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The Church's Symbols

The Church's Symbols. Catholic Media +2001+. Contents Page Introduction Some Ancient Symbols The Cross Other Symbols. The Church is rich with visual symbols. Many of her symbols are ancient . They come from a time when the Church was persecuted and often met in secret.

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The Church's Symbols

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  1. The Church's Symbols Catholic Media +2001+

  2. Contents Page Introduction Some Ancient Symbols The Cross Other Symbols

  3. The Church is rich with visual symbols. Many of her symbols are ancient. They come from a time when the Church was persecuted and often met in secret. A catacomb in Rome

  4. Symbols were used to express ideas about the Christian faith which written words sometimes fail to convey. We must remember that many Christians in the past could not read or write so visual symbols were very important to them. An ancient Celtic baptismal font.

  5. Some ancient symbols

  6. The Chi Rho symbol is one of the most ancient. It is a monogram of Christformed from the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P). These are the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ “XPICTOC" (pronounced Christos).

  7. Legend tells us that the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, used the Chi-Rho symbol on the shields of his soldiers. The symbol was also used on the coins of the early Christian Emperors. “In this sign conquer”

  8. The Greek word for “fish” is ICHTHUS Each letter in Greek stands for a word which together forms a sentence. This sign was used as a secret symbol by the early Christians in the days of persecution. ίχθυς

  9. Lets decode the symbol. Jesus Christ of God Son Saviour ίχθυς Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.

  10. The symbol of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was also very popularamongst early Christians. The lamb that Jesus carries around his shouldersrepresents the saved.

  11. The Good Shepherd symbol reassured persecuted Christians of God’s love for them and the promise of eternal life. Jesus proclaimed Himself the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep (John 10: 11 – 16

  12. The cross is a universal symbol of Christ and Christianity. It symbolises the suffering and death of Jesus. Crucifixion was still used in the Roman Empire up until the 4th Century. Early Christians were reluctant to adopt this symbol.

  13. The cross is still a very powerful symbol. Out of the rubble of the September 11th bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City there emerged a great steel cross. The cross is a symbol of suffering, mourning and loss. Yet it is also a symbol of hope and victory over death.

  14. There are many styles of cross in the Church. In this section we will look at the following: The Crucifix The Latin Cross The Celtic Cross The Orthodox Cross Cross of St Peter The St Andrew Cross The Crusader Cross

  15. The Crucifix The crucifix is a symbol of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. For our sins and the sins of all the world.

  16. The Latin Cross • This is most common of all crosses. It reminds us of two beliefs: • The supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus. • The resurrection and the hope of eternal life. (symbolized by the empty cross)

  17. The Celtic Cross or Iona Cross dates from the 6th Century. This cross was closely associated with the great British missionary, St. Colomba. The Celtic cross was used by the Celtic Christians in Great Britain and Ireland.

  18. The Orthodox Cross is closely associated with the Eastern Orthodox Churches. The upper bar represents the inscription "I.N.R.I“placed above Jesus' head by the Roman soldiers. The slanted bar symbolizes the foot rest of Christ but it may also symbolize St Andrew who was martyred in Greece and is one of the patron saints of Russia.

  19. Tradition tells us that St Peter was executed in Rome under the Emperor Nero. He requested that he be crucified upside down as he did not believe himself worthy to die as Jesus did.

  20. X The St. Andrew's Cross. Tradition tells us that the apostle Andrew chose to be crucified on a cross unlike that of his Lord.

  21. The Jerusalem or Crusader's Cross.This usually has four small crosses between the arms, the five crosses symbolizing the five wounds of our Lord.  This cross appeared in the heraldic designs of Godfrey de Bouillon the first crusader ruler of Jerusalem in the 11th Century.

  22. The Lamb of God or Agnus Dei Symbol. This represents the risen Christ who triumphs over death. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

  23. The Dove is a very common symbol of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel we read that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove when he was baptised in the River Jordan. Matthew 3:16

  24. Light symbolizes Christ present in the world. For this symbol candles are often used: On the Altar. To give emphasis to the Word of God. As a symbol in Baptism. In votive prayer. At Easter and at funerals to remind us of Jesus’ resurrection and his victory over death.

  25. Oil is a symbol of Jesus’ anointing and a symbol of healing. Traditionally olive oil is used. Chrism oil is blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass, usually held around Holy Thursday. The oils are used in the following sacraments. Baptism Confirmation Holy Orders Anointing of the Sick.

  26. The white garment or baptismal gown is a symbol of a new life in Christ. The child has become a new creation, clothed in Christ and the white garment is an outward sign of their Christian dignity.

  27. Symbols of the Holy Trinity Christians believe in One God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Many symbols are used to represent the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Visual symbols have been helpful to explain the idea of a coequal and coeternal God.

  28. Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This symbolizes the eternal nature of Jesus. Jesus is God, without beginning or end. We also see this symbol on the Easter or Paschal Candle. Rev. 1:8 Λ Ω

  29. I.H.S This symbol is commonly seen on the front of Altars. There are two explanations of its meaning. It could could stand for “Jesus the Saviour of Mankind” from the Latin “Iesus Hominum Salvator”. It could also stand for the first three letters of Jesus’ name written in Greek capital letters.

  30. I.N.R.I Pontius Pilate ordered the Roman soldiers to fix this sign at the top of Jesus’ cross. In Latin it reads: Iesus Jesus Nazarenus Of Nazareth Rex King Iudaeorum Of the Jews.

  31. The End

  32. Thank you for purchasing an authorized copy. You are more than welcome to use this presentation within your school but do not share it with other schools. All slides have been watermarked for identification. Please respect the hard work that has gone into making this by using only authorized copies. Kevin Havell. kevinhavell@xtra.co.nz

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