Eastern Orthodox Cross

The Eastern Orthodox Cross is a Latin Cross with two additional cross beams. It is the symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church, and is also known as the Ukraine, Slavic, or Byzantine Cross.

This cross is distinctively different from other Christian crosses. The deep symbolism and the Byzantine Empire tradition of icons was preserved through the Christian Empire it created in Russia. This is reflected in the additional beams on the cross.

The top beam, also seen on the Patriarchal cross, represents the plaque bearing Pontius Pilate's inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews".

The lower beam has been said to represent a footrest and began appearing in Christian art in the sixth century. In most earlier representations the crossbar near the bottom is straight. In later Russian and other traditions, it came to be depicted as slanted. The Eastern Church believes Jesus was crucified with his feet side by side and not crossed one over the other as usually pictured in the Western Church.

The slanted beam is thought to point up to Heaven and down to Hell. Some say that the upper side pointing to the right (according to Jesus' view) indicates the repentant thief to whom Jesus promised Paradise, and the lower side pointing to the left indicates the thief who mocked Jesus. Others suggest that the bottom line represents the footrest having been wrenched loose by Jesus' suffering. Another explanation is that the slanted bar forms Saint Andrew's cross. Saint Andrew is believed to have introduced Christianity to Russia.