Cross Crucifix. Archangel Michael

A cross is nothing but a symbol of a militant belief. The war against the Devil and his temptations will never end. As the world is full of tempting able to seduce even a true believer out of the right way. Even Paul the Apostle said that Christians lead an invisible war. But since this constant battle isn’t being noticed by many, it doesn’t get less fierce. Only the weapon our Lord has given us should be used to fight temptations and castigate the evils of society. Miles Christianus are belted with the Truth, they are booted with the Righteousness and protected by dedication and the light of the true faith. The true obedience is a helmet and a shield capable to repel even the deadliest attacks of Lucifer. And the word that can slay the Devil with a single stroke will serve as a sword. The cross of Christ has been a symbol of bravery and fearlessness in the battle since olden times.

Description of the cross

Heroes who died a martyr’s death in the battle have been honored in Rus’ since olden times. A military feat used to be placed above all other worldly benefits. As only those who gave their lives for friends and native land can be considered true Christians. Four great martyrs killed in battle are depicted on this cross:

• Theodore Stratelates;
• Demetrius of Thessalonica;
• Theodore the Tyro;
• John the Soldier.

The first two are in the front, the third and the fourth ones are in the back. The cross is made in a shape of a sword. As is well known, a sword has symbolized the fight against infidels since ancient times. Saints are often depicted with weapons in their hands on the images in ancient church books. The notions of a cross and a weapon were linked the most tightly in Rus’. The crucifix symbolizes the connection between the soldiers and Christianity. On both sides of the Crucified there are things depicted associating with his passions. There is a wall depicted in the background. This phenomenon has two meanings. On the one hand, Christ was crucified outside the city. On the other hand, it is something like Heavenly Jerusalem. There is Panteleimon, the great healer, depicted in the lower part of the Military cross. He was a brave soldier and a doctor, he was made in the year of three hundred and five and then canonized. Archangel Michael is depicted on the back of the military cross. He is called up to fight evil and he is one the most rampant archangels. His head is decorated with ribbons called rumors. The ribbons are a symbol of attention and obedience to the Great Creator. There is an excerpt from a canonical prayer request in the base. It was written by monk Gregory Sanait in the fifteenth century. He was canonized.