The meaning of the cross in Orthodoxy
Before choosing a pectoral cross, it is recommended to understand the meaning of the cross in Orthodoxy. It was with the cross that Orthodoxy began, and therefore this symbol is important to the Orthodox faith. Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, and the greatness of the symbol is connected with this. Pectoral crosses are also important, as they not only keep faith in the Lord in the heart, but also help to cope with problems that arise along the path of life.
In the Orthodox faith, this symbol is considered the basis of doctrine. He is a means of Salvation, Divine grace, protection and even a weapon.
What happens at Epiphany
The following main points can be highlighted in the Sacrament of Baptism. The person being baptized three times publicly renounces Satan and declares his desire to join the Lord. Also, the participant in the Sacrament recites the sacred text of the Creed, which is a summary of the main provisions of Orthodoxy. In this way, a person recognizes the truth of these dogmas and his belonging to the Orthodox faith.
Next, the person being baptized is immersed three times in consecrated water, accompanied by the priest reading special prayers. The transforming grace of the Holy Spirit invisibly descends on a person and cleanses him from all previous sins. Baptism is the spiritual rebirth of a person. He dies to sin and is born into new life with Christ. Saint Gregory the Theologian teaches:
“The grace and power of Baptism cleanses sin in every person and completely washes away all uncleanness and defilement brought by damage [original sin]. Since we consist of two natures (the invisible soul and the visible body), then the cleansing is twofold: by water and by the Spirit. One is received visibly and corporeally, while the other at the same time is accomplished incorporeally and invisibly” (“Words”).
Baptism is immediately complemented by another Sacrament - Confirmation. As a sign of sanctification by the Holy Spirit, the baptized person is anointed with holy oil (chrism). Also, part of his hair is cut off, which symbolizes dedication to the Lord.
So, in Baptism, a person’s sins are forgiven, grace is given, and the doors of the saving Church are opened. However, a Christian needs to properly manage these gifts and work hard on his spiritual improvement. Saint John Chrysostom teaches:
“Mysterious rebirth and cleansing takes place in baptism... It fills us with the grace of the Holy Spirit... But to remain clean in the subsequent time and not allow any filth to come to us again - this depends on our will and care” (“Complete Collection of Creations”).
Who should buy
It is necessary to figure out in advance who should buy a cross for the baby being baptized.
To a girl
Many people do not know who buys the cross for the girl’s subsequent baptism. It all depends on how many recipients the person being baptized has. If there is only one, it means that the cross is given to the girl by the godmother, since the recipient must have the same gender as the baby. If there are two godparents, the godfather does the purchasing. In this case, the godmother buys clothes for the ceremony and kryzhma. Also, godparents must purchase an icon with the image of the Virgin Mary.
To the boy
The godfather should be the godfather of the baby boy, who, according to church customs, purchases a pectoral cross for him.
He is also responsible for purchasing additional items such as pendants depicting Archangel Michael, Guardian Angel, Nicholas and Jesus Christ. Such pendants are bought to strengthen the spiritual connection between the Lord and the baptized.
The godfather can also make a donation for the baptism. However, these costs may be paid by the infant's next of kin or parents.
Prayers godparents need to know
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Translation: Our Father who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Symbol of faith
I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.
Translation: I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, through whom all things came into being. For the sake of us, people, and for our salvation, who came down from heaven, and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, together with the Father and the Son, equally worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. Into one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
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How to choose the right one
There are several criteria that people pay attention to when choosing a cross.
Material
Particular attention is paid to the material from which the product is made. It can be created from the following materials:
- Gold. Expensive products are made from precious metals. Compared to iron ones, they have many advantages. Such pectoral crosses are of higher quality and do not cause an allergic reaction in the baby.
- Silver. Some crosses are made not from gold, but from silver. Silver products are more popular, as they cost an order of magnitude less than gold ones.
Try
Another criterion that is taken into account when purchasing is the fineness of the metal.
If we talk about gold products, then most often they buy crosses of 585 standard. They are better than others for everyday wear and are easy to clean from dirt.
People who want to purchase silver products should pay attention to 925 standard. It is considered high quality and durable.
Technology
There are several common technologies that are used in the manufacture of pectoral crosses:
- Diamond cut. This technology is used as an alternative to using natural gemstones. Diamond cut looks like real diamonds, but costs much less.
- Gilding. When using this technology, a thin layer of gold is applied to the surface of the products. It is used to protect the coating from tarnishing and rust.
- Rhodium plating. The technology is used to create silver items that are coated with bluish rhodium. This metal protects the surface from darkening and corrosion.
Size and weight
When choosing a cross for a baby, pay attention to its weight and dimensions. Some people choose large items, but this should not be done. Pectoral crosses for children should be small and light. The optimal weight should not exceed one and a half grams. The length and width of the product is up to two centimeters. In the future, if necessary, the purchased cross can be replaced with a larger one.
Form
There are two common forms of pectoral crosses that are used most often:
- Four-pointed. Catholics use them, but Orthodox people can wear them too.
- Eight-pointed. Such products are used in Orthodoxy when baptizing people. Therefore, it is recommended to buy eight-pointed crosses.
Design
Pectoral crosses for boys and girls may differ in design. For example, products for guys are most often made of silver or gold. They are simple and concise, larger and heavier than women's ones. Women's ones have a sophisticated design, as they can be decorated with precious stones.
You should not purchase too flashy crosses, as the clergyman may refuse to consecrate it.
Chain
When choosing a chain, consider the following recommendations:
- the chain should weigh one and a half times more than the cross so that it does not become overtightened;
- it should be made of the same material as the cross;
- the length of the chain for babies should not be more than forty centimeters;
- The weave of the product is chosen so that it looks good and does not rub against the skin.
Gift options from other relatives
Epiphany is a great holiday, to which close and distant relatives are often invited. This is an occasion to gather as a large family, congratulate the baby on her first Sacrament, wish her all the best, and present memorable gifts.
What relatives can give:
- Set of silverware. Even if the godmother gives the girl a silver spoon, such a gift will not be superfluous.
- Jewelry. A good option for a christening gift for a girl from her grandmother. You can choose any product: earrings, chain, pendant, bracelet, and optionally apply a commemorative engraving. When the granddaughter grows up, she will happily wear jewelry given by her beloved grandmother.
- Money. Grandfather usually gives an envelope with banknotes at christening so that parents can use them as they wish.
- Useful things in everyday life: bottle sterilizer, air ionizer, yogurt maker, bread maker, multicooker, powerful blender.
Find out in advance from the girl’s parents what they would like to receive. It is better to give a useful gift than to give something that you already have. Why does a baby's mother need two identical mixers or high chairs?
How to wear it correctly for a child
There are several recommendations that will help you figure out how to wear pectoral crosses. They are worn on the body so that they are in contact with the skin. Some people wear them over their clothes, but this should not be done. The cross is not a decoration, as it is a means of protection and therefore is not worn for show.
