The shape of the cross



In Orthodoxy spread crosses with 6 and 8 ends. It is believed that the best protection from evil, and evil spirits provides the eight-pointed cross. His 8 tips reflect all periods of human history, the last of which is the Kingdom of heaven.

Such a cross has a small top bar symbolizes the sign, which is nailed in ancient times over the prisoners and explained their crimes. At the bottom of the eight-pointed cross is oblique crossbar. Its first value is the foot of the cross, and the second is unbalanced in this world of sins, pointing to the path of revival.

Six-pointed cross is also supplemented with a sloping crossbar, but in this case, the lower end is a symbol of unrepentant sin, upper — liberation through repentance.

At the same time, the Catholic cross has only 4 end. It looks more simple, and its lower part extended.

The position of the body of Christ



Catholic crucifix Jesus looks realistic: clearly that his body is experiencing severe suffering. Christ's hands SAG under the weight of the rest of the body and of the wounds oozing blood. This image seems plausible, but does not reflect the future occurrence of eternal life.

In the Orthodox crucifixion life triumphs over death. The image of the son of God filled with humility and joy of the resurrection. Jesus is depicted with open palms, which are directed to all of humanity. It looks not just as the crucified man, but as God.

The number of nails in the crucifixion



In Orthodoxy there are numerous shrines, among them, 4 nails, which, according to tradition, Jesus was nailed to a cross. This means that hands and feet nailed separately.

The Catholic Church has a different view: it holds 3 nail with which Christ was fixed on the crucifix. From this it is concluded that put together the legs were nailed with a single nail.

The inscription on the cross



Above the head of Jesus fixed plate. It should contain a description of the offense, however, the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate was unable to do so. In this regard, the plate was inscription: "Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews" in three languages: Greek, Latin and Aramaic.

The inscription the same, on the Catholic cross, it looks like "INRI" and the Orthodox "IHHI".