The cross is the central symbol of the Orthodox faith, representing sacrificial love for God and the victory of good over evil, life over death. The cross is one of the most important attributes of church services.

The altar cross is placed on the altar table — hence the name. It is used to bless the faithful and is present in both daily prayers and celebrations. It is customary to kiss the cross after confession.

Another name for the altar cross is the Golgotha cross. This name originated in memory of Golgotha, the hill located near Jerusalem. It was there that the cross stood on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

The museum exhibit is an altar cross with a wooden base, its front side inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The central figure of the “Crucifixion of Christ” is Jesus Christ.

According to Greek Orthodox tradition, the hands and feet of the Savior are nailed to the cross with four nails, while in Roman Catholic icons, the feet are nailed with one nail. Above Jesus’ head is the figure of God the Father, seated in the clouds and blessing with both hands. God the Father, or Sabaoth, is depicted to the waist, surrounded by radiance, and a dove — the symbol of the Holy Spirit — hovering before Him. Sabaoth and the Holy Spirit symbolize the acceptance of Jesus Christ, who died for human sins, back into heaven. On both sides of the Savior, at the ends of the cross, are images of the Virgin Mary and John the Theologian standing by the crucifixion.

An obligatory image for crucifixions is the skull of Adam. It is placed at the feet of Christ, in an indented square symbolizing a cave. It is believed that the redemption of human sins occurred when the Savior’s blood washed over the skull and bones of the first man. According to the Gospel texts, Adam’s body was specifically buried at the site of Christ’s future execution. This indentation in the shape of a cave with Adam’s head served as a container intended for storing part of remains of a saint or another relic. The insert in the form of a pull-out shelf is movable.

The altar cross symbolizes the feat accomplished by the Son of God, His sacrifice for the salvation of humankind, and the forgiveness of their sins. St. Ephrem the Syrian stated: