The Cross the Crucifixion of Christ. Michael the Archangel. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Our lady of Kazan

The cross is a real work of art. This is an iconographic story about the main event in the life of all mankind – the acquisition of faith. The Son of God cleansed the sins of the people who were estranged from God with his blood. There is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the center on the front side of the cross. Around this key point, the entire iconographic narrative, engraved on the described cross, is conducted. To the left of the Savior there are the images of the Most Holy Theotokos and Mary Magdalene. On the right are the faces of the Apostle John the Theologian and the martyr Longinus the Centurion. The question arises: why was the Centurion among the closest circle of the Savior? After all, he was on the opposite side. While the Mother of God, Mary Magdalene, and the disciples of Jesus “carried the cross with him” and did not leave him, Longinus participated in the execution.

The story of the Great Transfiguration

Longinus was the Roman centurion who speared Jesus instead of breaking his shins. According to the Bible legend, blood and water flowed out of the wound. The cataract-ridden warrior was immediately healed. But it wasn't just the miracle that had happened that had struck him. The torments of the innocent, the signs of heaven, all these things made him believe in the Savior. Longinus became a preacher, and died at the hands of the Jews.

What is also depicted on the cross

Above the crucifix is an icon of the Holy Trinity – the trinity of the Divine Essence that sent a Son to humanity for the redemption of sins. The images of the Apostles Peter and Paul are placed on the edges of the crossbars. They often stand together, even their memorial Day is celebrated on the same day. It has a deep meaning to show that the path to God can be different, the key part is righteous. Below is the Archangel Michael, the head of the holy host of heavenly angels. His trumpet calls for a fight against the dark forces. On the back side of the cross – Mozhaisk icon of St. Nicholas. The image of this Saint with a sword in one hand and a temple in the other, which is a traditional symbol for Russian Orthodoxy. According to legend, the appearance of St. Nicholas saved Mozhaisk from the invasion of the Tatars. And the most famous miracle of this Saint revealed to people, is depicted below. The merchants sailing on the ship were attacked by pirates. Thrown into the water, they began to pray. Then Nicholas the Wonderworker came and saved them from death. On both sides of the Saint the Grand Dukes are depicted:

• Dmitry Donskoy;
• Alexander Nevsky.

The cross is a real symbol of the Orthodox faith. It is designed to save and protect those who wear it.