The Holy Cross

For Orthodox Christians the Cross is no ornament but "the guardian of the whole world," the weapon by which Christ conquered death. At baptism the priest places a small cross on the newly baptized, and from that moment it is worn next to the heart for life, under the clothing, and not taken off even to bathe. On the reverse of Russian crosses is engraved the prayer "Спаси и сохрани," "Save and protect." The Church keeps the Exaltation of the Cross, recalling its finding by St Helen in Jerusalem; the Procession of the Wood in August, when the Cross was carried through Constantinople against sickness; and the Sunday of the Cross at mid-Lent. Each evening the faithful pray, "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered... rejoice, most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord, which drivest away the demons." Orthodox Christians trust the Cross to guard them always.

Russian crosses are usually eight-pointed with 'Спаси и сохрани' on the reverse; Greek baptismal crosses are typically four-pointed and uninscribed. Wearing the cross under the clothing is a Russian custom of modesty, not a universal rule.