is apostasy. Over the 2000-year history of Christianity, many people have suffered for their faith, for their refusal to deny Christ and take off their pectoral cross. This feat was repeated in our time.

Many are associated with the pectoral cross superstition:lost the cross - trouble will happen; a cross lost by someone cannot be lifted; a cross cannot be given, you cannot wear a chain on a chain and the like. All of them have no basis: you can buy a new cross, wear a gift or found, consecrating it in the temple. Those crosses that are sold in the temple are consecrated with a special rite.

Is it necessary to consecrate a pectoral cross in a church, or is it enough to sprinkle it with holy water at home?

Icons and images of the cross are to be consecrated by a priest. There is a special small follow-up in the missal, which includes a priestly prayer for the consecration of "this sign of the cross." (The Trebnik is a liturgical book dealing with private services performed on DEMAND (as opposed to public ones - Vespers, Matins and Liturgy).

An incident with a parishioner. Before that, they recently married her husband. The husband has just come to faith. We bought a pectoral Cross. The husband thought: "Why should I go to the Temple. There is baptismal water and a prayer for the consecration of every thing." I read it and sprinkled it three times. Put on and wear. We went to the Pafnutevo-Borovsky Monastery (for the first time). They enter the cell to Fr. Vlasiy. He calls him by name (seeing him for the first time) and says: "Your Cross is not consecrated, go to the prayer service, consecrate." (Zakharin A.G.)

Priest Mikhail Vorobyov answers:

What does the loss of a pectoral cross mean?

Nothing, except for some carelessness and negligence of the lost.

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross

Of course you can.

How to choose a pectoral cross

The pectoral cross is not jewelry... No matter how beautiful he is, no matter what precious metal it would not have been done, it is primarily a visible symbol of the Christian faith.

Orthodox pectoral crosses have a very ancient tradition and therefore are very diverse in appearance, depending on the time and place of manufacture. The traditional Orthodox pectoral cross has an eight-pointed shape.

Veneration of the cross, love for it is manifested in the richness and variety of its decorations. Pectoral crosses have always been distinguished by their variety both in the choice of the material from which they were made - gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, bone, amber - and in their shape. And therefore, when choosing a cross, one must pay attention not to the metal from which the cross is made, but to whether the shape of the cross corresponds to the Orthodox traditions, which will be discussed below.

Is it possible to wear crosses with the Catholic Crucifixion

The iconography of the Orthodox Crucifixion received its final dogmatic substantiation in 692 in the 82nd rule of the Trul Cathedral, which approved the canon of the iconographic image of the Crucifixion. The main condition for the canon is the combination of historical realism with the realism of Divine Revelation. The figure of the Savior expresses Divine peace and greatness. It is, as it were, imposed on the cross, and the Lord opens His arms to everyone who turns to Him.

This iconography artistically solves the complex dogmatic task of depicting the two natures of Christ - Human and Divine - showing both the death and the victory of the Savior. Catholics, having abandoned their early views, did not understand and did not accept the rules of the Trul Cathedral and, accordingly, the symbolic spiritual image of Jesus Christ.

Naturally, Orthodox piety requires the wearing of an Orthodox cross, not a Catholic cross, which violates the dogmatic foundations of the Christian faith.

How to consecrate a pectoral cross

Traditionally, in the Orthodox Church, the consecration of a pectoral cross is performed by a priest in a church. The rite of the blessing of the cross to be worn on a persech, i.e. on the chest, contained in the liturgical book - Trebnik.

The cross is consecrated only once. It is necessary to re-consecrate it only in exceptional conditions (if it was badly damaged and restored again, or fell into the hands, but you do not know whether it was consecrated before).

How to choose a cross - gold or silver

- Irrelevant; the main thing is that the cross should be worn without removing it, and it would be Orthodox and consecrated.

Can I wear a cross on a chain

- There is no fundamental difference between a chain and a braid. It is important that the cross stays firmly. Better on a strong cord, because chain links are frayed.

Is it possible to wear a cross and a zodiac sign on the same chain

- The pectoral cross is a sign of belonging to the Church of Christ, and the signs of the zodiac, amulets, amulets are evidence of adherence to paganism and various superstitions, therefore, they cannot be worn at all: “What does light have to do with darkness? What is the agreement between Christ and Beliar? Or what is the complicity of the faithful with the infidel? What is the compatibility of the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people "(2 Cor. 6: 14-16).

Is it okay to wear the cross that my sister wore if she bought a new one

- Need to. There is a tradition of fraternization in Christ and mutual exchange of crosses. The cross is a shrine, a symbol of salvation, no matter who wore it.

How to distinguish an Orthodox cross from a Catholic?

– Orthodox Church confesses that Christ was crucified not with three, but with four nails. Therefore on orthodox cross The Savior is depicted crucified with four nails, and on the Catholic one - with three (both legs - with one nail). On the back of Orthodox crosses, according to tradition, the inscription "Save and Preserve" is made.

Is it possible to pick up a cross found on the street and what to do with it

- The cross found on the street must be lifted, since it is a shrine, and it should not be trampled underfoot. The found cross can be taken to the Church or consecrated and worn (if there is no one of your own), or given to the one who will wear it.

Pectoral cross - why is it worn on the body and is it possible to remove the cross from oneself?

NATURAL CREST

Of all world religions, Christianity occupies a special position in Russia. According to statistics, at least two-thirds of Russians received the Sacrament of Baptism. In this Sacrament, among other actions, a pectoral cross is placed on a person's neck. About where the tradition of wearing crosses came from, why it is worn on the body and whether it is possible to remove the cross from oneself - this and other will be discussed in our article.

A bit of history

The custom, along with Baptism, to put on a pectoral cross around the neck of the newly baptized did not appear immediately. However, the cross as an instrument of salvation has been the subject of the greatest honor among Christians from the very foundation of the Church. For example, the ecclesiastical thinker Tertullian (II-III centuries) in his "Apology" testifies that the veneration of the cross has existed since the earliest times of Christianity. Even before the finding in the 4th century by Queen Helena and Emperor Constantine of the life-giving cross on which Christ was crucified, even among the first followers of Christ, the custom was widespread to always have the image of the cross with them - both as a reminder of the sufferings of the Lord and to confess their faith in front of others ... From the acts of the 7th Ecumenical Council (Act 4), we know that the holy martyrs Orestes (suffered c. 304) and Procopius (martyred in 303) wore a cross on their chests. Pontius, the biographer of the holy martyr Cyprian of Carthage (d. 258 g..), other. Christians wore the image of the cross on the body, most often on the forehead and chest. If some Christians wore a cross under their clothes for fear of persecution or out of a reverent desire to avoid the mockery of the shrine by the pagans, then there were others who wanted to confess Christ, their faith. Such a bold and resolute confession prompted to make the image of the cross on the forehead as in the most noticeable place of the human body. Today, very few external sources have survived that would report this pious tradition of wearing the cross, because in the first three centuries it belonged to the disciplinae arcanae, that is, to the circle of those Christian beliefs and rituals that were kept secret from the pagans. After the weakening and subsequent cessation of the persecution of Christians, the wearing of the cross became a widespread custom. At the same time, crosses began to be installed on all Christian churches. In Russia, this custom was adopted precisely with the baptism of the Slavs in 988. On Russian soil, crosses were worn not on the body, but over clothing, "as clear indications of Christian baptism." They were called encolpions - from the Greek word for "breastplate". The Encolpions were first in the form of a four-sided box, empty inside; on the outside of them was placed the image of the monogram of the name of Jesus Christ, and later - and the cross various shapes... Particles of relics were kept in this box.

The meaning of the cross

What does the pectoral cross symbolize and what is the need to wear it? Thanks to the sacrificial feat of Christ the Savior, the cross as an instrument of a terrible and painful execution became a symbol of redemption and an instrument for the salvation of all mankind from sin and death. It is on the Cross, through pain and suffering, death and Resurrection, that the Son of God accomplishes the salvation or healing of human nature from mortality, passion and corruption brought into it by the fall of Adam and Eve. Thus, a person who bears the Crucifixion of Christ bears witness to his participation in the sufferings and feat of his Savior, followed by the hope of salvation, and hence the resurrection of a person for eternal life with God. This involvement consists not so much in admitting theoretically that Christ once, more than two thousand years ago, physically and mentally suffered in Jerusalem, as in accepting: I, just like the Lord, are ready to offer daily yourself as a sacrifice - through the struggle with your passions, through forgiveness and non-condemnation of your neighbors, through building your life according to the Gospel commandments of the Savior - as a sign of love and gratitude to Him.

Big honor

For an Orthodox Christian, wearing the cross is a great honor and responsibility. Conscious neglect and blasphemous attitude towards the cross in the Russian people has always been understood as an act of apostasy. Russian people on the crosses swore allegiance, and exchanging body crosses, they became brothers of the cross. During the construction of churches, houses, bridges, the cross was laid in the foundation. The Orthodox Church believes that by the faith of a person through the cross of Christ, the power of God manifests (acts) in an invisible way. The cross is a weapon against the devil. The Church can reliably speak of the miraculous, saving and healing power of the cross and the sign of the cross, referring to the experience from the lives of her saints, as well as to the numerous testimonies of ordinary believers. Raising the Dead, healing from ailments, protection from evil forces - all these and other benefits to this day through the cross show the love of God to man.

Worthless superstition

But, despite the life-giving power of the cross, many people trust (follow) various superstitions associated with the cross. Here is an example of one of them: "Seeing a pectoral cross in a dream is an alarming sign, and if you dreamed that you lost a cross, be prepared for troubles that will not slow down on you," the interpreters of dreams unanimously say. But the most widespread superstition associated with the Crucifixion tells us that if we find somewhere a cross lost by someone, then we cannot take it, since by doing so we take on other people's sins. However, when it comes to finding lost money, no one remembers the sins of others, especially the pain of others. And to the “serious question” of many who are worried about what it means when a cross is lost, I would like to answer just as seriously, that it means that the chain or rope on which this cross hung has broken. The presence in a person of a superstitious, that is, a vain, empty attitude towards the cross testifies to a lack of faith and even distrust of Christ, and therefore, of His redemptive sacrificial feat accomplished on the Cross. In this case, hope and love for God and trust in God's Providence are replaced by distrust and fear of the unknown.

Questionable targets

For what purpose are pectoral crosses worn today and are they worn at all? Here are the answers to this question posted on one of the Internet forums:. I wear it as a talisman amulet; ... because it's beautiful and probably just helps; ... I wear a cross, but not as a symbol of faith, but as a gift from someone close to me; ... I wear it because, they say, it brings happiness; ... I do not wear it, because I consider it idolatry, there is no indication of this custom in the Bible; ... I don’t wear a cross for two reasons: my neck is itching terribly from all these chains, and secondly, I am, of course, a believer, but not to the same extent ... This is how unchurched people with pagan and even consumerist attitude to faith and religion reason. ... But among this type of people there is a part that generally does not accept the wearing of the cross, motivating it with the following: “God is in my soul as it is”; “In the Bible, God does not command to wear a cross”; “The cross is a symbol of death, a shameful instrument of execution,” etc. What can a person not come up with as an excuse for his elementary ignorance in the field of Christian culture! Thus, most unchurched people do not have a Christian understanding of what a cross is and why it should be worn on the body. The church says that the cross is a shrine on which the salvation of people was accomplished, testifying to the love of God for us. Upon accepting the Sacrament of Baptism, a person begins to be called a Christian, which means that one who is ready with his whole life to testify to his faithfulness to God by bearing his life's cross and following His commandments. This is what the image of the cross on our chest constantly reminds us of. Orthodox Christians are called, looking at the cross, to treat it with great reverence and responsibility. Such a reverent attitude towards the cross and remembering it as a shrine often keeps a person from committing a bad deed. No wonder in Russia a person who committed a crime was told: “You don’t have a cross”. This phrase is not literal, physical meaning the absence of a cross on the body, but speaks of the absence of remembrance, a serious Christian attitude towards the cross and the Christian faith. In itself, the presence of a cross on the chest does not save and has no meaning for a person, if he does not consciously confess what the Cross of Christ symbolizes. A reverent attitude towards the pectoral cross encourages the believer not to remove the cross from the body unless there is a serious need. The fact that in Russia they made special bath crosses made of wood, so as not to burn themselves with a metal cross, suggests that people did not want to remove crosses even on a short time (during washing). No wonder the Russian people said: "He who is with the cross is with Christ." But there are situations when certain circumstances require it - for example, body surgery. In such cases, one should not neglect the doctor's requirements, it is enough to cross the sign of the cross and rely on the will of God. The question of whether or not to wear crosses for infants causes fear in many people, because the child can allegedly suffocate with the rope or chain on which the Crucifix is \u200b\u200blocated. But not a single such accident is known yet when a child would strangle himself with his own hand or inflict wounds on himself with a cross. These are just unnecessary fears or superstitious prejudices of adults. The only advice to parents is not to put too long rope or chain around their necks. Conclusion The cross is not just a memory of the day of baptism and not a relic that must be kept, not a talisman or a gift, but a shrine through which God gives a believer who leads a correct spiritual life His grace, consolation and support. It is not by chance that the Russian people have put together a wise proverb: "We do not wear the cross, but it wears us." Being a visible shrine, the pectoral cross is intended to testify to our faith in Christ, our willingness to sacrificially love and forgive people and live according to the Gospel commandments. And God grant us, looking at our cross, more often to remember the words of the Lord and act in accordance with His call: "If anyone wants to follow Me, deny yourself and take up your cross, and follow Me" (Matt 16:24).

Deacon Konstantin Kiosev Source: website "Orthodox"

Can I wear someone else's cross:

If someone else's pectoral cross fell into your hands, and it does not matter how it happened - whether someone gave it to you, inherited it, or even just found it, then naturally, the question arises about the possibility of wearing it. About, is it possible to wear someone else's cross, people often ask on forums and other sites. There is no definite answer to this question, but we will try to highlight the two most widespread opinions on this matter: the opinion of the Church and the opinion of psychics and superstitious people.

What the Church thinks

When clergymen are asked whether it is possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross, their answer is most often unambiguous - yes, it is. Indeed, for Orthodox Christians, the cross on the neck is not some kind of magical attribute or something else like that. The cross on the neck of the Orthodox is a symbol of his faith.

Their opinion is somewhat different from the opinion of the clergy. Many people believe that putting on someone else's cross, you can take over other people's ailments or troubles. Sometimes among the people you can find stories about how a person, having put on someone else's cross, almost repeated the fate of its former owner. Even more often, you can find stories about how, with the help of a cross, they put some kind of damage on a person. Believe it or not is a personal matter for every person.

Often in many families, some valuable things or jewelry are passed from generation to generation. If you inherited a pectoral crossthen you can wear it. However, again, it is better to pre-consecrate it in the church. If you do not go to church, you can just hold the cross under the running waterto wash away someone else's energy from him.

Everyone has already found the answer to the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross or not. In any case, if any doubts or fear gnaws at you, simply consecrate this item in the church or donate and nothing terrible will happen, because the pectoral cross is a symbol of faith in God and a symbol of the fact that you accept His protection.

How to speak a pectoral cross so that life is long and happy?

For a long and happy life, any of the newlyweds, on any day after the wedding, must go to the temple and buy an ordinary wooden pectoral cross, consecrate it there and immediately go home without looking back.

Upon returning, you need to light a wax candle and fill a small container with holy water. Take the cross by the lace (chain) right hand, place it above the water surface and read the plot 7 times:

My house has four corners and the cross has four ends. Lay this cross in the house, drive away misfortunes, protect the goodness of God and peace. Let it be so!

Spray water in all corners of each room. The candle should burn out completely. Take the remaining wax to the intersection. Hide the cross next to the icon.

Conspiracy-amulet from damage (on a pectoral cross)

They say a pectoral cross, and it becomes a very strong amulet.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The cross is the baptist, the cross is the saint, the cross is the beauty of the church, the cross is the keeper of the whole universe, the cross is the exorcism of demons, the cross is an ulcer for demons. And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen. I, the servant of God (name), will get up, blessing, I will go, crossing myself, from door to door, from gate to gate, into an open field, to the blue Ocean of the Sea. On that blue Ocean-sea, in an open field, there is a white curly birch - Mother herself Holy Mother of God... To her, the servant of God (name), I will obey and pray, I will bow to all sides: Most Pure Mother, Most Holy Theotokos Virgin, help, help me, the servant of God (name), to dissuade parables and ghosts, wind talks, internal fractures, from the bone, from a brain, from a white vein, from clear eyes, from a zealous heart, from a violent head, from thirty bones, from three nine veins, from a single core vein, from everything I will become a human being with a servant of God. Always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Key to words, lock to thoughts. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Charm on a pectoral cross

Read this amulet on a pectoral cross 12 times.
This amulet is very strong, it is difficult to interrupt and remove,
if such a cross is lowered into the water,
then it becomes cleansing.

"In the name of father and son and holy spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, our God,
Save us with your honest cross
The cross is on my servant of God (name).
The cross and my enemy will be afraid
the cross and the thief will be pumped out,
the cross and the murderer will turn into stone,
the cross and all the demonic power runs,
cross and screen for sorcerers.
Cross the cross and defeat all enemies.
Church beauty cross,
Praise to the martyrs,
cross to the angels glory,
cross to demons is an ulcer.
I will close myself with a cross, I will be established with a cross,
cross on my servant of God (name).
Cross consecration,
cross healing,
the cross is deliverance from all troubles.
Glory to the Cross of the Lord
The secret service is strong on me.
Spas's hand, Christ's seal.
God bless.
In the name of father and son and holy spirit.
Amen."

Protection for a pectoral cross.

Rite of passage - protection on the pectoral cross of a child from 1 to 16 years old.

The ceremony is carried out on the growing moon on Wednesday from 12 to 15 noon.
Set icons in a semicircle on a table covered with a white tablecloth:
1. ir. "Isaiah the Almighty"
2. IR. Etc. Theotokos "Seven-shot" (it is also called - Softening of evil hearts ")
3. IR. "Archangels Michael and Gabriel"
4. For each icon a church candle.
5. On the right from ourselves we put a small cup with holy water.
6. In the center of the table we put a silver cross consecrated in the church and previously smacked in holy water. (put three zaza in a bowl of holy water and put wet in the middle of the table)
7. Light candles from left to right and read prayers:

"Our Father ..." - 3 times (I hope everyone knows)

"Seven-shot" - 3 times.

" ABOUT, Blessed virgin Mary, queen of angels, heavens and earth, my consolation. Blessed Lady, Diligent intercessor of the entire human race! I pray to Thy miraculous icon. You are healing sick, wrong correction and admonition. Be my intercessor and intercessor before the throne of the Almighty. Whom should I turn to if not to You, the gracious wife of our God. Help me weak. Soothe my sorrow and sorrow, heal and save me. Cleanse my mind from sinful thoughts, accept my prayer, from soul and heart, save and give me understanding and give me the grace of the Holy Spirit. Cover me with your robe from all evil. Comfort the storm of evil enemy attacks and save me from slander, slander of evil people. Hear my voice, do not turn your clear face away from me as a sinner mired in the sea of \u200b\u200bher sins. Have mercy on me, who repent of my evil deeds, turn my lost, numb soul to the right path. Ask the Most High God and the Son of our Savior Jesus Christ with your most holy prayers for forgiveness for my grave sins. On You, the Lady, I pin all my hopes. Give me a helping hand. Protect me from enemies visible and invisible, from vain death, and grant me repentance before death. Deliver from demons at the hour of death. You will rest after death. Deliver me from all misfortune and misfortune. Be a cover and consolation for me from all circumstances, from hunger, coward, flood, fire, sword, deadly virus and ulcer. Ask the Lady of our Omnipresent God for me bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, the fruitfulness of the Earth and blessings from above for all good deeds and new beginnings, so that I can glorify You. Do not look after my tears, asking you. Protect me from thieves and human persecution, damage, evil eye, curse. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, bring back the evil to the one who brought this attack on me in triple size. Protect and protect my family from all kinds of hostile attacks and intrigues of the devil, from fights and scandals. Turn away any anger that comes from relatives at me. Reconcile all my family and loved ones with each other. Give them time to repent. Bless my family for peace, happiness and tranquility. Strengthen and establish my home. Deliver my unfortunate soul from imprisonment, be my Merciful Intercessor in earthly court. Lift my wretched prayers to the throne of the Most High, but pray to Him. All-merciful Lady, do not put away my tears and sighs, do not forget me all the days of my life, always come with me. Your intercession and intercession from the Lord will give me joy and consolation, protection and help. May I praise and glorify Thy Most Blessed and All-Singing Name. Amen"

"Archangels" - 3 times

"Holy angels of God: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selafiel, Igudiel, Barachael!
Drive out from the servant of God (name) with your lightning swords the evil spirit tempting the servant of God (name).
Oh, Great Archangel of God, Michael and Gabriel - the conquerors of demons! Defeat and crush all the enemies of the servant of God (name) visible and invisible, and pray to the Lord Almighty, may the Lord save and preserve the servant of God (name) from sorrows and from any disease, from all troubles, from a deadly ulcer and vain death. Heal many diseases of the body and soul of God's servant (name). Bless the servant of God (name) to make a good beginning, the correction of her unborn life. Pray the Lord God to deliver her from the hell of the underworld, from the damage of the evil eye, curse, accident, from all enemies visible and invisible and premature death. Now and forever and forever Main "

After reading the prayers, drop one drop from each candle on the cross and read the Conspiracy on the cross - 3 times.

"In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The cross is the baptist, the cross is the saint, the cross is the beauty of the church, the cross is the keeper of the whole universe, the cross is the exorcism of demons, the cross is an ulcer to demons. And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
I will get up, God's servant (name) blessed, I will go crossing myself, from door to door, from gate to gate, into an open field, onto the blue Ocean-Sea. On that blue Ocean - the sea, in an open field there is a white curly birch, and under it is the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Seven Arrows. To her, the servant of God (name) will obey and pray, and ask: - Most Pure Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos Virgin, help, help me the servant of God (name) to dissuade parables and ghosts, windy negotiations, internal fractures, from the bone, from the brain, from the white veins from clear eyes, from a zealous heart, from a violent head, from thirty bones, from thirty veins, from a single core vein, I will all become a human being from the servant of God (name). The Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos blesses this - the cross, for the servant of God (name). The key to my words, the lock to my thoughts. Always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen."

After reading the conspiracy, we put the icons with candles near the cross in the form of a triangle, until the candles are completely burned out. When all the candles are burned out, the guard is ready.

If someone else's pectoral cross fell into your hands, and it does not matter how it happened - whether someone gave it to you, inherited it, or even just found it, then naturally, the question arises about the possibility of wearing it. Whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, people often ask on forums and other sites. There is no definite answer to this question, but we will try to highlight the two most widespread opinions on this matter: the opinion of the Church and the opinion of psychics and superstitious people.

What the Church thinks

The belief of many that together with someone else's cross you take over all the worries, troubles and even the fate of the former owner is most often based on a misinterpretation of the words of the Bible. The Bible says that Jesus called everyone to take up his cross and follow him. The cross in this context refers to the trials that befell the believer. The pectoral cross worn at baptism has nothing to do with it.

Also, priests urge not to pay attention to various superstitions and omens, because everyone knows that the Church completely denies them. As many priests say: a believer should not be superstitious and afraid of anything.

What psychics and superstitious people say

Psychics recommend not picking up other people's crosses on the road, and especially at intersections, as damage can be reduced on them. They also advise against accepting crosses as a gift from people who are hostile towards you and do not want good. If, nevertheless, you raised the found cross or was presented with this thing, then there are two options for solving the problem: take the cross to the church and give it away, or again take it to the church, but not give it away, but simply consecrate it. In no case should you throw out the cross, especially if you are a baptized person.

If the cross is inherited

Often in many families, some valuable things or jewelry are passed from generation to generation. If you inherited a pectoral cross, you can wear it. However, again, it is better to pre-consecrate it in the church. If you do not go to church, then you can just hold the cross under running water for a while to wash away other people's energy from it.

Everyone has already found the answer to the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross or not. In any case, if any doubts or fear gnaws at you, simply consecrate this object in the church or donate it and nothing terrible will happen, because the pectoral cross is a symbol of faith in God and a symbol of the fact that you accept His protection.

The cross connects the person with the God of the sanctuary human soul... This is what a person sacredly believes and sacredly keeps "in the heart of his body."

What to do? If you find a cross, then you should first take it to the nearest church and light it up. Afraid to keep it for yourself - give it to the priest. Let him decide what to do with such a find.

If you were presented with a found cross, then be sure to wear it! Shoot only in exceptional cases. For example, when you need to clean or wipe a gold (silver) chain. Notice that the cross presented to you has turned black - take it off and forget about it. It is possible that the person who handed it over does not like you or has a strong sense of anger, hatred and envy towards you.

Alien donated cross

You can take. Light it up in church and wear it with blessing.

Alien silver cross

You can wear someone else's cross made of silver. Consider how silver "treats" you, since it is not loved by all people.

Silver suits emotional, young, purposeful, optimistic, patient, strong-willed, resourceful and enterprising women born under the zodiacal signs of Pisces and Cancer. Why it comes only about women? Because this metal was considered to be purely feminine at all times.

Silver does not like people who have the following qualities:

Ruthlessness.
Stiffness.
Pedantry.
Closure.
Greed (stinginess).
Swagger.
Duplicity.
Pragmatism.

Someone else's cross, bought at a pawnshop

In ancient occult literature, there are tips that say, if you want to cleanse any thing, pass it through the pawnshop, they say, even things with strong curses are cleansed in this way. But this is not confirmed data. There is no evidence to indicate that this is the case. The Church is for the fact that each person carries only his own cross, do not try on and do not accept someone else's, it can be a hundred times more difficult.

Deceased person's cross

The priests see absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a cross that belongs to a deceased person. However, they strongly recommend that you bury the deceased with the cross.

You can wear the cross of a person who went to another world, if you do not believe in all sorts of signs and do not live by superstitions.

The cross of the deceased should not be worn if for some reason you stole it and did not confess what you did.

Whether or not to wear a cross without a crucifix

The Orthodox cross, on which there is no crucifixion, is considered the oldest. Indeed, at the very beginning of the Christian era, only the geometric outlines of the cross were depicted. And the crucifixion appeared relatively recently. In this regard, many priests are of the opinion that crosses with crucifixes do not correspond to Christian canons in any way: they have the image of Christ on them and therefore they automatically turn into an icon. Any icon is intended for the perception and reading of a prayer.

They say that it is undesirable for the Orthodox to wear a cross without a crucifixion. And if there is a great desire to wear such a cross, then it is necessary to hide it under clothes and not show it to anyone.

You can wear a consecrated cross on your hand or not

All liturgical books mention a cross for wearing on a persech (on the chest). This means that you should not wear it in a place that is not intended for it, if it is your only one.

You can wear a lighted cross on your hand if you have one copy near your heart for a long time.

Is it possible to wear a cross for unbaptized people

There are two completely opposite answers to this question. Now we will deal with each of them.

Unbaptized people are allowed to wear a cross if:

They have decided to be baptized in the near future and are carefully preparing for this important ceremony.
They truly believed in God, and there was not the slightest doubt about their faith.

Some priests say that a cross should not be worn by someone who has never thought about baptism. The person who acquires it for the sake of decoration or creating an image has no right to wear a cross.

Why is someone else's cross dreaming?

If he dreams alone, then this means taking care of a neighbor. If you dream of many other people's crosses, then there are many good deeds that you will begin to do in the near future.

If in a dream you see just a beautiful, shining cross, it means that you are an all-forgiving and noble person. Joy and well-being can be expected soon.

If this is a golden cross - a huge positive and joy.

If the cross is silver - the embodiment of hope.

If you cross a wooden one - success and good luck.

Pectoral cross - why is it worn on the body and is it possible to remove the cross from oneself?

NATURAL CREST

A bit of history

The custom, along with Baptism, to put on a pectoral cross around the neck of the newly baptized did not appear immediately. However, the cross as an instrument of salvation has been the subject of the greatest honor among Christians from the very foundation of the Church. For example, the ecclesiastical thinker Tertullian (II-III centuries) in his "Apology" testifies that the veneration of the cross has existed since the earliest times of Christianity. Even before the finding in the 4th century by Queen Helena and Emperor Constantine of the life-giving cross on which Christ was crucified, even among the first followers of Christ, the custom was widespread to always have the image of the cross with them - both as a reminder of the sufferings of the Lord and to confess their faith in front of others ... From the acts of the 7th Ecumenical Council (Act 4), we know that the holy martyrs Orestes (suffered c.304) and Procopius (martyred in 303) wore a cross on their chests. Pontius, the biographer of the holy martyr Cyprian of Carthage (d. 258 g..), other. Christians wore the image of the cross on the body, most often on the forehead and chest. If some Christians wore a cross under their clothes for fear of persecution or out of a reverent desire to avoid the mockery of the shrine by the pagans, then there were others who wanted to confess Christ, their faith. Such a bold and resolute confession prompted to make the image of the cross on the forehead as in the most noticeable place of the human body. Today, very few external sources have survived that would report this pious tradition of wearing the cross, because in the first three centuries it belonged to the disciplinae arcanae, that is, to the circle of those Christian beliefs and rituals that were kept secret from the pagans. After the weakening and subsequent cessation of the persecution of Christians, the wearing of the cross became a widespread custom. At the same time, crosses began to be installed on all Christian churches. In Russia, this custom was adopted precisely with the baptism of the Slavs in 988. On Russian soil, crosses were worn not on the body, but over clothing, "as clear indications of Christian baptism." They were called encolpions - from the Greek word for "breastplate". The Encolpions were first in the form of a four-sided box, empty inside; on the outside of them was placed the image of the monogram of the name of Jesus Christ, and later - and a cross of various shapes. Particles of relics were kept in this box.

The meaning of the cross

Big honor

For an Orthodox Christian, wearing the cross is a great honor and responsibility. Conscious neglect and blasphemous attitude towards the cross in the Russian people has always been understood as an act of apostasy. Russian people on the crosses swore allegiance, and exchanging body crosses, they became brothers of the cross. During the construction of churches, houses, bridges, the cross was laid in the foundation. The Orthodox Church believes that by the faith of a person through the cross of Christ, the power of God manifests (acts) in an invisible way. The cross is a weapon against the devil. The Church can reliably speak of the miraculous, saving and healing power of the cross and the sign of the cross, referring to the experience from the lives of her saints, as well as to the numerous testimonies of ordinary believers. The resurrection of the dead, healing from ailments, protection from evil powers - all these and other benefits to this day through the cross reveal to man the love of God.

Worthless superstition

Questionable targets

For what purpose are pectoral crosses worn today and are they worn at all? Here are the answers to this question posted on one of the Internet forums:. I wear it as a talisman amulet; ... because it's beautiful and probably just helps; ... I wear a cross, but not as a symbol of faith, but as a gift from someone close to me; ... I wear it because, they say, it brings happiness; ... I do not wear it, because I consider it idolatry, there is no indication of this custom in the Bible; ... I don’t wear a cross for two reasons: my neck is itching terribly from all these chains, and secondly, I am, of course, a believer, but not to the same extent ... This is how unchurched people with pagan and even consumerist attitude to faith and religion reason. ... But among this type of people there is a part that generally does not accept the wearing of the cross, motivating it with the following: “God is in my soul as it is”; “In the Bible, God does not command to wear a cross”; “The cross is a symbol of death, a shameful instrument of execution,” etc. What can a person not come up with as an excuse for his elementary ignorance in the field of Christian culture! Thus, most unchurched people do not have a Christian understanding of what a cross is and why it should be worn on the body. The church says that the cross is a shrine on which the salvation of people was accomplished, testifying to the love of God for us. Upon accepting the Sacrament of Baptism, a person begins to be called a Christian, which means that one who is ready with his whole life to testify to his faithfulness to God by bearing his life's cross and following His commandments. This is what the image of the cross on our chest constantly reminds us of. Orthodox Christians are called, looking at the cross, to treat it with great reverence and responsibility. Such a reverent attitude towards the cross and remembering it as a shrine often keeps a person from committing a bad deed. No wonder in Russia a person who committed a crime was told: “You don’t have a cross”. This phrase does not carry the literal, physical meaning of the absence of a cross on the body, but speaks of the absence of remembrance, a serious Christian attitude towards the cross and the Christian faith. In itself, the presence of a cross on the chest does not save and has no meaning for a person, if he does not consciously confess what the Cross of Christ symbolizes. A reverent attitude towards the pectoral cross encourages the believer not to remove the cross from the body unless there is a serious need. The fact that in Russia they made special bath crosses made of wood, so as not to burn themselves with a metal cross, suggests that people did not want to take off the crosses even for a short time (while washing). No wonder the Russian people said: "He who is with the cross is with Christ." But there are situations when certain circumstances require it - for example, body surgery. In such cases, one should not neglect the doctor's requirements, it is enough to cross the sign of the cross and rely on the will of God. The question of whether or not to wear crosses for infants causes fear in many people, because the child can allegedly suffocate with the rope or chain on which the Crucifix is \u200b\u200blocated. But not a single such accident is known yet when a child would strangle himself with his own hand or inflict wounds on himself with a cross. These are just unnecessary fears or superstitious prejudices of adults. The only advice to parents is not to put too long rope or chain around their necks. Conclusion The cross is not just a memory of the day of baptism and not a relic that must be kept, not a talisman or a gift, but a shrine through which God gives a believer who leads a correct spiritual life His grace, consolation and support. It is not by chance that the Russian people have put together a wise proverb: "We do not wear the cross, but it wears us." Being a visible shrine, the pectoral cross is intended to testify to our faith in Christ, our willingness to sacrificially love and forgive people and live according to the Gospel commandments. And God grant us, looking at our cross, more often to remember the words of the Lord and act in accordance with His call: "If anyone wants to follow Me, deny yourself and take up your cross, and follow Me" (Matt 16:24).

Deacon Konstantin Kiosev Source: website "Orthodox"

Can I wear someone else's cross:

What the Church thinks

What psychics and superstitious people say

If the cross is inherited

Often in many families, some valuable things or jewelry are passed from generation to generation. If you inherited a pectoral crossthen you can wear it. However, again, it is better to pre-consecrate it in the church. If you do not go to church, then you can just hold the cross under running water for a while to wash away other people's energy from it.

How to speak a pectoral cross so that life is long and happy?

For a long and happy life, one of the newlyweds, on any day after the wedding, should go to the temple and buy an ordinary wooden pectoral cross, consecrate it there and immediately go home without looking back.

Upon returning, you need to light a wax candle and fill a small container with holy water. Take the cross by the lace (chain) with your right hand, place it over the water surface and read the plot 7 times:

My house has four corners and the cross has four ends. Lay this cross in the house, drive away misfortunes, protect the goodness of God and peace. Let it be so!

Spray water in all corners of each room. The candle should burn out completely. Take the remaining wax to the intersection. Hide the cross next to the icon.

Conspiracy-amulet from damage (on a pectoral cross)

They say a pectoral cross, and it becomes a very strong amulet.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The cross is the baptist, the cross is the saint, the cross is the beauty of the church, the cross is the keeper of the whole universe, the cross is the exorcism of demons, the cross is an ulcer for demons. And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen. I, the servant of God (name), will get up, blessing, I will go, crossing myself, from door to door, from gate to gate, into an open field, to the blue Ocean of the Sea. On that blue Ocean-Sea, in an open field, there is a white, curly birch - the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos herself. To her, the servant of God (name), I will obey and pray, I will bow to all sides: Most Pure Mother, Most Holy Theotokos Virgin, help, help me, the servant of God (name), to dissuade parables and ghosts, wind talks, internal fractures, from the bone, from a brain, from a white vein, from clear eyes, from a zealous heart, from a violent head, from thirty bones, from three nine veins, from a single core vein, from everything I will become a human being with a servant of God. Always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Key to words, lock to thoughts. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Charm on a pectoral cross

Protection for a pectoral cross.

Rite of passage - protection on the pectoral cross of a child from 1 to 16 years old.

The ceremony is carried out on the growing moon on Wednesday from 12 to 15 noon.
Set icons in a semicircle on a table covered with a white tablecloth:
1. ir. "Isaiah the Almighty"
2. IR. Etc. Theotokos "Seven-shot" (it is also called - Softening of evil hearts ")
3. IR. "Archangels Michael and Gabriel"
4. For each icon a church candle.
5. On the right from ourselves we put a small cup with holy water.
6. In the center of the table we put a silver cross consecrated in the church and previously smacked in holy water. (put three zaza in a bowl of holy water and put wet in the middle of the table)
7. Light candles from left to right and read prayers:

"Our Father ..." - 3 times (I hope everyone knows)

"Seven-shot" - 3 times.

"O Blessed Virgin Mary, queen of angels, heaven and earth, my consolation. Blessed Lady, Zealous intercessor of the whole human race! I pray to Thy miraculous icon. You are the healing of the sick, correction and admonition of the lost. Be me an intercessor and intercessor before the throne of God." Who can I turn to, if not You Gracious wife of our God. Help me who is weak. Soothe my sorrow and sorrow, heal and save me. Cleanse my mind from sinful thoughts, accept my prayer, from soul and heart, save and give me understanding and give me the grace of the Holy Spirit. With your robe, cover me from all evil. Console the storm of evil enemy attacks and save me from slander, slander of evil people. Hear my voice, do not turn your clear face away from me as a sinner mired in the sea of \u200b\u200bher sins. Have mercy on me who repent of my evil deeds, turn to the right path my lost, numbed soul.Seek from the Most High God and the Son of our Savior Jesus Christ with your holiest prayers forgiveness of my grave sin am. On You, the Lady, I pin all my hopes. Give me a helping hand. Protect me from enemies visible and invisible, from vain death, and grant me repentance before death. Deliver from demons at the hour of death. You will rest after death. Deliver me from all misfortune and misfortune. Be a cover and consolation for me from all circumstances, from hunger, coward, flood, fire, sword, deadly virus and ulcer. Ask the Lady of our Omnipresent God for me bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, the fruitfulness of the Earth and blessings from above for all good deeds and new beginnings, so that I can glorify You. Do not look after my tears, asking you. Protect me from thieves and human persecution, damage, evil eye, curse. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, bring back the evil to the one who brought this attack on me in triple size. Protect and protect my family from all kinds of hostile attacks and intrigues of the devil, from fights and scandals. Turn away any anger that comes from relatives at me. Reconcile all my family and loved ones with each other. Give them time to repent. Bless my family for peace, happiness and tranquility. Strengthen and establish my home. Deliver my unfortunate soul from imprisonment, be my Merciful Intercessor in earthly court. Lift my wretched prayers to the throne of the Most High, but pray to Him. All-merciful Lady, do not put away my tears and sighs, do not forget me all the days of my life, always come with me. Your intercession and intercession from the Lord will give me joy and consolation, protection and help. May I praise and glorify Thy Most Blessed and All-Singing Name. Amen"

"Archangels" - 3 times

"Holy angels of God: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selafiel, Igudiel, Barachael!
Drive out from the servant of God (name) with your lightning swords the evil spirit tempting the servant of God (name).
Oh, Great Archangel of God, Michael and Gabriel - the conquerors of demons! Defeat and crush all the enemies of the servant of God (name) visible and invisible, and pray to the Lord Almighty, may the Lord save and preserve the servant of God (name) from sorrows and from any disease, from all troubles, from a deadly ulcer and vain death. Heal many diseases of the body and soul of God's servant (name). Bless the servant of God (name) to make a good beginning, the correction of her unborn life. Pray the Lord God to deliver her from the hell of the underworld, from the damage of the evil eye, curse, accident, from all enemies visible and invisible and premature death. Now and forever and forever Main "

After reading the prayers, drop one drop from each candle on the cross and read the Conspiracy on the cross - 3 times.

"In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The cross is the baptist, the cross is the saint, the cross is the beauty of the church, the cross is the keeper of the whole universe, the cross is the exorcism of demons, the cross is an ulcer to demons. And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
I will get up, God's servant (name) blessed, I will go crossing myself, from door to door, from gate to gate, into an open field, onto the blue Ocean-Sea. On that blue Ocean - the sea, in an open field there is a white curly birch, and under it is the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Seven Arrows. To her, the servant of God (name) will obey and pray, and ask: - Most Pure Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos Virgin, help, help me the servant of God (name) to dissuade parables and ghosts, windy negotiations, internal fractures, from the bone, from the brain, from the white veins from clear eyes, from a zealous heart, from a violent head, from thirty bones, from thirty veins, from a single core vein, I will all become a human being from the servant of God (name). The Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos blesses this - the cross, for the servant of God (name). The key to my words, the lock to my thoughts. Always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen."

After reading the conspiracy, we put the icons with candles near the cross in the form of a triangle, until the candles are completely burned out. When all the candles are burned out, the guard is ready.