Orthodox Glossary · Term

Reliquary Cross

A cross containing relics of saints, worn or displayed as a tangible connection to the holy ones who intercede for the faithful.

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Defined Term
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Reliquary Cross
LexiconOrthodox Christianity 101
§ 01 - How to Study This Term

From definition into prayer.

The Orthodox tradition does not separate vocabulary from worship. Pair this term with Scripture, the Liturgy, and the lived life of the Church.

  1. 01
    Look for the word in worship

    Listen for it inside the Divine Liturgy, the daily prayers, or the hymns of the feast it belongs to.

  2. 02
    Trace it through the Fathers

    The same word usually echoes across centuries - Athanasius, the Cappadocians, Maximus, Gregory Palamas.

  3. 03
    Pair it with a prayer

    Vocabulary becomes piety when it lives inside a single, repeated prayer of the Church.

Where the term lives
§ 02 - Related Terms

Words that travel together.

Entries from the lexicon that share the same corner of Orthodox worship and thought as Reliquary Cross.

GlossaryPectoral CrossA cross worn by bishops and many priests over the chest, signifying their ordination and constant remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.GlossaryProcessional CrossA cross carried at the head of processions, announcing Christ’s victory and leading the faithful as Israel was once led by the pillar in the wilderness.GlossaryAltar TableAlso called the Holy Table, it contains relics of saints and holds the Gospel book, antimension, and holy vessels, anchoring every sacramental act of the parish.GlossaryAntimensionA consecrated cloth containing relics and the bishop’s signature, required for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and signifying communion with the local bishop and the wider Church.
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