The altar cross is in the Orthodox Church an altar cross , a crucifix stored on the throne in the altar of the temple [1] . The altar cross with antimins and the altar gospel is a mandatory altar accessory [2] .
The altar cross is used at the end of the Liturgy (after the dismissal ) for the priest to bless the believers, who then kiss him, as at the end of confession , wedding , baptism , and unction . An altar cross sanctifies water at the Epiphany and at other water- holy prayers [3] . During the bishop service, an altar cross on a tray with a patron saint is taken out to the bishop when he meets in the temple [4] .
Many altar crosses are works of jewelry art : they are made of precious metals , decorated with precious stones . In some altar crosses, for example, the cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk , are placed particles of the relics of Orthodox saints.
Notes
- ↑ Belovinsky L.V. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Russian Life and History: XVIII - beginning of XX century. - M., 2003. - p. 472. - ISBN 5-224-04008-6 .
- ↑ Kolesnikova V. Orthodox Church. Symbolism and tradition. - M., 2006. - p. 81. - ISBN 5-224-05380-3 .
- ↑ Cross altar . Alphabet of faith.
- ↑ Constantine (Ostrovsky), ierod. The follow of the bishop services .