Blessing cross

Saint Sergius of Radonezh (right, holding Gospel Book) using a blessing cross to bless Grand Prince Saint Dmitri Donskoi in his battle to overthrow the Tartars in the Battle of Kulikovo (1380).

A Blessing Cross is a hand cross held by a priest or bishop in Eastern Christianity when he gives a benediction. It is often made of precious metal and may be adorned with enamelwork, and precious or semi-precious gemstones. It may also have other icons on it, such as the Theotokos (Mother of God), John the Baptist, the Four Evangelists or Prophets.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite, the hand cross is kept on the Holy Table (altar) and used at certain moments during the liturgy, most noticeably at the dismissal when he holds it in his right hand as he gives the final blessing. After the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) all of the faithful come forward to kiss the cross. The blessing cross used by these churches often has an icon of the Crucifixion of Jesus on it, together with the letters IC XC NIKA (meaning, "Jesus Christ Conquers"). Blessing crosses may also be two-sided, having an icon of the Crucifixion on one side and an icon of the Resurrection on the other. The side with the Resurrection would be held out towards the people on Sundays and throughout the afterfeast of Pascha (Easter).

An Ethiopian Orthodox bishop holding a blessing cross.

The blessing cross is also used in the blessing of holy water, when the priest will dip the cross in the water, making the Sign of the Cross with it three times. At Pascha (Easter), the blessing cross may be connected to the Paschal troitza carried by the priest at the services during Bright Week.

In the Greek practice, deacons will carry blessing crosses during the Little Entrance.

In the Oriental Orthodox Churches the blessing cross tends to not have an icon on it, and the clergy will often carry it for a majority of the service. In some traditions, the priest will have the blessing cross with him all the time, even when he is outside the church. In Ethiopia, blessing crosses are often made out of brass.

See also

• Pectoral cross