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The beeswax cross is hand-carved with great attention to details. Thanks to the addition of incense during the manufacturing process the cross exudes a light aroma, which is firmly associated in our minds with the calming atmosphere of church rooms.
The central part of the cross depicts the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Four Evangelists at its four ends. At the base of the cross the Ascension of Jesus is depicted.
The image of the Evangelists in Orthodox iconography is accompanied by specific symbolism, which stems from the prophecy of Ezekiel (1:5-14). Of the four holy evangelists, two of them, Matthew and John, were disciples of Christ. Matthew, before he met Jesus, was a tax collector, which, according to the law of Moses, was considered a sinful occupation. In iconography he is symbolized by man, the crown of creation. John was first a disciple of John the Baptist and then followed Jesus. He remained with the Mother of our Lord until her dormition. His iconography is symbolized by an eagle because of the high theological significance of his Gospel.
Mark was a disciple of Peter the Apostle and also met Christ. His symbol in iconography is a lion, because of the beginning of his Gospel, where he refers to John the Baptist's preaching in the wilderness. Luke was of Greek origin; he was a disciple of Paul the Apostle and a physician by profession. In iconography it is symbolized by the calf. One common explanation is that the Gospel of Luke contains many allusions to the sacrifice of Christ.
Orthodox cross: history and symbolism
The Orthodox Church honors the Cross as a great relic symbolizing the redemption of the human race. The honorable Cross of the Lord for the Christian faith is the highest symbol of sacrifice and sanctification, and therefore its significance is truly invaluable. The Cross and the Resurrection are the two main axes of Christianity: The Resurrection follows the Cross and implies the Cross, and the Cross predicts the Resurrection.
The honorable Cross of the Lord is the unifying force of mankind. The two crossbars of the Cross symbolize the union of men with God (the vertical crossbar) and the union of men with one another (the horizontal crossbar). The last one also symbolizes the two arms of the Crucified Savior, which are open to embrace all mankind.
