What kind of gold crosses do men wear? What kind of cross is needed for Baptism

A pectoral cross is one of the most mysterious decorations for those uninitiated in the secrets of religion. The site has prepared a guide for you that will answer all important questions.

Despite the fact that the shape of the cross is extremely common as a decorative element and is often perceived as breaking with Christian traditions, its origins and symbolism should not be ignored. Religion insists: it doesn’t matter what material the cross is made of, how much it costs or weighs. First of all, it is a symbol of the Christian faith. But at the same time, the tradition of honoring the cross, which is always with you, has turned it into a decoration and a luxury item.

There is an opinion that a truly religious pectoral cross should be simple in design and should be worn under clothing, closer to the heart and away from prying eyes. But the main difference between a purely decorative ornament and a Christian cross amulet is whether it is consecrated or not. The Church cannot refuse to bless a product strewn with stones, just as it cannot refuse to demand that you hide it under your clothes in the summer heat.

What you really should pay attention to when choosing a cross is whether its shape corresponds to the Orthodox or Catholic tradition.

How to distinguish between Orthodox and Catholic crosses

Form

In the Orthodox Church, the most common are six- and eight-pointed crosses. By the way, the latter have long been considered a powerful amulet against evil spirits. The small crossbar at the heads symbolizes the sign that was used to mark the crimes committed. But since no one called the crimes of Jesus that way, in the Orthodox tradition it may have the abbreviation I.N.C.I. or I.N.C.I, Catholics write I.N.R.I in Latin. This is an abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The slanting crossbar under your feet symbolizes the path from sins to righteousness. In turn, Catholic crosses are as simple as possible and consist of only two crossbars.

Engravings

In addition to the inscription I.N.Ts.I., on Orthodox crosses, on the side opposite the crucifix, “Save and Preserve” can be engraved. There is no such thing in the Catholic tradition.

Nails

Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was nailed with four nails, while Catholics believe that there were only three nails. That is why the feet of Christ on the Orthodox cross are located side by side, but on the Catholic cross they are thrown one on top of the other.

Crucifixion

How Jesus should be depicted on the crucifixion is the subject of heated debate among representatives of both faiths. Catholics adhere to the most naturalistic image, which reflects the insane suffering on the cross. At the same time, the Orthodox believe that such an image speaks of torment, but is silent about the main thing - Jesus conquered death. Therefore, in the Orthodox tradition, his figure rather reflects happiness from the transition to a better world.

Eight-pointed cross

This is one of the most canonical Orthodox crosses. On top there is a short horizontal crossbar (often with the abbreviation I.N.Ts.I.), and at the feet there is a short diagonal crossbar (the upper end is directed to the left, the lower end is directed to the left, if you look at the cross directly). The lower part is a symbol of support under the feet of the crucified Jesus, as well as the transition from a sinful world to a righteous one. In fact, the presence of this false support only prolonged the torment on the cross.

Six-pointed cross

One of the oldest options. In this cross, the inclined lower crossbar symbolizes the internal scales of each of us: what wins - conscience or sin. Its meaning is also interpreted as the path from sin to repentance.

Four-pointed teardrop cross

It is believed that the drops at the ends of the crossbars are the blood of the crucified Christ, who atoned for the sins of mankind. This symbol is often used to decorate religious books.

"Shamrock"

This cross is often used in heraldry (for example, on the coat of arms of Chernigov), but many people also love it as a body cross. The ends of the crossbars of such a product are decorated with semicircular leaves. Sometimes there are also beads on them - “bumps”.

Latin four-pointed cross

The most common Christian cross in the West. The horizontal crossbar is located 2/3 of the height from the vertical one. The elongated lower part symbolizes Christ's patience in redemption. Such crosses are a very long tradition. They appeared around the 3rd century in the catacombs of Rome.

How to choose a cross for a christening

Traditionally, the first pectoral cross, or, as it is also called, a vest, is placed at the baptismal ceremony. The debate over when it is better to baptize a child: as an infant or already at a conscious age - is still ongoing. For adults who decide to undergo this sacrament, there are no special restrictions in choosing a sacred decoration. But in order to choose the right baptismal cross for a newborn, several factors should be taken into account.

A child's cross should be small and light, about 2cm long.
Despite the fact that gold is hypoallergenic, do not rush to give your baby a gold cross. Purely for practical reasons, because children very often lose such things.
Give preference to a cross made of 925 sterling silver. It is lighter, cheaper and, moreover, has antiseptic properties.
Be sure to inspect the jewelry you like for sharp elements and edges.

Women's and men's crosses

There is no particular difference between crosses for men and women. On average, their size is about 4 cm. The main difference is in the design. Silver and gold men's crosses, as a rule, are more laconic. Their crossbars can also end with drops, petals and trefoils, but the overall composition is simpler than that of women’s ones, and the decoration itself is a little more massive.

Women's crosses are often inlaid with precious stones. If the decoration is consecrated, its decor does not affect its sacred meaning in any way. Rarely, but still, a church may refuse to consecrate a decorative cross with too curved and shaped crossbars. Although, of course, the main thing is your own feelings. Whether he warms you up or not.

It is expected that from the moment of consecration, the cross will remain with you forever. But at the same time, the church does not condemn the change of this decoration. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that wearing it on the same chain with some other pendant is bad manners. The only thing that can be worn with a cross is an amulet.

How to consecrate a cross

Crosses purchased in church shops have two advantages. Firstly, they exactly correspond to the traditions of your religion. Secondly, they are already sanctified. If you bought a cross in a jewelry store, then it must be blessed. It is better to come before the start of the service and make this request to the priest. You can also ask him to perform the ceremony in your presence and take part in prayer.

What to do if you find a cross

There is an opinion that finding a cross is a bad omen. Allegedly, along with it, the sorrows and sorrows of the previous owner may be passed on to you. At the same time, the church advises not to pay attention to such superstitions.

Is it possible to give a pectoral cross?

It is possible and necessary. The Church does not prohibit this. And for a loved one such a gift will be especially important and dear.

Share in the comments whether the article on the site was interesting to you. Tell us, what shape of crosses do you prefer? And what does a cross mean to you - a decorative decoration or something more?

The domes of Orthodox churches are crowned with crosses. Believers wear crosses on their chests to always be under the protection of God.

What should be the correct Orthodox cross? On its reverse side there is an inscription: “Save and preserve.” However, this attribute is not a talisman that can protect against all misfortunes.

The pectoral cross is a symbol of the “cross” that God gives to a person who wants to serve Him - in fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him turn aside, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mark 8, 34).

A person who wears a cross thereby gives a guarantee that he will live according to the commandments of God and steadfastly endure all the trials that befall him.

Our story about what to consider when choosing an Orthodox cross will be incomplete if we do not turn to history and talk about the festival dedicated to this Christian attribute.

In memory of the discovery of the Lord's Cross in 326 in Jerusalem, near Golgotha, where Jesus Christ was crucified, the Orthodox Church celebrates a holiday called the Exaltation of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. This holiday symbolizes the triumph of the Church of Christ, which has gone through a difficult path of trials and persecution and spread throughout the world.

As legend says, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, Queen Helena, went in search of the Holy Cross to Palestine. Excavations were carried out here, as a result of which the cave of the Holy Sepulcher was found, and three crosses were discovered not far from it. They were placed one by one on a sick woman, who, thanks to touching the Cross of the Lord, was healed.

According to another legend, a dead person carried by a funeral procession was resurrected from contact with this cross. However, what exactly the cross on which Christ was crucified looked like is unknown. Only two separate crossbars were found, along with a sign and a footstool.

Queen Helena brought part of the Life-Giving Tree and nails to Constantinople. And Emperor Constantine erected a temple in Jerusalem in 325 in honor of the Ascension of Christ, which included the Holy Sepulcher and Golgotha.

The cross began to be used as a symbol of faith thanks to Emperor Constantine. As the church historian Eusebius Pamphilus testifies, “Christ, the Son of God, appeared in a dream to the emperor with a sign seen in heaven and commanded, having made a banner similar to this seen in heaven, to use it for protection from the attacks of enemies.”

Constantine ordered images of the cross to be placed on the shields of his soldiers and installed three commemorative Orthodox crosses in Constantinople with gold inscriptions in Greek “IC.XP.NIKA”, which means “Jesus Christ the Victor”.

What should be the correct pectoral cross?

There are different graphic types of crosses: Greek, Latin, St. Peter's cross (inverted cross), Papal cross, etc. No matter how different the different branches of Christianity may be, this shrine is revered by all denominations.

But if in Catholicism Jesus Christ is depicted sagging in his arms, which emphasizes His martyrdom, then in Orthodoxy the Savior appears in power - as a winner, calling the entire Universe into His arms.

The palms of Jesus on the Orthodox cross are usually open; the figure expresses peace and dignity. In Him are embodied His most important hypostases - Divine and Human.

The attribute of the Catholic crucifix is the Crown of Thorns. In the Orthodox artistic tradition it is rare.

Also in Catholic images, Christ is crucified with three nails, that is, nails are driven into both hands, and the soles of his feet are put together and nailed with one nail. In the Orthodox crucifix, each foot of the Savior is nailed separately with its own nail, and a total of four nails are depicted.

The canon of the image of the Orthodox crucifixion was approved back in 692 by the Tula Cathedral and remains unchanged to this day. Of course, Orthodox believers should use crosses that are made in accordance with the Orthodox tradition.

It must be said that the debate about what a Christian cross of the correct shape should be - eight-pointed or four-pointed - has been going on for a long time. In particular, it was led by Orthodox believers and Old Believers.

According to Abbot Luke,
“in the Orthodox Church, its holiness does not depend in any way on the shape of the cross, provided that the Orthodox cross is made and consecrated precisely as a Christian symbol, and not originally made as a sign, for example, of the sun or part of a household ornament or decoration.”

What form of the pectoral cross is considered correct in Orthodoxy?

The Orthodox Church recognizes four-pointed, six-pointed, and eight-pointed types of crosses (the latter, with two additional partitions - inclined to the left side for the legs and a crossbar at the head, are used more often), with or without the image of the crucified Savior (however, such a symbol cannot be 12-point or 16-point).

The letters ІС ХС are a christogram, symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ. Also, the Orthodox cross has the inscription “Save and Preserve.”

Catholics also do not attach much importance to the shape of the cross; the image of the Savior is not always found on Catholic crosses.

Why is the cross called a cross in Orthodoxy?

Only clergy wear crosses over their clothes, and ordinary believers should not wear crucifixes for show, thereby demonstrating their faith, because such a manifestation of pride is not appropriate for Christians.

It must also be said that an Orthodox pectoral cross can be made from different materials - gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, bone, amber, and decorated with ornaments or precious stones. The main thing is that it must be sanctified.

If you bought it in a church shop, you don’t have to worry about this: they sell already consecrated crosses. This does not apply to items purchased in jewelry stores, and such crosses will need to be consecrated in the temple. During this ritual, the priest will read prayers calling to protect not only the soul, but also the body of the believer from evil forces.

The cross is an ancient and significant symbol. And in Orthodoxy it is of great importance. Here it is both a sign of faith and an indication of belonging to Christianity. The history of the cross is quite interesting. To learn more about this, consider Orthodox crosses: types and meaning.

Orthodox cross: a little history

The cross as a symbol is used in many world beliefs. But for Christians it initially did not have a very good meaning. Thus, the guilty Jews were executed first in three ways, and then a fourth was added. But Jesus managed to change this order for the better. And he was crucified on a pillar with a crossbar, reminiscent of a modern cross.

Thus, the sacred sign firmly entered the life of Christians. And it became a real protective symbol. In Rus', a person with a cross around his neck inspired trust, and they tried not to do any business with those who did not wear a cross. And they said about them: “There is no cross on them,” meaning a lack of conscience.

We can see crosses of various formats on the domes of churches, on icons, on church paraphernalia and as decorations on believers. Modern Orthodox crosses, the types and meanings of which can vary, play an important role in the transmission of Orthodoxy throughout the world.

Types of crosses and their meaning: Christianity and Orthodoxy

There are a huge variety of types of Orthodox and Christian crosses. Most of them come in the following form:

straight;
with extended beams;
a square or diamond in the middle;
curved ends of beams;
triangular ends;
circles at the ends of the beams;
flourishing decoration.

The last form symbolizes the Tree of Life. And it is framed with floral patterns, where lilies, vines and other plants may be present.

In addition to differences in shape, Orthodox crosses have differences in type. Types of crosses and their meaning:

St. George's Cross. Approved by Catherine the Great as a reward symbol for clergy and officers. This four-pointed cross is considered one of those whose shape is recognized as correct.
Vine. This cross with eight ends is decorated with images of grape vines. It may have an image of the Savior in the center.
Seven-pointed cross. Was common on 15th century icons. Found on the domes of old churches. In biblical times, the shape of such a cross served as the foot of the altar of the clergy.
Crown of thorns. The image of a thorny crown on the cross signifies the torment and suffering of Christ. This type can be found on icons of the 12th century.
Gallows-shaped cross. A popular look found on the walls of churches, on the clothes of church employees, and on modern icons.
Maltese cross. Official cross of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Malta. It has equilateral rays that widen at the ends. This type of cross is issued for military courage.
Prosphora cross. It is similar to St. George's, but has an inscription in Latin: “Jesus Christ is the winner.” Initially, such a cross was on three churches in Constantinople. According to Orthodox tradition, ancient words with the famous shape of a cross are printed on prosphoras, symbolizing the redemption of sins.
Drop-shaped four-pointed cross. The drops at the ends of the beams are interpreted as the blood of Jesus. This view was depicted on the first leaf of a Greek Gospel dating from the 2nd century. Symbolizes the fight for faith to the end.
Eight-pointed cross. The most common type today. The cross took its shape after Jesus was crucified on it. Before that, it was ordinary and equilateral.

The last form of the cross is the most common on sale. But why is this cross so popular? It's all about his story.

Orthodox eight-pointed cross: history and symbolism

This cross is directly associated with the moment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When Jesus carried the cross on which he was to be crucified up the mountain, its shape was ordinary. But after the act of crucifixion itself, a footrest appeared on the cross. It was made by the soldiers when they realized where Jesus' feet would reach after his execution.

The upper bar was made by order of Pontius Pilate and was a tablet with an inscription. This is how the Orthodox eight-pointed cross was born, which is worn around the neck, placed on tombstones, and decorates churches.

Eight-pointed crosses were previously used as the basis for award crosses. For example, during the reign of Paul the First and Elizabeth Petrovna, pectoral crosses for clergy were made on this basis. And the shape of the eight-pointed cross was even enshrined in law.

The history of the eight-pointed cross is closest to Christianity. After all, on the sign above Jesus’ head was the inscription: “This is Jesus. King of the Jews." Even then, in the moments of death, Jesus Christ received recognition from his tormentors and from his followers. This is why the eight-pointed shape is so significant and common among Christians around the world.

In Orthodoxy, a pectoral cross is considered to be one that is worn under clothing, closer to the body. The pectoral cross is not displayed, is not worn over clothing and, as a rule, has an eight-pointed shape. Today there are crosses on sale without crossbars on top and bottom. They are also acceptable to wear, but have four ends, not eight.

And yet, canonical crosses are eight-pointed products with or without the figure of the Savior in the center. There has long been debate about whether it is worth buying crucifixes with Jesus Christ depicted on them. Some representatives of the clergy believe that the cross should be a symbol of the resurrection of the Lord, and the figure of Jesus in the center is unacceptable. Others think that the cross can be considered a sign of suffering for faith, and the image of the crucified Christ is quite appropriate.

Signs and superstitions associated with the pectoral cross

The cross is given to a person during baptism. After this sacrament, the church decoration must be worn almost without taking off. Some believers even wash themselves wearing their crosses for fear of losing them. But what does it mean when the cross is lost?

Many Orthodox people believe that the loss of a cross is a sign of impending disaster. To ward it off, Orthodox Christians fervently pray, confess and receive communion, and then acquire a new consecrated cross in the church.

Another sign is related to the fact that you cannot wear someone else’s cross. God gives each person his own burden (cross, trials), and by putting on someone else’s badge of faith, a person takes on someone else’s difficulties and fate.

Today, family members also try not to wear each other’s crosses. Although previously, a cross decorated with precious stones was passed down from generation to generation and could become a real family heirloom.

A cross found on the road is not raised. But if they pick it up, they try to take it to church. There it is consecrated and purified again, and given to those in need.

Many priests call all of the above superstitions. In their opinion, anyone can wear a cross, but you need to make sure that it is consecrated in the church.

How to choose a pectoral cross for yourself?

You can choose a pectoral cross based on your own preferences. When choosing it, two main rules apply:

Mandatory blessing of the cross in the church.
Orthodox view of the selected cross.

Everything that is sold in a church shop undoubtedly belongs to Orthodox paraphernalia. But Orthodox Christians are not recommended to wear Catholic crosses. After all, they have a completely different meaning, different from the others.

If you are a believer, then wearing a cross becomes an act of union with Divine grace. But God’s protection and grace are not given to everyone, but only to those who truly believe and sincerely pray for themselves and their neighbors. He also leads a righteous lifestyle.

Many Orthodox crosses, the types and meaning of which are discussed above, are devoid of jewelry delights. After all, they are not decoration in the full sense of the word. First of all, the cross is a sign of belonging to Christianity and its norms. And only then - a household attribute that can decorate any outfit. Of course, sometimes pectoral crosses and crosses on priests’ rings are made of precious metals. But here, too, the main thing is not the cost of such a product, but its sacred meaning. And this meaning is much deeper than it might initially seem.

A pectoral cross is a simplified “pectoral cross” that three centuries ago was worn only by clergy. The crucifix was an identification sign aimed at parishioners: by the shape, metal and design of the attribute you could easily determine the “level” of the priest. Pectoral crosses were noticeable from afar, they were worn only over clothing, and were received along with church rank.

What should a pectoral cross look like?
Religious canon, etiquette and common sense

The pectoral cross is a simplified “pectoral cross” that was worn only by clergy three centuries ago. The crucifix was an identification sign aimed at parishioners: by the shape, metal and design of the attribute you could easily determine the “level” of the priest. Pectoral crosses were noticeable from afar, they were worn only on top of clothing, and were received along with church rank.

Despite its origin, the pectoral cross is worn differently from the pectoral cross: it is hidden under clothing. The cross symbolizes the personal cross (the burdens of fate) that every person carries on his shoulders. To prepare for christening and check how correctly you are wearing the accessory, read the article.

Question 1. What does a pectoral cross mean?
Wearing tradition and baptism ceremony

The prototype is the pectoral cross, but its direct relative is the encolpion (meaning “worn in the bosom”). Encolpoins looked like boxes with a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ and an image of a cross, and relics or lists of sacred books were kept inside.

In the first millennium AD, boxes began to be made in the form of three-dimensional crosses, and they entered the church canon as part of ceremonial clothing.

In the 18th century, the accessory was replaced by flat crosses made of precious metals, sometimes with jewelry enamel. In the Russian Empire, large precious crosses became the insignia of everyone who served the church for at least seven years: they were made of silver and gold, and decorated with stones. And just two centuries later, small crosses became an attribute of baptism. All believers were now allowed to wear the accessory.

Interestingly, an Orthodox Christian is not required to wear a cross. The tradition of wearing is associated with the Gospel quote: “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Therefore, the fact that you do not wear a cross does not mean a lack of faith.

Question 2. What types of crosses are there?
Children's, women's and men's

There are no clear rules for wearing crosses for women and men. It means the same thing to everyone: church affiliation. However, it is customary to choose different crosses for girls and boys, and adult and children’s accessories differ in minimum size and weight.

Children. The first cross may appear in a child on the 40th day after birth. Of course, a child at this age does not realize what is happening in the church, but he feels a new object on himself. I don’t recommend giving it to children - it’s better to choose . Firstly, the accessory is easy to lose, since for babies it is hung on a string, not on a chain, for safety reasons. Secondly, the adult will replace the first cross with another - larger one. If gold plating is a requirement of your parents, give preference to moderate gilding. Avoid sharp edges and inserts, as well as metals other than silver and gold.

Man. An adult accessory is chosen complete with a chain, and if it already exists, taking into account its thickness. The cross should look harmonious. The size of an “adult” cross is 3-5 centimeters. Men's versions are wider and have modest decor.

Woman. The female pectoral cross has teardrop-shaped curves at the ends - this is a symbol of the sins that the Savior atoned for. A vine is also depicted on the surface of the cross - this is a reference to the psalm: “Your wife is like a fruitful vine in the lands of your home.” In general, women's accessories are often decorated with stones, and their shape is more refined than men's. The reason for this is more practical than religious - women are more likely than men to wear low-cut clothes. By the way, please note that the decorative version of the cross (in stones and inserts) may be refused to be blessed in the church.

Question 3. How to decipher the “design” of a cross?
Relief, inserts and blackening

As you already know, over the course of one and a half thousand years, the appearance of what we call pectoral crosses today has changed.

In the modern Russian Orthodox tradition, the accessory has the shape eight-pointed cross, on the front of which there is a scene of the crucifixion, on the back - the words “Save and preserve.”

Old Believers consider iconic engraving to be a violation of the canon, according to which it is prohibited to wear icons (an icon is an image, and a cross is a symbol). However, if you wear a cross, as expected, under your clothes, the rule does not apply to you.

Often the shape of the accessory resembles a 6-pointed cross, inside of which an 8-pointed cross with a crossbar at the bottom is engraved. This element symbolizes repentance, humility and atonement for sins. Sometimes there is a small crossbar at the top of the cross. On or above it you will find the abbreviation I.N.C.I. (“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”). This is a reference to the boards that were nailed to crosses containing criminals.

With the help of blackening or relief, a spear and a club, the head of Adam and Golgotha are sometimes depicted on a pectoral cross. Trefoils, which decorate the edges of the cross, are a decorative element, as are stones, inserts of other metals or enamel. This design emphasizes how important the cross is to you.

Question 4. Who chooses and gives the cross?
Orthodox traditions

Wearing it is a voluntary matter, the same as, for example, following religion after baptism (if you did not decide on it yourself). Therefore, there are no strict rules about who should give a cross and when. In Russia it is believed that this duty godparents, and if a girl is being baptized, the accessory is selected by the godmother, and if a son is baptized, by the godfather.

Also, a pectoral cross can be given by direct family members - parents or grandparents. If the parents have a good relationship with the local priest, it is considered an honor to accept a blessed cross as a gift from him.

Before you give a cross, bless it in the church (except for those cases when you bought it in a church shop). Christenings are not presented in a lush box, since it is assumed that the accessory will soon take up space on the child’s neck, and the box will not be needed.

Which cross to give - silver or gold - depends on the capabilities of the godparents; the more expensive the accessory, the more confidence the real parents have that the godparents will support the child in difficult times. Remember that children rarely understand the meaning of baptism. And their attitude towards him determines your attitude. You can convey it using a cross and the right words.

P.S. In addition to the pectoral cross, Orthodox accessories include image pendants and dishes with engravings on biblical themes. If you need advice on their choice, please contact an advisor or comment on this article.

Sincerely, Andrey Fedorenko,
online store director

Usually the rite of the Sacrament of Baptism takes place in early childhood. However, many adults, if they have not been baptized previously, come to this decision on their own. If you are going to undergo the rite of Baptism or want to purchase a new cross to replace the lost one, then it is worth knowing how to choose a cross for a man. First of all, you should think about the metal, namely its quality. It is worth understanding that it is not customary to remove the pectoral cross; it should always be on the chest, even during bathing. Therefore, the quality of the metal plays a very important role. You just can’t change your pectoral cross periodically because you don’t want to, it’s bought once and for life.

A pectoral cross is a symbol of faith, an object that contains spiritual meaning, as well as hope for the future. This is why the importance of choice is so important. The Church does not regulate the type of material from which a cross should be made. These can be precious metals, such as gold or platinum, or not metals at all, but, for example, wood. But you must admit that after just a few contacts with water, a wooden cross will lose its appearance, dry out and the wood can easily break. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, you should choose a pectoral cross made of high-quality precious metals. To purchase gold crosses for women or men. The catalog contains a wide selection of symbols of faith, which differ in appearance and cost.

How to choose a cross for a man as a gift.

Very often, crosses are given as gifts. If you are going to give your lover such an important gift, then you should know how to choose a cross for a man. As mentioned above, the first thing to think about is metal. Ideally gold or platinum. However, if a man wears other jewelry, for example, a silver chain, then you should give him a silver cross. The metal of the cross should be similar to that of other jewelry on the body.

The shape of the cross is important. There are Orthodox and Catholic crosses. As for the shape, four-, six- and eight-pointed pectoral crosses can be found on sale. It is believed that eight-pointed crosses have the most correct shape, so you can choose a symbol of faith of this particular shape. The six-pointed one was recognized recently and is less popular. Four-pointed is considered acceptable, but it is mostly used in the Catholic Church. But still, the Orthodox Church recognizes the pectoral cross of any shape. It is believed that the main thing is not the form of the symbol of faith, but the meaning that it carries. must be put on a chain of the same metal or on a string. You can purchase all this at the Temple or jewelry store.