ANTIQUE c.1700s LARGER 1 3/4\" ORTHODOX \"OLD BELIEVERS\" CROSS w/ PSALM 68 PRAYER For Sale

Antique larger and sturdy (approx. 1 3/4\" tall with solidbale; weight approx. 4.8 g) Orthodox Cross pendant featuring an 18thcentury Russian \"Old Believers\" plain and humble right-angleddesign with image of the three-bar Savior\'s Cross with the Instruments of thePassion over the skull (Adam\'s head), and Church Slavonic text ofprayer to the Holy Cross based on Psalm 68 of David the King on thereverse. The Cross appears to have been hand made from a historical copperalloy of unknown composition. Origin likely circa 18th century Russia(according to available catalogs describing similar findings; please see thelast two pictures for a reference). The item shows significant signs ofwear consistent with its centuries-old age and devotional wearing, such asreduced quality of artwork, visible deformations of the original shape, scratchesand/or superficial cracks, dents, chipped off or corroded particles of metal, and patches of patina/oxidation. Most ofthe original thick patina has been removed using a complex procedure of gentlemanual cleaning and polishing. Some pictures taken under brightillumination could give an impression that the metal is silvery, but itsreal color shows some yellow (brass-like) tone reflecting presence of copper inthe metal alloy. The size of the Cross is shown on the photographs forthis listing.

The obverse bears an image of the three-bar Suppedaneum cross. Thethree-bar cross is venerated as the true Savior\'s Cross in the Eastern Orthodoxand some Eastern Catholic churches. Such a cross has three horizontalcrossbeams: the top one represents the \"INRI\" nameplate, and thebottom one, a footrest. The footrest crossbeam is depicted pointing up, towardHeaven, on Christ\'s right hand side where the Penitent thief, St. Dismas wascrucified.

The top end of the vertical crossbar of the pendant bears anabbreviated inscription in Church Slavonic meaning \"KING OF GLORY\".The Kingship of Jesus is also symbolized by the shape of the necklace baleresembling the shape of a Byzantine-style crown. The side ends of thecentral horizontal crossbar show inscriptions in Church Slavonic meaning\"JESUS CHRIST (IC XC) SON OF GOD\". The space just above thelowest bar (footrest) of the three-bar cross bears worn-out inscription \"HИKA\",a Slavonic transliteration of the ancient Greek “NIKA” symbol meaning the“Conqueror” or \"Victorious\", which is often used as a part of thetitle of Jesus to glorify His victory over sin and death achieved on the Cross. Takentogether, all these inscriptions create a full \"title\" of the Savioraccording to the \"Old Believers\" tradition, \"KING OF GLORY JESUSCHRIST, SON OF GOD, THE VICTORIOUS\".

Parallel to the verticalcrossbar, there are images of the two Instruments of the Passion which aresubjects to adoration along with the Cross, the Holy Lance (spear) of a Romansoldier, and the Holy Sponge attached to the end of a cane.

A symbolic image of theskull, or Adam\'s head, buried below the Savior\'s Cross refers toGolgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus was crucified, which theBible says means \"the place of the skull\" in Hebrew. An ancienttradition of the Church held that it was also the burial place of Adam, thusalso symbolizing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.

The reverse shows ChurchSlavonic text of the Orthodox prayer to the Holy Precious andLife-Giving Cross based on Psalm 68 beginningwith \"ДА ВОСКРЕСНЕТ БОГ И РАЗЫДУТСЯ ВРАЗИ ЕГО...\" meaning\"MAY GOD ARISE AND MAY HIS ENEMIES BE SCATTERED\". This psalm-based prayer istraditionally inscribed on the reverse of the Old Believers\' Orthodox body(Baptism) cross pendants. It is a powerful reminder to a person wearingthe cross to invoke God through this prayer and through making a sign ofthe Cross to provide His protection against the evil spirits (God\'s enemies),and thereby is considered a version of the Exorcism prayer.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item\'s description. The measuring meter and electronic scale are not for sale, and might be photographed with the item in order to provide a size and weight reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old and could be fragile. All items are sold \"as is\" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Will ship to the USA only.