The Symbolism of the Cross
This cross reflects ancient Christian symbolism rooted in the early Church and honored across Christian traditions. Every inscription and symbol tells the story of Christ’s sacrifice, victory, and redemption of humanity.
IC XC NIKA (or NHKA)
This inscription means:
“Jesus Christ Conquers.”
- IC and XC are abbreviations of Jesus Christ in Greek
- NIKA means conquers or is victorious
This proclaims Christ’s victory over sin, death, and evil through the Cross.
INBI (INRI)
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”
This was the title placed above Christ’s head at the Crucifixion.
In Christian tradition, it affirms that Christ is King not by force, but by self-giving love and sacrifice.
Ο ΩΝ (Ho ōn) — “The One Who Is”
This phrase means:
“The Being” or “He Who Is”
It refers to God’s name revealed to Moses in the burning bush:
“I AM WHO I AM.”
By placing Ο ΩΝ on the Cross, the Church proclaims that Jesus is fully God, eternal and uncreated.
The Cross and the Holy Trinity
At the top of the Cross is the inscription pointing to the Holy Spirit, completing the revelation of the Holy Trinity:
- God the Father
- God the Son
- God the Holy Spirit
The Cross is not defeat — it is divine glory.
The Instruments of the Passion
- The Spear — which pierced Christ’s side
- The Sponge — lifted to His lips
These remind us that Christ fully entered human suffering.
Golgotha — The Place of the Skull
At the base of the Cross is Golgotha, traditionally believed to be the burial place of Adam’s skull.
This shows that:
- Where death began through Adam
- Life is restored through Christ
Golgotha — “The Place of the Skull,” where Christ was crucified.
The skull — Adam, symbolizing all humanity redeemed by the Cross.
ΡΒ (RB) — “Place of the Skull.”
ΓΓ (GG) — Golgotha.
- KT NA — Victory at the Place of the Skull
- KT — Place of the Skull | NA — Conquers
- KT NA — Death conquered by Christ
The spear & sponge — The instruments of Christ’s suffering.
The Cross stands directly over Adam’s skull, teaching that Christ redeems all humanity.
“The place of the skull became Paradise.”
Overall Meaning The Cross teaches us that:
- Death is conquered
- Humanity is restored
- Suffering is transformed into salvation
- Love triumphs over all
The Cross is not an end — it is the gateway to Resurrection.
Skull - symbolizes all humanity and reminds us that through the Cross,
death is overcome by life and redemption is offered to all.
