What to do with the cross of your deceased husband. What to do and where to put the cross of a deceased person


What is a pectoral cross and how to handle it correctly. What does wearing a cross give us in general and what is it for?

People have many questions about the pectoral cross:

  • Is it possible to wear and put on someone else’s cross, for example a deceased relative;
  • is it possible to pick up a found cross from the ground and what to do with it later - wear it later, or not;
  • Is it possible to buy a cross at a pawnshop;
  • Is it possible to wear two crosses at all;
  • Is it possible to wear a cross that has been repaired?

The Orthodox cross is not an amulet or a talisman

The blessed cross that we wear on a chain or cord is a sign of our belonging to Orthodoxy, our shrine, protection, constant prayer and help in spiritual confrontation, and its weight on our neck is a constant reminder to us that all our thoughts and deeds should be committed and dedicated to serving God.

It should be worn with the prayer side facing the body.

A person who wears a cross on himself testifies to his participation in the feat of Christ, hopes for his salvation and resurrection for eternal life. For a believer, wearing a cross means admitting your sins, repenting and trying to atone for them.

The best and most expensive gift for a believer will be a cross. You can give it on appropriate holidays - christenings, name days, birthdays. It can be new, or it can be found. It is important that it be consecrated in the temple and contain the power of the cross.

You need to wear it under clothes, without showing it off, because that’s what it’s called - underwear

, this is not a decoration or a talisman, so you shouldn’t indulge your vanity by flaunting such an intimate item; boasting and bragging are of no use here
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Of course, there is nothing wrong when a cross is visible in the neckline of a sundress or an open shirt, but you cannot wear it over closed clothing. You need to worry not about external manifestations of faith, but to carry the image of Christ in your heart.

The meaning of the Orthodox cross

The tradition of wearing an Orthodox cross came to us from the distant past. Believers attach great importance to religious paraphernalia, and this applies not only to the cross, but also to incense, icons, prayer books, etc. The pectoral cross serves as a kind of amulet that can protect a person from evil spirits, damage and other troubles. In the old days, when one of the relatives went on a long journey, a cross was hung on him as a talisman against everything bad.

Orthodox people have a tradition of putting a cross on a child after the baptism ceremony. Such decoration cannot be removed and then it will become a strong protection for the fragile little soul. When entering a church, a person must be baptized to confirm his true faith in the Almighty.

Despite being Orthodox, many people do not know how such a cross differs from a Catholic one. However, they have fundamental differences.

  1. There is more than one crossbar on an Orthodox cross. The classic version is an eight-pointed product, in the upper part of which there is a crossbar, symbolizing a sign with an inscription. When Jesus Christ was crucified, it was on it that the name of the savior was written on the cross. The lower oblique crossbar symbolizes the board to which his feet were nailed.
  2. The Orthodox product depicts the body of Christ. It seems to float freely next to the cross. At the same time, there is no painful expression on his face.
  3. On the Orthodox cross, Jesus' legs are closed, while on the Catholic cross they are placed one on top of the other.

The Christian religion takes any form in which the cross is made. It is believed that, despite the manifestation of the symbol, it remains a religious product that carries strength and heavenly beauty.


Classic octagonal Orthodox cross

Orthodox crosses come in the following main types:

  • straight;
  • crinoid;
  • with extended beams;
  • prosperous;
  • with a central square or diamond;
  • with triangular or rounded ends.

The Orthodox faith pays more attention to the image of the Savior on the cross than to his appearance.


Four-pointed cross with curly ends

What to do with someone’s lost cross and is it possible to pick it up from the ground?

The church ministers are unanimous in their opinion on this issue; the found cross must be picked up, since this is God’s providence. God gave the person who found it a happy opportunity to save the shrine from desecration and trampling in the mud. Raising the cross is a just and godly deed.

The found cross must be carefully lifted from the ground with respect and humility, prayer, and used at your own discretion. You can wear it yourself, consecrating it in church, you can give it to a person in need of a cross, or you can simply bring it to church and leave it there.

But under no circumstances should you step over the cross and leave it for further abuse - to wallow in the dirt.

There is a belief that by putting someone else’s cross around his neck, a person takes upon himself the fate and sins of the previous owner. The Church condemns such superstitions, because a shrine is not a chest in which savings are folded, and our Lord gives everyone his own destiny, the one and only, the one that we are capable of and each of us bears his own cross.

Question and answer

Such a relic should be kept at home, preferably next to the icons, or taken to church. Any other actions with the cross are not approved.

Here, apparently, everyone must decide for themselves whether to follow faith or superstition. In any case, nothing prevents you from picking up the found cross (including with your bare hand), consecrating it in the church and leaving it there.

Breakages most often occur in the bow area, where the cross is attached to a chain or put on a lace. Such a defect can be easily corrected in a jewelry workshop, and then the relic can be consecrated in the church.

Cross of a deceased mother. Questions for the priest

Question. — My mother recently died. She had a gold cross on her body, but she couldn’t find it before the funeral. I had to buy a silver one and bury my mother with it. Two weeks later I found her cross. Can I wear it after my mother? What should I do with it?

Answer. — Love for a deceased family member is manifested in the desire to preserve things associated with his memory as long as possible. Ancient noble families were proud of their family icons, family jewelry, and other things passed down from generation to generation. Such a reverent attitude towards the memory of a dear person in the past was characteristic not only of the privileged classes, but of all classes. In merchants' and peasants' houses, things inherited were valued and stored. At the same time, icons that were considered a blessing from deceased parents were especially revered.

The Christian Church, although it calls not to collect treasures on earth, treats this tradition with great respect. Holding in our hands things that belonged to people who have passed on to another world, we remember them with a kind word. The Lord warns that at the Last Judgment every person will have to give an answer for every idle word. But every good word spoken by a person is also preserved by God. The word “memory” is very close in meaning to the word “commemoration”. Every good memory convinces the Lord that the person who passed into Eternity was not a completely lost sinner, that it was good for other people next to him who carefully preserve the memory of him.

The amount of the funeral benefit in February 2021 is: BYR 1,474.60.

The attitude of clergy towards superstitions regarding the cross

Church ministers do not approve of various fortune-telling, predictions, mysticism, and beliefs. When asked whether someone else’s bad and difficult fate will be passed on along with someone else’s cross, they answer just a few words: “A cross is a cross. And even two crossed sticks are quite capable of helping a true believer resist evil and the devil’s machinations. There should be no place for superstitions in God’s bright world.”

This means that you can and should use the body crosses of your deceased relatives and honor them as a family heirloom. And a mother or father may well put their cross on their child by buying a new one and putting it on.

Wearing a cross donated by relatives is a godly deed, the main thing is that it is consecrated in the church. It is also quite possible to wear a cross bought at a pawnshop and consecrated by you in church; it will not bear any negativity and the fate of the previous owner.

Objections

In most cases, the arguments against wearing someone else’s body, including that belonging to a spouse, come down to the following: the cross “absorbs” the problems and misfortunes of the owner, his “negative energy”, and all this dangerous “matter” will definitely pass on to the one who will wear someone else's cross. And in general, if a person gives a cross to someone, this is suspicious: obviously, he wants to take off his problems and transfer them to someone else!

Sources:

  • Priests answer questions
  • Does a child need to wear a cross all the time?

Christianity began after the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of its symbols is a pectoral cross, worn at the sacrament of baptism by a believer.

Believers who have lost close and beloved relatives often leave pectoral crosses in memory of the dead. Then, when time passes and the pain of loss becomes less, a desire arises to wear something dear to the heart.

The priests of the Russian Orthodox Church do not see anything terrible in the wearing of the cross of the deceased by his relatives. But at the same time they note that the pectoral cross should be buried along with the deceased person. If for some reason the cross was abandoned by relatives, you can wear it, it is not considered a sin. Orthodox clergy believe that such a cross does not carry negative energy.

Rather, in their opinion, superstitious fear can harm a person. It is popularly believed that together with the cross of the deceased, it can also be transmitted. Few people dare to wear such jewelry without fear. Priests advise not to pay attention to superstitions and think more about how you feel when you put on the cross and what it means to you.

What you really can't do with a cross

The cross is a symbol and sign of our faith, our relationship to God and the Divine, therefore we must treat it with trepidation and immeasurable respect.

For a truly and deeply religious person it is unacceptable:

  • try to consecrate the cross on his own, even if he knows the necessary prayers and actions, since only people with church rank can consecrate, since these prayers are allowed for use only by church ministers;
  • You cannot deliberately display a cross, it is sinful and not pleasing to God, pride is one of the most terrible sins;
  • you cannot remove the cross unless absolutely necessary; if there was a need to remove the cross, when putting it on you must read a prayer;
  • You cannot wear jewelry and amulets that are objects of superstition on the same chain or cord with a pectoral cross;
  • you also cannot wear a cross in your bag, ears or on a chain bracelet on your hand - this is considered blasphemy;
  • You cannot throw away a broken cross, because it should not be trampled under foot, it is not garbage.

This is, perhaps, all that a true believer needs to know about his shrine and relic, which helps him fight sinfulness, protects him from the devil’s machinations, strengthens him in faith and brings peace and tranquility.

A pectoral cross is a personal, strong item, possessing the most powerful energy. And it often happens that in the event of the death of a loved one, relatives do not know what to do with his pectoral cross - a blessed symbol of faith. Someone buries the cross with the deceased, someone keeps it for themselves, storing it in a casket, and someone even wears the cross of a close relative who has passed on to another world.

What does the church think about this? What should you do with the pectoral cross of a deceased relative: keep it close to your heart or get rid of the amulet as soon as possible?

Cross of the deceased

It happens that the deceased is not buried with a pectoral cross, and the reasons for this are different: this personal item goes to relatives after the death of a loved one or is even passed down from generation to generation as an inheritance and a symbol of memory. And then a controversial question arises: what to do with the received value and is it possible to wear the cross of the deceased?

There is a popular belief that, together with a pectoral cross, you can receive the fate and vital energy of its owner. And even if the fate of the deceased was enviably lucky, each of us wants to live our own life, which is why few people decide to wear someone else’s pectoral cross. But in vain!

The Church states: “The tales that you take over the fate of the deceased along with the cross are just stupid superstitions. The main thing is to wear a cross not as decoration, but as a symbol of the Christian faith.”

The pectoral cross of a loved one can and even should be kept, if not worn around the neck. This religious item has a deep semantic meaning: it helps to cope with adversity, illness, and protects from evil and evil spirits.

“Like any thing used by people, a cross can be filled with strength and grace through the pious lifestyle of its owner. When a person lives a sinful lifestyle and indulges his sinful passions, a cross on his body, like a material object, can be charged with these passions,” explains clergyman Oleg Molenko.

Therefore, a cross left by a relative on purpose or accidentally not buried with him should be consecrated, and only then worn without fear.

If you don’t want to wear the cross, you can put it in a box and store it in a secluded place. Carrying a cross to the grave of the deceased is reckless. Firstly, it will not help the deceased in any way, and secondly, most likely it will be taken over by complete strangers. Many people bring the crosses of deceased relatives to the temple and leave them there, which is permissible by the church.

It should be understood that if a person who received a cross constantly thinks about its negative impact, this will certainly affect his existence and destiny in one way or another. Keep the cross of your loved one without fear or worry! This is not only a strong amulet, but also an invaluable memory of a departed person.

The cross that we wear around our necks is an object that has powerful internal and spiritual energy. It has the power of faith of the person himself, and also shows the person’s connection with the Christian world, but if a person dies, then his relatives and friends have the question of what should be done with the cross of the deceased person.

Often a pectoral cross is buried with the deceased person, but sometimes there are cases when the cross is kept for oneself. It could be like a family heirloom that was passed down from generation to generation, maybe the cross was received after the funeral, or maybe it’s a person’s memory or inheritance.

What to do with the pectoral cross of a deceased person? Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person?

relative, or should I hide it in a box or take it to its owner in the cemetery?

Superstitions

Very often you can hear that the cross of the deceased should never be put on or worn. Various reasons are given. Here are a few of them:

  1. Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person? "In no case! It’s like taking his fate upon yourself, what are you talking about!” - this is what superstitious old women say, making “scary” eyes.
  2. Some grandmothers are firmly convinced that the cross of the deceased cannot be worn for the reason that the person died wearing it - this is a very bad omen. And that's it, no explanation is given.
  3. The cross of the deceased stores his lifetime energy. That's how it turns out. And there’s nothing that energy and Christianity are somehow not very compatible with, that’s all.
  4. Is it possible to wear a cross for someone who has died of cancer? No no and one more time no! In general, you cannot wear the cross of someone who has died of an illness—you will take the illness upon yourself. That's it, it turns out!
  5. The most merciless and frightening superstition. You cannot wear a dead person’s cross, otherwise he will come to take it away at night. Either stand or fall, as they say.

What does the church think about this?

There is a popular belief that with a pectoral cross you can receive the fate and energy of its former owner, as well as his luck and the influence of higher powers on him.

“To believe that together with the pectoral cross of a deceased person you can receive his fate or illness is simple and stupid superstition. The pectoral cross is a symbol of faith and a symbol of the fact that a person is in Christ. It helps to cope with adversity, protects against bad things, and also reminds a person that he is a Christian. Therefore, it should be worn as a symbol of the Christian faith. In this case, nothing bad will happen. However, the cross is charged with that energy and those sinful passions that possessed a person, therefore, before putting it on the neck, it is best to consecrate it.”

Funeral without a cross

Is it possible to bury a believer without Rather no than yes. It is not customary for Orthodox Christians to bury their dead without a cross.

Could this happen? Unfortunately, yes, but in very rare cases. If for some reason the cross was removed from the deceased and left with relatives, this does not mean that he was buried just like that. Perhaps the expensive cross was replaced with a simpler one in order to avoid vile cases associated with the desecration of graves for profit.

Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person if it was replaced by another, as we said above? Yes, you can and should not believe the prejudices that will be discussed in the next subsection. All these “grandmother’s superstitions” have nothing to do with real Christianity and true faith.

What else can you do with a pectoral cross?

If you wear the cross of a deceased person

If you don’t want to, you can put it in a box and hide it, but under no circumstances should you throw it away. It is unacceptable for the church to return the cross of the deceased to the church.

Carrying a cross to a grave is a reckless act. It will not help the deceased in that kingdom, but strangers can take it for themselves, thereby taking away your memory of your relative.

If you received a cross and you constantly think that it can bring you troubles or negatively affect your destiny, then so be it. Therefore, keep it without fear or worry and remember that this is not only a talisman, but also a memory of a person close to you.

A pectoral cross is a personal, strong item, possessing the most powerful energy. And it often happens that in the event of the death of a loved one, relatives do not know what to do with his pectoral cross - a blessed symbol of faith. Someone buries the cross with the deceased, someone keeps it for themselves, storing it in a casket, and someone even wears the cross of a close relative who has passed on to another world.

What does the church think about this? What should you do with the pectoral cross of a deceased relative: keep it close to your heart or get rid of the amulet as soon as possible?

Cross of the deceased

It happens that the deceased is not buried with a pectoral cross, and the reasons for this are different: this personal item goes to relatives after the death of a loved one or is even passed down from generation to generation as an inheritance and a symbol of memory. And then a controversial question arises: what to do with the received value and is it possible to wear the cross of the deceased?

There is a popular belief that, together with a pectoral cross, you can receive the fate and vital energy of its owner. And even if the fate of the deceased was enviably lucky, each of us wants to live our own life, which is why few people decide to wear someone else’s pectoral cross. But in vain!

The Church states: “The tales that you take over the fate of the deceased along with the cross are just stupid superstitions. The main thing is to wear a cross not as decoration, but as a symbol of the Christian faith.”

The pectoral cross of a loved one can and even should be kept, if not worn around the neck. This religious item has a deep semantic meaning: it helps to cope with adversity, illness, and protects from evil and evil spirits.

“Like any thing used by people, a cross can be filled with strength and grace through the pious lifestyle of its owner. When a person lives a sinful lifestyle and indulges his sinful passions, a cross on his body, like a material object, can be charged with these passions,” explains clergyman Oleg Molenko.

Therefore, a cross left by a relative on purpose or accidentally not buried with him should be consecrated, and only then worn without fear.

If you don’t want to wear the cross, you can put it in a box and store it in a secluded place. Carrying a cross to the grave of the deceased is reckless. Firstly, it will not help the deceased in any way, and secondly, most likely it will be taken over by complete strangers. Many people bring the crosses of deceased relatives to the temple and leave them there, which is permissible by the church.

It should be understood that if a person who received a cross constantly thinks about its negative impact, this will certainly affect his existence and destiny in one way or another. Keep the cross of your loved one without fear or worry! This is not only a strong amulet, but also an invaluable memory of a departed person.

Considering yourself an Orthodox Christian, it is important to have elementary basic knowledge in the field of Christian culture, and not follow the lead of common superstitions. And, unfortunately, there are a great many of them, even if we are talking about the main shrine - the cross. They begin with the interpretation of dreams, during which some manipulations with the pectoral cross occur, and end with indecision and fears if a cross lost by someone was found. Let’s try to figure out the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross and how the church recommends dealing with such an unexpected “foundling”.

Is it possible to wear a found cross, the pectoral cross of a deceased person?

The cross stores the energy of the person who wore it, therefore it is impossible to lose a personal symbol of faith. From the point of view of ministers of the Orthodox Church, you can reuse someone else’s cross without giving in to superstition. For this purpose, the body crucifix is ​​consecrated in the church.

If you are lucky enough to find someone else's cross, then do not think that this is a negative sign. Remember that the reason for the discovery of the relic is the command of God, who prevented its desecration and trampling into the mud.

After consecration, the found cross is allowed to be worn by oneself. If fears arise and there is an unwillingness to use someone else’s thing, the relic is donated to the church

Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased relative? Here the opinions of the clergy differ. The answer lies in the person's lifestyle and the cause of his death. If a relative lived piously and died of old age, then his pectoral cross can be worn and passed on by inheritance. If a person commits suicide, then it is better to donate his personal relic to the temple.

Is it possible to wear two crosses, your own and a relative’s? The clergy here agree on one thing - no matter how many crosses you wear, your faith in God does not become stronger. If you feel more protected by wearing two crosses, then this is acceptable. There is no harm to a person’s soul from wearing two personal relics at the same time.

The meaning of the cross in Orthodoxy

Jesus suffered martyrdom on the cross for the salvation of everyone living. Wearing the crucifix of Christ received at baptism around his neck, a believer declares his involvement in the suffering of the Lord, his selfless feat, which gives hope of resurrection. A pectoral cross is a silent prayer with which we turn to the Almighty for the salvation of our soul. A believer should wear a cross all his life, because it is clear proof of self-sacrifice in the name of love. Russian folk proverbs have survived to this day, symbolizing the attitude towards this shrine: “He who bears the cross is with Christ,” “We do not bear the cross, but he bears us.” The crucifixion talks about faith in the Lord and is a promise to live according to his commandments. The Almighty hears everyone who turns to him and opens his arms to him.

Wearing rules

The figure of the Savior superimposed on the cross shows the human and divine hypostases, the triumph of victory over death. The symbol received its dogmatic validity in the 690s in Constantinople. Since then, the pectoral cross has been a sign of belonging to the Orthodox Christian faith, a silent witness to the “unspeakable.” There are several principles for wearing it:

  • The crucifix is ​​a cross, on one side of which there is an image of Jesus Christ, on the other - the words “Save and Preserve.”
  • The cross can be made of any material: gold or silver, wood or stone, amber or pearls.
  • The protective effect of the cross comes from the correct cross, consecrated in the church. It can be 4-, 6- and 8-pointed in shape.
  • The crucifix is ​​worn constantly, under clothing, with the prayer side facing the body.
  • Treating the cross as an ornament or a fetish is unacceptable.

Priests about other people's crosses

People are often interested in whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross. The priests’ answers fit into a few words: “The cross is the cross.” They treat the cross as a shrine, reverently. The prayer “May God rise again” conveys the attitude of a believer to the crucifixion as a living, spiritual being. The clergy do not approve of various kinds of superstitions, predictions, and fortune telling. When asked whether the bad energy and sins of the previous owner will be passed on to someone else’s cross, they remark: “What about virtue? Will it be transmitted too? The priest will advise you to treat the found cross with respect, carefully pick it up and take it for yourself, give it to someone who needs it, or take it to church. But under no circumstances should you step over it or leave it to be trampled underfoot.

The opinion of the priests

It is known that the Orthodox Church denies the superstitions with which ordinary people surround themselves in worldly life. The same applies to accepting as a gift and subsequent wearing of other people’s crosses. Orthodox priests believe that whether to wear crosses that previously belonged to someone or not is an individual choice of any person.

Important! Saint Basil the Great said that what he does not believe will not happen to a person. Priests often repeat these words to parishioners who doubt the power and truthfulness of this or that superstition.

What clergy focus the attention of parishioners on is that visiting the temple of God without a pectoral cross is not recommended. Also, you cannot sell or throw away the symbol of faith with a crucifixion received at christening. It contains sacred secrets and powers that will protect a person throughout his life.

Important! For those who have lost their cross, you can purchase a new one in a church or jewelry store and then consecrate it.

Is it possible to wear someone else's cross?

Despite the fact that it is easier to believe in folk signs, it is worth understanding the nuances. Is it possible to wear a found cross consciously and in church? On the one hand, if you like the “foundling,” you shouldn’t be afraid to wear it yourself. On the other hand, is there a good reason for this and is there some secret mystical purpose being pursued? The cross is not a talisman, so there is no strong or weak amulet among them. To pin your hopes or, on the contrary, fears on him is at least naive. You can simply take the crucifix to church as a donation. But it should be remembered that there is no harm in finding a cross, and wearing it does not promise any trouble.

Is it permissible to use the cross of the deceased?

There are many superstitions among the people regarding the prohibition or permissibility of using the cross of a deceased person. In this article we talk about the main ones and provide explanations from the point of view of the Christian faith.

For centuries, the pectoral cross was removed and passed on by inheritance if the item was valuable. Instead they put on a simple one. The item became a family heirloom and could be passed down from parents to children for generations. And, it should be noted, the church had nothing against this tradition - the custom does not violate a single rule.

However, there is a widespread belief among the people that with the cross of the deceased, the new owner of the item also receives the fate of the deceased, taking on part of his burdens, sins and unfinished business. This point of view is not supported by the church. But, if a person still fears for his well-being, he can take the cross to church to consecrate it - even if there is no mystical seal on it, this will be desirable from the point of view of Christianity.

It is not customary to remove body crosses (but in a bathhouse this can be done for safety reasons). They are worn hidden under clothes and tried to be protected from human eyes. In this case, legends say, the cross becomes a powerful amulet and very effectively protects the owner from troubles, evil spirits and unfortunate fate.

A randomly found cross can have such powerful protection. It must be lifted from the ground to prevent it from being trampled into the mud, and taken to the church for consecration.

People believe that such finds are almost always good. But more information can be gleaned if you pay attention to where the relic was found:

  • on the lawn or in the grass - to quick changes in fate,
  • on the road - to adventures and travels that can greatly change fate in a favorable direction,
  • in a puddle - to difficulties in business or work (it is important to take it to church rather to ward off trouble).

The only time when you cannot pick up someone else’s cross is when you find it in a cemetery or at crossroads. They hardly appear there by accident - as a rule, these are tools of black magic used to bring terrible misfortune to anyone who touches the enchanted thing.

Cross as a gift

The best gift for a believer is a cross. Therefore, you can safely give it: for christenings, name days, birthdays. Both new and found. The main thing is that he be consecrated in the church and gain his godly power. If there is no information about lighting, it is better to do it anyway. What if one of your relatives offers to wear their crucifix - is it possible to wear the cross of a relative or close friend? Yes, sure. After all, such gifts are not given to people whose fate is indifferent.

Neighbor's cross

What if a loved one died? Someone will be surprised: what kind of unchrists are we? To see off a loved one without a cross to the next world? And no one said that without a cross. This option is possible: during his lifetime, a person wore an expensive gold cross, and for the sake of reinsurance, relatives replaced it with a simpler one. What kind of reinsurance? Out of harm's way, so that the grave is not desecrated or dug up. There are also dishonest people whose job is to dig graves for burial. Anything can happen in life.

Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person, for example, a mother? It is both possible and necessary. You shouldn’t be afraid of this, don’t believe in scary fairy tales of the kind of superstition. Mom is the closest person in the world, and there is nothing wrong with the fact that a son or daughter will wear her cross after her mother’s death. The same applies to the crosses of other neighbors: dad, grandparents, sisters and brothers. If relationships in life were warm and close, then why not wear their crosses?

Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person? Yes, you can, without being afraid of anything. Does it need to be re-consecrated? No. The cross was consecrated once, there is no need to do this again.

Cross of the deceased

There is an interesting fact: in Ancient Rus', deceased people were interred, having first removed the cross from them. The Russians reasoned like this: “Why put a shrine in the ground?” Nowadays, on the contrary, they put on a cross, because grieving relatives want their loved one to appear before the Creator with a reverent shrine around their neck. Times change, and with them traditions. It happens that a family has a sacred relic, an ancient cross, passed down from generation to generation along the female or male line after the death of its owner. Sometimes fears and concerns arise about whether it is possible to wear the cross of a deceased person, even if it is so valuable. Just as in the case of a cross found or donated, these worries are groundless. Believers are not inclined to trust prejudices and beliefs. Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross, they do not need a priest’s answer. In their bright world of God there is no place for dark superstitions.

Found cross

A man was walking down the street and suddenly he saw a cross under his feet. What to do in this case? Pass by? Under no circumstances - be sure to pick it up and clean it at home.

We picked it up, cleaned it up, and then what? Suddenly the former holder of the cross is long dead. Is it possible to wear the cross of a deceased person who is not a relative? And is there enough courage for this? To put on a completely alien cross, without knowing anything about this person.

If there is fear, the cross can simply be removed. Place in a bag or wrap in a clean cloth and put away where the jewelry is stored.

Don't want to keep someone else's cross in your house? Take it to church and talk to the priest about it. Children from poor families are baptized in the church, and a cross may be useful to someone during baptism.

Losing the cross

Unfortunately, no one is immune from the unpleasant situation of losing an expensive item. When it comes to a body crucifix or a wedding ring, experiences are aggravated by superstitious fears. But there is no supernatural in such a loss, just as there is no omen. A popular belief says that at such a moment a person is at a crossroads, and the Lord will grant him a second chance. You can believe in such a “miracle of rebirth.” But it is better to think about the soul and its immortality, about how to bring it closer to God. Since the cross in itself, without faith, means nothing, it is more important to take care not about external manifestations, but about carrying Christ in your heart. If you analyze the situation, it will become clear that the chain or ribbon may be to blame for the loss, and they do not carry any symbolic meaning. Therefore, if such a loss occurs, you should go to church or visit a church shop and buy yourself a new cross. And to the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else’s cross if someone you know offers you one to replace the lost one, the answer is definitely positive. You can save and protect your soul with any life-giving cross, no matter who it previously belonged to.

The cross is not a witchcraft amulet or a dead symbol, not a talisman or a jewelry trinket. It is important to worry not about whether you can wear someone else’s cross or whether you will have to carry someone else’s “cross” with him. It is much more important to treat it as a living, blessed weapon bestowed by the Lord. Wear a cross around your neck and faith in your heart.

How to wear a cross for a baby?

Babies are baptized on the 40th day after birth. Upon completion of the sacrament of baptism, a pectoral cross is placed on the child’s neck, which must be worn without removing. To prevent the child from getting entangled in the ribbon (chain, thread), it needs to be made small.

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The cross is the greatest shrine of the Orthodox. It is a clear sign that a person belongs to Orthodoxy. For the church it does not matter whether it is made of metal or wood, jewelry or an ordinary alloy.

The main thing for an Orthodox should be its form and correctness in relation to religion. It is necessary to remember important points when choosing a cross:

  • The cross can be 4-, 6-, 8 final shapes.
  • If you choose a cross for your baby, then there should be no sharp corners on it.
  • The size, like the material of the cross, does not matter.
  • The Church recommends choosing not decorative crosses, but ones with the inscription “Save and Preserve” on the reverse side.
  • Crosses purchased in the church are already consecrated, but store-bought ones should be consecrated.

Basically, we receive the attribute at baptism, but it also happens when we lose the cross. What to do? You need to buy a new one and consecrate it. What to do if you find someone else's cross? There are many superstitions about this, saying that if you take someone else’s cross and wear it, then it is the same as if you take on someone else’s cross.

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