Armenian Christian Holy Symbol: "Khachkar"

This is an Armenian Christian cross, called "khachkar," Armenian for cross of stone. Armenia was the first country to convert to Christianity, in 301 CE.

The khachkar has intricate patterns carved into a stone stele, or block of stone. Khachkars are focal points for worship, as memorial stones and as relics facilitating communication between the secular and divine.

Khachkars can reach five feet in height. The carved image of the cross is usually surrounded by plant motifs. After being blessed and anointed, the khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance and mediation towards salvation of the soul.

Among more than 50,000 khachkars in Armenia, each has its own pattern, and no two are alike. Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice.

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:
"Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Intangible Cultural Heritage. 29 May 2013. Document URL: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?RL=00434
(MLA 7th Edition) "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://www.armeniancatholic.org.au/churches.html