“The soul is by nature a Christian,” Tertullian once said, to which, after many centuries, V.V. Rozanov said: “Nothing like that. The soul is by nature a heathen." And so the pagan struggles with the Christian in our man, and this struggle sometimes gives rise to numerous dilemmas. So, many are wondering whether it is possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross. Does not pass along with someone else's cross and someone else's fate or someone else's sins?
Is it possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross
Archpriest Alexander Lebedev believes that being afraid of a found pectoral cross due to the fact that the sins of a person who has lost the creed will be passed on to another is nonsense, which is easier to invent than to comment on.
To the question: “Is it possible to wear another person’s cross?”, It’s also enough to ask yourself: “How can one’s own passions, which belong exclusively to a specific person and give only her the exclusive right to fight her sins, can pass to an innocent person , which, of course, has enough of its own mistakes.
Orthodox crosses
In addition, everyone receives their own life hardships, which must be carried with patience and gratitude, because the Lord sends trials to heal the soul. Everyone asks in prayers: "Lord, have mercy," which in Greek sounds like "Kyrie elaison." Elayson is translated as "oil", and olive oil is the first human medicine in the world.
It is impossible that the pectoral cross, which was found and put on, influenced by itself on the character of a person, on the addition of sins or on getting rid of them, and also in some magical way draws a line of life's path.
Important. Orthodoxy is, first of all, sanity, and no actions that are not related to personal, conscious actions of a person, good or evil, can change a person or affect life events that happen to a person.
You should not be afraid of the found cross, since the cross is a shrine, and not a pagan amulet. Ever since Christ was crucified for our salvation, the pectoral cross protects a person from evil spirits in the same way as the sign of the cross. Another person who wore it and lost it is unable to change its purpose as a protective force against evil.
Therefore, all signs associated with it are superstition.
About superstitions:
Which cross is considered to be Orthodox
For a Christian, the main key aspects are important. The cross must be:
- four-, six-, eight-pointed form;
- with the inscription "Save and save" on both sides, and not with decorative stones (preferably, as a recommendation from the priests), children are recommended simple, not encrusted with precious stones;
- purchased in a church, then it is already consecrated, if bought in a jewelry store or found, it must be consecrated by any Orthodox priest;
- the material of manufacture does not matter. And also, the size is not important, except that it is better for kids to wear small crosses without sharp corners.
What to do with the found cross. Priests Answers
If a person himself found an Orthodox cross on the street, the priests recommend that it be consecrated without fail, since it is not known whether it was previously consecrated.
Read about the pectoral cross:
If, nevertheless, there are doubts about the found cross, the priests advise, first of all, to consecrate it, and then:
- to give to a godson or a poor Christian who does not have the material opportunity to buy it;
- wear yourself;
- donate to the temple.
Thus, Orthodoxy is unambiguous in the question of a found or lost cross, as well as in the question “where to read the Gospel”, “which hand to put a candle in the temple.”
Archpriest Alexander Lebedev proposes to reduce to absurdity the superstitions associated with the found crosses. If sins can be transmitted through things, then why shouldn't virtues be transmitted in the same way? Then it would only be worth acquiring a thing belonging to a righteous person, as a person would involuntarily have a halo above his head. Then it would be possible to deliberately lose crosses, so that one's own sins could be thrown off, like an unnecessary burden, onto others.
Important! The fear of other people's crosses is a completely absurd thing, contrary to common sense and having nothing to do with the Orthodox faith.
Watch the video about the found cross
Before answering this delicate question, let's first try to figure out why you need to wear it and what does it give? Indeed, during the sacrament of baptism, this symbol is necessarily put on a person, which he must wear all his life. However, here it is very important for you to understand that the cross is the greatest shrine and a symbol of commitment to Christian Orthodoxy. It was he who became the instrument of the painful execution of Christ the Savior for the feat of redemption from the sin and death of all mankind brought by Adam and Eve. Therefore, one who wears a cross with the crucifixion of Christ shows his involvement in the sufferings and deeds of his Lord, who gave all people hope for salvation, and therefore for resurrection after death for eternal life in his Kingdom.
Symbolism of the cross
For some reason, people very often wonder whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross. And all because they themselves are not able to answer it. Psychics and fortune-tellers filled their heads with all sorts of superstitions and heresy.
But first of all, it is necessary to understand that a pectoral cross - silver, gold or wooden, is not an ornament, a talisman or a beautiful jewelry trinket. It is primarily a symbol of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Ancient pectoral crosses are the most diverse in appearance, but the iconography of the Crucifixion received its final dogmatic validity in 692 by the Trull Cathedral in Constantinople, approved in the 82nd rule. The figure of the Savior was superimposed on the cross. Christ opens His arms to all who turn to Him. This iconography has two hypostases - Divine and Human, showing his death and victory. The most common was the form of an eight-pointed cross, on the reverse side of which the prayer “Save and save” is most often written.
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?
People who constantly wear a pectoral cross in this way give God their wordless prayer, and therefore he serves as protection from all sorts of troubles and demonic misfortunes.
Understanding in more detail the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, let's dwell on one more point. Its presence on the chest of a person cannot have any meaning if he does not realize and does not profess faith in Christ. The cross protects us from worldly turmoil and difficulties, but above all, it protects us from sin, which is the main tool in the hands of the evil one, who always longs to get our soul into power. A person can never cope with his own strength, but with God's help he will definitely succeed. As the holy fathers say: “The enemy is strong, but the Lord is almighty!”
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross: the priest's answer
The history of occurrence is at least a little, but already quite clear. And now we come to the main question: "Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?" This is a very common question for priests who do not approve of superstition. After all, all kinds of psychics forbid doing this, then the question arises: "Why?" They believe that the cross remembers the energy of its owner and absorbs his sins. But why sins and not virtues? But now let's go from the opposite, put on a person the things of the righteous, but more. And that means that he is already almost a saint and has become closer to paradise. As the professor of theology A. I. Osipov would say: “That’s it, I’m already a saint, quickly canonize me!”
sins
And again, if the crosses absorb sins, then let's change them more often. In this way we will be cleansed and get rid of sins. Maybe someone will find and pick up our cross? We will immediately get rid of our sins. A wonderful way to save, isn't it? There is a feeling of complete absurdity. Sane people should already understand everything.
life cross
In the process of the sacrament of baptism, church crosses are put on the words of the Lord: "Whoever wants to follow Me, deny yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Me." What is the meaning of these words? This means that we must carry our life cross laid on us by the Lord, and the pectoral cross reminds us of this, and it will not allow a true believer to stray from his path, save and save.
Therefore, other people's crosses can be worn. If it was once consecrated, it is not necessary to consecrate it twice. If you are not sure, then you should definitely do it. The main thing that is required of a person is a correct spiritual life and the fulfillment of God's commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself." Such a spiritual life will give that saving grace of God, which will heal from passions and sins.
Feat
Wearing a pectoral cross is a great honor and responsibility. For 2000 years, many Christians have suffered for their faith. All that was required of them was to renounce Christ and remove the pectoral cross from their chest.
The feat of 19-year-old Evgeny Rodionov, a simple Russian soldier, may not be known to everyone. He ended up in Chechnya and served as a grenade launcher. On February 13, 1996, together with his comrades, he was captured, in which they spent 3.5 months. The militants brutally mocked them. Then Evgeny was offered to take off his pectoral cross, convert to Islam and promised that they would not torture him anymore. But he did not submit to their will, and therefore, on May 23, in the village of Bamut, Rodionov and his friends were brutally executed. They cut off Eugene's head, but they did not dare to remove the cross even from the dead body.
Conclusion
The great feat of Rodionov should serve as a vivid example for those people who wear a pectoral cross (silver or gold) as an ornament or change it for different amulets or signs of the zodiac. But for him people went to certain death, and we must always remember this. After all, Christ left on him the grace-filled light and love that constantly emanate from him.
The great Russian elders said that a Christian without a cross is like a warrior without a weapon, and therefore the enemy can easily defeat him at any moment.
The cross is an indicator of belonging to the Christian faith. From our article you will find out whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross and why it cannot be worn over clothes.
The pectoral cross is the most important attribute of any Christian, therefore it is worth choosing it wisely. If you need to choose a suitable cross, then you can find it in the Saints store. There are crosses of various shapes and materials.
The cross, according to the clergy, should always be on a believer. But there are also prohibitions associated with it. Some of them are nothing more than superstitions, which a believer should not even think about. These include, for example, darkening of the cross. But this is far from the only question that a believer may have about his cross.
Cannot be worn on a chain
There are absolutely no restrictions on the chain. Here, rather, the question of convenience and habit is more important. If a person wants to wear a pectoral cross on a chain, then he can do it, such actions are not forbidden by the church. The most important principle to follow in this case is that the cross does not get lost and does not fly off the neck. Both lace and chain are acceptable. Superstitious people, however, assure that, according to all signs, the cross is not lost just like that.
Cannot be worn over clothing
This is an absolutely true statement. The cross is a symbol of faith and protection. By not wearing a cross outside, a person shows the sincerity of faith, without making it ostentatious. Also, all the warmth and blessing that the priest gives to the pectoral cross during the consecration, in this case, is transferred only to you.
Can't give
You can always give a cross. Of course, it's great if parents or godparents take care of it, as one of the christening gifts. But this does not mean that the other person cannot give you a cross. There is also such a tradition when two people exchange pectoral crosses, becoming brothers or sisters in Christ. Usually this is done by close people.
Cannot be picked up if found
A superstition that has absolutely no basis. We also recall that superstitions are completely not recognized by the church and are considered incompatible with the Christian faith. There are people who believe that by raising the found cross, one can take on the problems of the person who lost or left it. The cross, since it is a shrine, must at least be brought to the temple. Or keep it for yourself and store it in a red corner in the house.
You can not wear someone else's cross
If you got a cross from a parent or someone you know, you can wear it. The church does not establish any prohibition here. Especially if you don't have a cross. Many people believe that things are endowed with the energy of their owner and it can be transferred to a new owner. They may also argue that by giving away a cross, a person gives away a piece of his Destiny. Only such beliefs have nothing to do with the Christian faith and belong to the occult worldview.
You can not wear a cross with a crucifix
Another superstition that you should not pay attention to. There are people who say that a cross with a crucifix will bring a hard life on a person. This is not true at all, just people's speculation. Such a cross symbolizes the salvation and sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing wrong with it. But you need to wear it correctly: the crucifix should not be turned towards you, but outward.
You can not wear an unconsecrated cross
The cross is best to consecrate. But as such, there is no ban on wearing an unconsecrated pectoral cross. It is believed that evil spirits bypass even two crossed sticks. Nevertheless, a believer should still consecrate his creed.
You can choose any cross that you like: gold, silver, copper or wood. The material is not very important. It is important to consecrate it and not wear jewelry bought in a jewelry store as a cross. It must be understood that the church Orthodox cross, which symbolizes faith in God, differs from beautiful, but purely decorative crosses. They do not carry a spiritual load and are not related to faith.
There are also many signs and beliefs associated with the cross. To believe in them or not is up to you. All the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and
22.07.2016 06:16
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The pectoral cross is the greatest shrine and a symbol of religious affiliation. The church attaches importance to the material from which it is made. But the main thing is that the cross should be of the correct form (four, six or eight-pointed).
Many of the people, at least once in their lives, found this product on the street, indoors, public transport and at the same time did not know whether it was possible to lift and whether it was possible to wear someone else's pectoral cross.
Popular rumor says that wearing someone else's cross is unacceptable, since it encrypts all the information relating to its owner
Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?
Popular rumor and psychics say that putting on someone else's cross is unacceptable, since this attribute encrypts all the information related to its owner - information about significant events that have already happened and are coming in a person's life.
People say that a cross found near their home is a sign of damage caused by ill-wishers. Most modern Christians do not believe in the existence of such a danger, believing that someone else's cross found in or near a house must be taken to church, consecrated and given to people who are unable to acquire this religious attribute.
The opinions of believers about whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross were conditionally divided into two groups:
- The former believe that people who have put on someone else's cross have taken responsibility for the sins of another person. Having found such an attribute on the ground, in no case should one step over it or, even worse, step on it.
- People of the opposite group consider any cross, including someone else's, protection.
The clergy agree that this sacred attribute should be treated with care and respect.
Fears associated with wearing someone else's cross existed in ancient Russia. In those days, there was a custom: when the deceased was buried, a cross was removed from him.
Some modern believers believe that the sacred attribute taken from the dead is a kind of link between the two worlds, that is, it can harm the living. But the number of such people is negligible.
Today, the church even insists that the Christian relic be interred with the deceased owner.
Priest's opinion
The ministers of the church do not see anything in wearing someone else's pectoral cross that would be contrary to Christian canons. Only the deed of a parishioner who came to the temple without a cross - a symbol of faith and a powerful amulet - is not approved.
The ancient Christians had a sign: if the cross became cloudy, turned black, or if the thread broke and the product fell to the ground, the person loses protection from negative energy attacks. Priests say that all such talk is a manifestation of unfounded superstition.
There were many episodes in the history of Christianity when a church minister took off this church attribute in order to pass it on to an ordinary parishioner who did not have such an attribute.
And there is also an opinion about what to wear, since it is a gift from above. The clergy give some advice on how to deal with the found cross:
- “Consecrate in the temple and wear!”.
- "Consecrate in the temple and give to the godson."
- "Consecrate in the temple and give to a poor stranger."
- “Bring it to the temple and leave it near one of the miraculous icons.”
And the last. The person who has found the cross must understand that, having put on the find, he cannot take responsibility for other people's sins, especially if he himself is sinless.
is the understanding of its meaning. It is neither an ornament nor a talisman that can protect against all misfortunes. Such an attitude towards a sacred object is characteristic of paganism, and not of Christianity.
The pectoral cross is a material expression of that “cross” that God gives to a person who wants to serve Him. Putting on the cross, the Christian thereby promises to live according to the commandments of God, no matter what the cost, and endure all trials steadfastly. The one who realized this, of course, needs to be worn.
How not to wear a pectoral cross
The pectoral cross is a sign of belonging to the Church. Those who have not yet joined it, i.e. was not baptized, should not wear a pectoral cross.
Do not wear a cross over clothing. According to church tradition, only priests wear crosses over the cassock. If a layman does this, it looks like a desire to put his faith on display, to brag about it. Such display of pride is not befitting a Christian.
The pectoral cross, as its name implies, should be on the body, more precisely, on the chest, closer to the heart. You can not wear a cross in the ear in the form of an earring or on. You should not imitate those people who carry a cross in a bag or in their pocket and say: “I still have it with me.” Such an attitude towards the pectoral cross borders on blasphemy. You can put a cross in a bag only for a while if the chain breaks.
What should be an Orthodox pectoral cross
It is sometimes said that only Catholics wear four-pointed crosses, but this is not true. The Orthodox Church recognizes all types of crosses: four-pointed, eight-pointed, with or without the image of the crucified Savior. The only thing that an Orthodox Christian should avoid is the depiction of the crucifixion with the utmost realism (a sagging body and other details of suffering on the cross). This is indeed characteristic of Catholicism.
The material from which the cross is made can be any. It is only necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular person - for example, there are people whose body is getting dark, such a person does not need a silver cross.
No one is forbidden to wear a large cross or a cross encrusted with precious stones, but one should consider whether such a display of luxury is compatible with the Christian faith?
The cross must be consecrated. If it was bought in a church, you should not worry about it, there they sell crosses already consecrated. A cross bought at a jewelry store needs to be consecrated in the temple, it will take a few minutes. They consecrate the cross once, but if it is not known for sure whether it is consecrated or not, this must be done.
There is nothing shameful in wearing a cross that belonged to a deceased person. A grandson may well receive a cross of a deceased grandfather at baptism, and there is no need to be afraid that he will “inherit” the fate of a relative. The idea of an inevitable fate is generally incompatible with the Christian faith.
