Currently, body crosses are sold not only in Orthodox churches, but also in jewelry stores. For some believers, the question may arise about the appropriateness of acquiring a crucifix at jewelry outlets.
When answering the question whether Orthodox people are allowed to buy pectoral crosses in jewelry stores, it is necessary to understand that there is no canonical indication to prohibit such acquisitions. However, a believer often makes such an important purchase for himself in the temple. This is due to several aspects.
The pectoral cross is a shrine for the believer. It is important that the crucifix be sanctified. In Orthodox churches, pectoral crosses are blessed before being sold. Therefore, from this position in the House of God, the pectoral cross acquired by man is already a sanctified shrine, and not just a holy image of the crucifixion of Christ.
The second important point is that in the church a believer can acquire an Orthodox cross. For people who are unaware of the differences between Orthodox, Catholic, and other crosses, there is a mistake in acquiring a crucifix in a jewelry store that does not correspond to the Christian Orthodox tradition.
It is worth noting that these two main and important points in choosing a place to buy a cross are categorically not a prohibition on acquiring a crucifix in a jewelry store. Not every Orthodox church is rich in the choice of crosses (although the high cost and external beauty of the crucifixion is not the very purpose of its acquisition). A believer may like a particular cross in a jewelry store. For example, a gold or silver symbol of the salvation of mankind. In this case, a person can buy a cross in a jewelry store. But in this situation, it is necessary to have an idea of which cross is considered Orthodox.
On the Orthodox cross, each of the Savior's feet is nailed (for the Catholic, one nail is used for both legs). In addition, on the back of the Orthodox cross should be the inscription "save and save" or some kind of Orthodox prayer. There should also be an abbreviation that Jesus Christ is depicted on the cross. There may be abbreviations IH TsI (Jesus the Nazarene King of Judea), as well as the inscriptions NIKA (means Jesus Christ conquers), the Son of God, King of glory. In this case, the cross can be either eight-pointed or eight-pointed. In general, it is desirable to make such a purchase with a person who can tell which particular cross is Orthodox.
The next step after acquiring a pectoral cross in a jewelry store should be the obligatory consecration of the crucifix in an Orthodox church.
When acquiring a pectoral cross, a believer must clearly realize that this is not just a beautiful piece of jewelry or a “charm”. The cross is a shrine for the Christian, a symbol of the salvation of man and the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over death.
