Why not carry the cross and icon on the same chain

Modern Orthodoxy forbids it to carry the cross and icon at the same time. The cross is the distinctive mark of a believer, one of the main symbols of the Orthodox Church, so it must be worn at all times and is not recommended to remove. Icons in the Orthodox tradition act as a secondary guardian for a person. The icon of the desired, above all, in order for the right minutes people could go to the Holy icon and to ask for his goodness and forgiveness.

Crucifix

Pectoral cross, it is recommended to wear each of the baptised. The cross is a way of fighting against evil, and protection talisman that has the ability to heal, however, this interpretation of the symbol is arbitrary, because the priority is not considered the role of talisman (which, incidentally, is not peculiar to Christianity). The cross for the Christian is the memory of the Savior and his suffering. Presentation about the charms is the remnants of paganism, which is akin to idoloclast.

By the way, you rarely see conservatives with a pectoral cross and certainly not to meet the old believers icon neck, and the thing that they are according to the canons of the old world view believe that such signs are not more than a violation of said "don't do images ...you shall not bow down or serve them". The Church still ambiguously applies to the icons, the supporters of "pure religion," including Catholics, quite logically argue that any kind of icons, images, and even relics, which become the object of worship, is not in favor of the word of God. However, there is an understanding of religion as a mass phenomenon, where exceptions are possible, some concessions to tradition (for example, recognizes the Church, the celebration is purely pagan carnival.

On the basis of religion, "mass", x designed for permanent wear, whereas an icon can and should be removed to appeal to the Saint, to pray to the Holy image depicted in it.

Icons

By the way, body the wearing of the icons according to the Orthodox canons, are not welcome at all. Icons designed for heartfelt conversations with God and the Saints, bring them to appropriate, and therefore placement on the chain is a kind of indulgence, because in the pocket scapular thrill may be lost.

Also, one of the reasons for the prohibition of the simultaneous fit of the cross and icons is the fact that the icon can cover the crucifix and it is categorically not acceptable in the Orthodox tradition. One can often hear statements that the Church believes that the simultaneous wearing of these symbols is seen as disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In addition, the Orthodox tradition adheres to the principle of moderation. Based on this, a true believer must in all know the measure, including the rules of wearing Holy signs of faith. The Orthodox Church does not welcome those believers who hung with many sacred symbols. This style will show a tendency to all sorts of excesses and ostentatious lifestyle, and not the true faith and worship of God. Much nicer and more modest will look one pectoral cross, rather than a string of other symbols of faith.