What is a Greek cross in architecture?

Greek-cross plan, church plan in the form of a Greek cross, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length. The Greek-cross plan was widely used in Byzantine architecture and in Western churches inspired by Byzantine examples. See church (architecture).

What is the meaning of the Greek cross?

The symbol is simply the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P) signifying the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ; "χριστός". This was among the very first signs adopted by early followers during a time where they were persecuted by the Romans.

What is the difference between a Latin cross plan and a Greek cross plan?

The term Greek cross designates a cross with arms of equal length, as in a plus sign, while the Latin cross designates a cross with an elongated descending arm.

What is a Latin cross plan?

A Latin cross plan is a floor plan found in many Christian churches and cathedrals. When looked at from above or in plan view it takes the shape of a Latin cross (crux immissa). Such cruciform churches were very common in the West during the Romanesque period.

Greek cross plan

What is a Byzantine cross?

Processional Cross ca.

Elaborately decorated crosses were widely used in religious, military, and imperial processions during the Middle Byzantine era. Often, as here, inscriptions in Greek identify the holy figures depicted in portrait busts. On the front of this cross, the central medallion contains a bust of Christ.

What is the difference between a Latin cross plan and a central plan church?

Latin Cross and Central Plan

The Latin cross design essentially adds two lateral extensions (called "transepts") to the original basilica layout, while the central plan design essentially compresses the basilica into a square (or other shape with rotational symmetry, e.g. octagon, circle, Greek cross).

What does IC and XC mean on a cross?

On icons, this Christogram may be split: "ΙϹ" on the left of the image and "ΧϹ" on the right. It is sometimes rendered as "ΙϹ ΧϹ ΝΙΚΑ" (Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς νικᾷ), meaning "Jesus Christ Conquers". "ΙϹΧϹ" may also be seen inscribed on the Ichthys.

Are Greek Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox the same?

Historically, the term "Greek Orthodox" has been used to describe all Eastern Orthodox churches, since the term "Greek" can refer to the heritage of the Byzantine Empire.

Is a Greek cross plan a central plan?

The Greek Cross plan had a square central mass and four arms of equal length. This plan was widely used in Byzantine architecture and in Western churches inspired by Byzantine examples. The Basilica of St. Mark is a triumph of late Byzantine architecture and the most famous example of the Greek Cross plan.

What does the cross symbolizes?

cross, the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians.

What is a Greek Orthodox cross?

For Greek Orthodox Christians, the sign of the cross is the ultimate expression of their faith. While making the sign of the cross, Orthodox Christians do so by touching their thumb, index, and middle fingers together, which represents the Holy Trinity.

Why are Orthodox crosses different?

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. The cross usually has three crossbeams, two horizontal and the third one is a bit slanted. The middle bar was where Christ's hands were nailed. The lower bar is the foot-rest.

What does a pediment look like?

Pediments are gables, usually of a triangular shape. They are found in ancient Greek architecture as early as 600 BC (e.g. the archaic Temple of Artemis). Variations of the pediment occur in later architectural styles such as Classical, Neoclassical and Baroque.

Which church employs the domed Greek cross plan?

Cross-domed church (e.g. Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki) Cross-in-square (e.g. the North Church of Lips Monastery in Constantinople) Domed octagon (e.g. Nea Mone in Chios)

Why do some crosses have two bars?

The main crossbar represents secular power while the second bar represents the ecclesiastical power of Byzantine emperors. The first bar represents the death of Jesus while the second cross bar represents his resurrection and victory.

Can a Catholic marry a Greek Orthodox?

Each will also need to obtain the permission of his or her local bishop (or his delegate) to marry the other, and the Catholic will need a special dispensation from the Catholic bishop if the wed- ding is to take place before an Orthodox priest.

Can Greek Orthodox be cremated?

"The cremation of foreigners or Greeks, whose religious convictions allow the cremation after death, is allowed," the new law said. According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it.

What does PX mean on a cross?

The Chi Rho (/ˈkaɪ ˈroʊ/; also known as chrismon) is one of the earliest forms of christogram, formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters—chi and rho (ΧΡ)—of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Christos) in such a way that the vertical stroke of the rho intersects the center of the chi.

What does JHS mean on a cross?

English: The JHS or IHS monogram of the name of Jesus (or traditional Christogram symbol of western Christianity), derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, Iota-Eta-Sigma (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ). Partly based on memories of church decorations.

What does XP mean in Greek?

XP in British English

noun. the Christian monogram made up of the Greek letters khi and rho, the first two letters of Khristos, the Greek form of Christ's name.

What is an apse in a church?

apse, in architecture, a semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir, chancel, or aisle of a secular or ecclesiastical building. First used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, the apse often functioned as an enlarged niche to hold the statue of a deity in a temple.

What is the central aisle in a basilica called?

In a basilican church (see basilica), which has side aisles, nave refers only to the central aisle. The nave is that part of a church set apart for the laity, as distinguished from the chancel, choir, and presbytery, which are reserved for the choir and clergy.

What is the top of a cathedral called?

A spire is a tall, slender, pointed structure on top of a roof or tower, especially at the summit of church steeples. A spire may have a square, circular, or polygonal plan, with a roughly conical or pyramidal shape.