For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God............ 1 Corinthians 1:18
The interpretation of the inscriptions in Pahalavi by Dr. Burnnel (former Archaeological Director of India)
"In punishment by the cross (was) the suffering on this one; He who is true Christ and God above, and Guide ever Pure."
As a Symbol of Nasranies
The symbol of the Nasranis is the St Thomas cross, also called the Nasrani Menorah (മാര്ത്തോമ സ്ലീവ). It is based on the Jewish menorah, the ancient symbol of the Hebrews, which consists of a branched candle stand for seven candlesticks. (Exodus 25). In the Nasrani Menorah the six branches, (three on either side of the cross) represents God as the burning bush, while the central branch holds the cross, the dove at the tip of the cross represents the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 25:31).
In Jewish tradition the central branch is the main branch, from which the other branches or other six candles are lit. Netzer is the Hebrew word for "branch" and is the root word of Nazareth and Nazarene. (Isaiah 11:1).
Note that the Christian cross was not adopted as a symbol by Mediterranean and European Christianity until several centuries had passed.
Symbolism of the St Thomas Cross
Unlike crosses in other traditions, the St. Thomas Cross does not carry the effigy of the Christ. This is one of its very unique qualities. More over, each of its elements carry symbolic meanings. The Cross generally symbolizes life rather than death and suffering.
1) Resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ.The cross is the symbol of resurrection rather than death. It exalts the resurrection of Jesus. One of the Biblical proof for Jesus resurrection was the 'empty tomb.' The St. Thomas Cross that does not have the effigy of Jesus is equal to the empty tomb and therefor glorifies the resurrection of Christ.
2)Heavenly afterlife with our lord Jesus ChristThe four edges of the cross are in flower shape. This again symbolizes the fruition and thereby life.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."Revelation 21:4
3) Sufferings of our lord Jesus Christ .The three steps below symbolizes Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. Thus death of Jesus also is cleverly brought out symbolically.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Matt 5:10-12.
4) HolySpirit proceeds from the Father& SonFinally, the shape of the Dove above the cross indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit- the third person in the Holy Trinity.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you . John 16-13:15
Varying degree of Indian Symbolism can be find in St. Thomas Cross. The cross rises from a lotus blossom which forms its base. represents the ancient civilization symbolizing purity and spontaneous generation. It also symbolize divine birth.The cross itself represents God the Son, and a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, is at the top of the cross. Some critiques has pointed out a Buddhist influence, as lotus is a widely used symbol of divinity in Buddhism.This symbolism and tradition are not find in Persian or Middle East or even in Byzantine art.
The Empty Cross
As like any traditional reformation efforts certain mis guided people for undermining the reformation efforts tried linking this as Unchristian .
The interpretation of the inscriptions in Pahalavi by Dr. Burnnel (former Archaeological Director of India)"In punishment by the cross (was) the suffering on this one He who is true christ and God above,and Guide ever Pure.".
These inscriptions are against the basic faith of Nestorians, who believed that the God was never crucified (punished) in the Cross and only the Jesus the man was crucified. There are nearly two dozen crosses as fossils of our antiquity. Its neither a symbol of any particular Nasrani Church, it’s a common heritage.
The empty cross should remind me of where I stand and Who I can be with,right here, right now! (By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.-1 Corinthians 6:14 )
Location of the Saint Thomas Crosses
The crosses are at the following locations,
•St. Thomas Mount, Tamil Nadu- The Cross is at Our Lady of Expectations Church under the Latin Catholic diocese of Chingelpet ( Madras-Mylapore). This Cross is considered as the oldest cross in India.
•Kadamattam, Kerala. This Cross is at St. George Syrian Church of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.
•Muttuchira, Kerala. This Cross is at Holy Ghost Church under the diocese of Palai of the Syro Malabar Church.
•Kottayam, Kerala. This Cross is at St. Mary’s Church under the Southist diocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church. One cross is considered of late origin ( Ca 10th century).
•Kothanalloor, Kerala. This Cross is at St.Gervasis and Prothasis church under the diocese of Palai of the Syro Malabar Church.
•Alangad, Kerala. This Cross is at St. Mary’s church under the diocese of Ernakulam- Angamaly of the Syro Malabar Church.
Locations [out side kerala ]
1) Agasaim, Goa. The Cross is now kept at Pilar Seminary Museum. This Cross is dated of 6th Century. The cross has been discovered by Fr. Cosme Costa S.F.X near River Zuari at Agasaim in 2001.
2) Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The cross is kept at Anuradhapura museum. It was found during excavations in 1912 Anuradhapura . Anuradhapura, was one-time capital of Sri Lanka. Based on the available studies on this cross, it seems to be identical to Indian crosses. There is also a baptismal fonts dating 5th century discovered from Anuradhapura.
3 )Taxila, Pakistan. The cross is kept at Anglican cathedral at Lahore. It was found in 1935 in a field near the site of the ancient city of Sirkap. The Taxila cross is similar in shape with a common characteristic that they are more or less equilateral. Some Pakistani scholars have pointed out similarity between Taxila cross which are dated ( ca 2-6 century) and St. Thomas cross.
മാര്ത്തോമാ സ്ലീവായും മറ്റു ചില സ്ലീവാകളും.
Khachkar next to the Prelacy of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.
Photo-A Armenian khachkar meaning cross-stone) is a carved, cross-bearing, memorial stele covered with rosettes and other botanical motifs.Most early khachkars were erected for the salvation of the soul of either a living or a deceased person. Otherwise they were intended to commemorate a military victory, the construction of a church, or as a form of protection from natural disasters.The most common location for early khachkars was in a graveyard.
6th century(Latin Catholic),third one Armenian cross
Today is Good Friday, and they await there a dove, winging down from Heaven. It brings a small white wafer, and leaves it on the stone. Then, shining white, the dove soars up to Heaven again. Always on Good Friday it brings to the stone what I have just told you, and from that the stone derives whatever good fragrances of drink and food there are on earth, like to the Perfection of Paradise. I mean all things the earth may bear. And further the stone provides whatever game lives beneath the heavens whether it flies or runs or swims. Thus, to the knightly brotherhood, does the power of the Grail give sustenance."Wolfram von Eschenbach (c. 1170 – c. 1220).
[Photo:Traditional Armenian khachkar unveiled in 2009 as a sign of Polish-Armenian friendship, at the church of Sts. Peter and Paul, which serves as the parish church for the Roman catholics as well as Armenian catholics.]
Armenian khachkar unveiled in Rome[December 13, 2011 - 21:41 AMT]
On December 13, in the framework of a working visit to Italy, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with Rome's Mayor Gianni Alemanno.During the meeting, President Sargsyan stressed friendly ties and current productive cooperation between the two states.Armenian President further noted that Rome will host an opening ceremony of 13-century khachkar exhibition as a symbol of Armenian-Italian long-term friendship and means to familiarize with Armenian culture.Later mayors of Yerevan and Rome unveiled the Armenian khachkar, with President Sargsyan present.
After meeting with President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Gianfranco Fini, Serzh Sargsyan is due to meet with Head of the Italian delegation to OSCE PA, Mr. Riccardo Migliori, and Italy’s business representatives, presidential press service reported.
Khor Virap in Armenia
