Material: 925◦ silver, 999◦ gold plated
Average weight: 6.8 grams
Size: 48*25mm
Technique: casting, gilding, blackening, handmade.
On the front side of the pectoral cross, according to tradition, the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ is depicted. The eight-pointed Cross of the Lord stands on a small rocky elevation, symbolizing Mount Golgotha, on which the Savior was crucified. According to Tradition, Golgotha was the burial place of Adam, the first person who committed the first sin. Therefore, the skull of Adam is often depicted at the base of the cross, and Golgotha is also called the Place of the Skull. Above the head of the Lord on the crossbar is the inscription "INCI", which symbolizes the tablet that was nailed to the Cross, with the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." By this the Jews wanted to laugh at Christ, not knowing that they were crucifying the true King of all kings. Having endured torment on the Cross, the Lord atoned for the sins of people, and, having risen from the dead, destroyed the power of death. Therefore, next to the titles of His holy name “IS XC”, the word “NIKA” is often written on the Cross, which means “winner” in Greek.
The central place of the reverse side of the cross is occupied by the image of the Holy Guardian Angel in full growth, with a cross and a sword in his hands. Such images, similar to the image of the Archangel Michael, from the 16th century. often found on the back of Russian pectoral crosses.
Each person is given by God at Baptism his Guardian Angel. He accompanies him all his life until his death, and after death he accompanies his soul through air ordeals. Orthodox people believe in the help of the Guardian Angel and are afraid to upset him with their sins. Often he tells how a person should act in a difficult situation. This mysterious voice of the Angel is called by many intuition, and some, hardened in soul, do not hear at all.
“My holy Guardian Angel, pray to God for me” - the words of the prayer from the canon to the Guardian Angel are written.
