Cross Facts

September and October feature important feasts of the cross, including one of the five major feast days, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (abundant information on these can be found in past Bulletin issues). Share the following with students of most grades:

Did You Know?

• Any cross used in church must be blessed and anointed at five points, the center and four “wings.”
• In Armenian, the center of the cross is called the “ag-un” or “eye.” The meaning of eye in this case has to do with it being the center of focus, but interestingly, the “eye” of a hurricane is the calm center of the storm - sort of like the cross, the calm center of life’s storms.
• The Armenian cross often features rays emanating from its center, like spokes of a wheel; this type of cross is called “se-rag-na-tzev.”(literally: in the form of spokes). The hymn sung on the Feast of the Cross of Varak refers to these spokes or rays…"the radiant four-winged holy cross which illumined the world with sun-like rays…"
• The cross perched atop a pole and carried at the head of a procession is called “ta-po-ree khach.”
• Armenian crosses do not feature the crucified body of our Lord, emphasizing His resurrection and the saving power of the cross.
• Crosses are placed on the altar, church walls, and the deacons’ and priest’s vestments. A good “observing” exercise for students is to see where and how many crosses can be seen in your sanctuary.