The Cross of St Michael

The Orthodox cross in the shape of a sword is made as an image of the glory of the Militant Church, waging a spiritual war "against the world rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spirits of the wickedness of the Celestial Empire" (Eph. 6, 12).

Every Christian, according to the Apostle Paul, is a warrior of invisible battle who took the weapon of God to "stand against the machinations of the devils" (Eph. 6, 11). "The great weapon of Christ", "the mutual sword" and "the sign of courage" in this war is the Cross of Christ.

The canonical Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is depicted in the center on the front side of the cross-sword. On two sides of him stand the instruments of His passion: a cane with a sponge with vinegar and a spear with which the ribs of the Lord were pierced. Behind Christ, the Jerusalem Wall. It shows that the Lord was crucified outside the walls of the city and, at the same time, symbolizes the wall of Heavenly Jerusalem, the door to which opened for humanity through Golgotha.

Adam's skull under the Cross, traditionally depicted in the Crucifixion scene of Jesus Christ, recalls the legend that Adam's tomb was located on Calvary. The blood of Jesus Christ flowed onto the remains of the first man and washed away his original sin. 

On both sides of the Crucifixion there are icons of the Evangelists Matthew and Mark. 

On the back in the center is an icon of the Archangel Michael. The archangel Michael, that is, the leader of the Heavenly Host flanked by icons of Evangelists Luke and John

Above the head of the mighty Archangel is an icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands. It is revered as the main symbol of protection from dark forces for all Christians, so his image is well placed on crosses and military flags. According to Tradition, the Lord Jesus Christ himself miraculously captured it on a piece of canvas, wetting his face after washing.

Below Archangel Michael is written "Be still and know that I am God". A reminder that the spiritual warrior is one who seeks peace in his life is armed with love for his neighbor, faith in God and hope for His help.