Serbian Christian Holy Symbol: "Orthodox Cross"

This Serbian cross has the traditional single crossbar of the Latin cross together with a bottom slanting bar. The short bar on the top represents the sign that was placed on the cross which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. Some evidence indicates that the smaller lower bar represents a small wooden platform for the crucified to stand on in order to support his weight. The buds on the ends of the cross represent the Trinity.

The cross is a universal, pre-Christian symbol, but in Christianity it symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The Christian faith is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus or Christ. Jesus, (7–2 BC/BCE – 30–36 AD/CE), is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christian denominations venerate him as God the Son.

The principal sources of information regarding Jesus are the four canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The gospels declare that Jesus was a Jew born in Bethlehem, in the Roman province of Judea. At the age of 30, he began to preach throughout Palestine, which was then under Roman rule. The gospels describe miracles that Jesus performed such as raising the dead.

Most critical historians agree that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer. He was crucified in Jerusalem, on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire. Christians believe that Jesus then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, from which he will return.

Source:
Source Citation (MLA 7th Edition) "Cross, Crucifix." Historical Dictionary of Catholicism. William J. Collinge. 2nd ed. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2012. 116-117. Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 July 2013. http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE|CX2780400149&v=2.1&u=lapl&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w "Jesus Christ." Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2010. 297. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 July 2013. Document URL http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE|CX1796500200&v=2.1&u=lapl&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church “Three Bar Cross”. Orthodox Church in America. 30 June 2013. Document URL: http://oca.org/questions/liturgicarts/three-bar-cross